Author Archives: jonathanmackay

Soy Aquaculture Alliance: Request for Proposals – Deadline August 31st 2015

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logoThe goal of Soy Aquaculture Alliance is to increase demand for US soybeans as a preferred ingredient in aquaculture feed through increasing the supply and consumption of domestically grown seafood. Advancing fundamental understanding of nutrition for aquatic species through research will help attain SAA goals.

Program Area Priorities

The call for proposals is divided into two soy product areas, soy protein and soy oil, and is intended to address areas of opportunity to increase the use of soy products in aquaculture diets.

Awards will be made to address these priorities:

  1. GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF AQUATIC SPECIES
  2. ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES TO ADVANCE US DOMESTIC AQUACULTURE

Soy Aquaculture Alliance Call for Research Proposals – FY16

Attention Aquaculturists: USDA Grant Opportunity

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USDA-NIFA-Foundational-GrantsThe US Dept. of Agriculture announces this year’s RFA (Request For Applications) for the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program’s Phase I grants. With $9 million in funding, individual businesses may be awarded up to $100,000 for a project to prove concept or feasibility. After which a larger Phase II round of funding may be sought for further development. This year’s aquaculture topic focuses on developing new technologies necessary for the expansion of the aquaculture industry, with the following subtopics:

  • Reproductive Efficiency
  • Genetic Improvement
  • Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management
  • Improved Production Systems and Management Strategies
  • Plant Production Systems

Applications are due by October 8, 2015.

Visit the USDA for more information

PBS: Aquaponic farming saves water, but can it feed the country?

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PBS Aquaponics

Aquaponics, a system of farming that uses no soil, also uses far less water than traditional agriculture. But while the technique is gaining attention, it remains a very niche way to grow produce due to economic limitations. Special correspondent Cat Wise reports from Half Moon Bay, California.

-PBS

What is Aquaponics?

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Interest is growing for aquaponics—the combination of aquaculture (farming aquatic species) and hydroponics (soil-less plant culture). This interest comes from a diverse group including backyard hobbyists, non-profits, and commercial ventures. And it’s easy to understand the allure. Aquaponics produces sustainable, locally grown fresh produce, using recirculated water, and combines knowledge from various disciplines including animal husbandry, plant ecology, pest management, and engineering, to name a few. There are also a variety of opportunities for aquaponics as a teaching tool for students, entrepreneurs, and veterans. Particularly in California, aquaponics represents a drought-smart method of food production, where water use can be as little as 10 percent of conventionally-irrigated terrestrial crops.

Combining aquaculture (farming aquatic species) and hydroponics (soil-less plant culture). With an input of fish feed, nitrogen-rich fish wastes are converted by bacteria into nutrients for growing plants that in turn biologically filter the water.

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Sturgeon Aquaculture Tour

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Sterling Caviar recently hosted a tour of their sturgeon farm and caviar processing facility in Elverta, California for an audience of state legislative and agency officials, accompanied by post-graduate Fellows from the California Sea Grant Program. Organized by the Office of the State Aquaculture Coordinator and the California Aquaculture Association, participants learned about this local success story and the long-term commitment required of farm-raising caviar, which takes an average of 10 years to yield its crop.

Dr. Sergei Doroshov and colleagues with a white sturgeon (1979).
Bobby Renschler speaks to group touring facility.
White Sturgeon in large tanks.
Workers carefully extract sturgeon eggs to create caviar.
Bobby Renschler describes the traditional Italian caviar tins that have not been surpassed by modern alternatives.
Shaoching Bishop with a tin of caviar.
Just a small taste.

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Aquarium of the Pacific educates public on aquaculture with NOAA’s Science on a Sphere®

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NOAA SOS - Aquaculture

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s exhibit, a partnership with NOAA’s Science on a Sphere, highlights the importance and opportunity for the United States to expand an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible aquaculture industry. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific and NOAA Fisheries for more information.