ESTABLISHING SEEDSTOCKS FOR THE U.S. MARINE FINFISH INDUSTRY

The U.S. has tremendous capacity for meeting the domestic demand for seafood by expanding aquaculture in federal waters and land-based recirculating systems. As the largest importer of seafood products, expanding domestic production will reduce our reliance on imports and the trade deficit. This project will support the U.S. aquaculture industry by developing technologies that will ensure a steady supply of warm water marine fish seedstocks that are optimized for commercial production. 1. Develop year-round spawning strategies for captive broodstock and larviculture methods for seed production of marine finfish. 2. Develop methods for genetic improvement of warm water marine finfish for optimum production efficiency.