Project Number: 6402-31000-007-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 01, 2002
End Date: Mar 31, 2007

Objective:
Broad objectives of this cooperative research project are to conduct aquaculture research addressing problems limiting the production of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Specific objectives are to evaluate a management plan for reducing the environmental impacts of catfish farming; evaluate systems for improving effluent quality when catfish ponds are drained; evaluate watershed hydrology and effluent volume and quality for a drainage basin entirely developed into catfish ponds; evaluate a partitioned pond system for producing catfish; evaluate nursery pond fertilization regimes; evaluate the impacts of fish disease therapeutants on zooplankton populations; determine nutritional value of zooplankton from different ponds over time; and determine the contribution of zooplankton to catfish fry immunity, growth and survival.

Approach:
All research under this agreement will address practical, production-oriented problems facing the farm-raised catfish industry in the southeastern United States. Research projects will generally be conducted in the field using the pond research facilities at the National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, Mississippi. Laboratory studies to support the field data will also be conducted when appropriate. Research will address problems in the following broad subject areas: pond production systems (stocking density, harvesting schedules, harvesting procedures, etc.); water quality management (aeration, water circulation, alternative production systems, etc.); nursery pond management (fertilization practices, fish foraging studies, etc.); and management of environmental impacts of aquaculture.

Project Team

Wolters, William

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Aquaculture (106)

Related Projects

Improve Production Efficiency in Aquaculture    Catfish Health Resesarch