September 14, 2010

US aquaculture research laboratory receives US$2-million grant

The US Commerce Department has provided the Mote Marine Laboratory with a US$2-million grant, to construct a new facility at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota, Florida, allowing further research on farmed fish.

Mote said that construction of the new research building will begin within the next six months. The facility is set to further their development of new, cost-effective systems to grow marine and freshwater fish whilst using environmentally-sound practices.

However, the CEO of Mote, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, believes that further investments need to be made in the aquaculture industry, as it would help the US to enhance its seafood exports, according to reports.

The aquaculture industry currently generates US$70 billion each year, however, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US aquaculture sector has the potential to triple in size by the year 2025.

Mote Marine Laboratory currently produces and sells snook, sturgeon, red fish, pompano and caviar, harvesting a total of 120 tonnes of sturgeon for meat and caviar production.

Their scientific research includes studies on fisheries restocking programmes and aquaculture research and development.