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Description:

We propose to utilize currently available protocols for larval rearing and explore starter diets formulated with new ingredients (variable molecular weight fish protein hydrolyzates), enzyme supplements (yeast expressing fish trypsin) and attractants (inosine monophosphate). Read more about Formulation and Assessment of a New Generation of Starter Diets for Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch Larvae

Description

The U.S. catfish industry encountered a similar need to be efficient and competitive and developed intensive aeration and split pond designs to increase production levels and ultimately bottom lines. Similar strategies may be applicable to NCR pond production but need to undergo “Proof-of-concept” on-farm trials prior to dissemination to the yellow perch industry and other NCR industries.

Chaired by Matthew A. Smith Read more about Evaluation of Alternative Management Techniques and Systems to Improve Production of Pond-Reared Yellow Perch: Modeling the U.S. Catfish Industry

Description

The overall goal of the project is increased consumer awareness of and demand for the locally grown, healthy protein that aquaculture provides resulting in a more resilient, profitable aquaculture industry.

Chaired by Tomas O. Hook Read more about A NCRAC-Sea Grant Partnership for Regional Aquaculture Extension Focused on Marketing and Consumer Demand

Description

The general focus of this project will be to collaborate with the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center’s (NCRAC’s) Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to develop a sustainable program that will be beneficial for established farmers throughout the Midwest; which will hopefully increase productivity and decrease costs.

Chaired by Matthew A. Smith Read more about Supporting and Expanding Aquaculture in the Midwest through Extension and Outreach

Description

We propose to optimize and combine two technologies (e.g., sex reversal and triploidy) to produce walleye Sander vitreus with superior production traits. We will produce gynogenetic masculinized walleye and cross these individuals with walleye females. Resulting zygotes will then be subjected to pressure shock, producing triploid (sterile) all-female offspring. Read more about Genetically Improved All-Female Walleye (Sander vitreus) For Intensive Aquaculture Production In The Great Lakes Region

Description

We hypothesize that optimization of dietary carbohydrate used in fish feed will help to increase fish health and growth performance as well as reduce feed cost for yellow perch. Specifically, we will investigate how different carbohydrates influence 1) growth performance and nutrient utilization in laboratory and farm conditions; 2) fish tolerance in response to acute temperature shocks or hypoxia challenge; and 3) bacterial community composition and active community fraction in the host gut across diet regimes. Read more about Optimization of Practical Feed Formulation to Improve Fish Health and Production of Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens) Project

Description

This project proposes a survey within the North Central Region (NCR) to identify marketing channels’ choices of seafood according to their constraints and demand perception. Assuming that marketing channels define the pool of options from which consumers choose seafood species and product form, this survey will be designed to identify their preferences and willingness to pay for farm-raised seafood, by species, quantity required, quality perception and preferred form of product. Read more about Choice of Seafood: An Analysis of the North Central Region Market for Farm Raised Seafood Project

Description

Given the NCRAC goal of “establishing strong and vibrant state aquaculture associations,” it is essential to first have a thorough understanding of 1) why some aquaculture producers choose to join associations and others do not; 2) how producers value the various types of activities undertaken by state associations; 3) what types of services or programs would attract membership; and 4) what barriers and challenges exist to organizing and sustaining state aquaculture associations. Read more about Funded Project #26 - Assessing the Status of Aquaculture Associations in the NCR

Description

This project will design and implement a leadership development and training program. The immediate impact will be on the individual participants who will learn to prioritize projects and engage members in the association in efforts to solve industry issues

Chaired by Carole Engle Read more about Professional Development Training in the North Central Region

Description

We propose to conduct comprehensive environmental and energy audits of five representative facilities during winter and summer, develop solutions to observed problems, and to disseminate findings and recommendations via publications and presentations to producers, consultants, extension personnel, and other stakeholders.

Chaired by Albert J. Heber Read more about Field Assessment of Design and Operation of Midwestern Aquaculture Buildings

Description

We propose to use metagenomic DNA sequencing techniques to characterize populations of microbes in aquaponics systems in the Midwest. Read more about Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Populations in Aquaponics Systems