World Aquaculture 7 I also want to acknowledge contributions of the other members of the magazine team – Mary Nickum and Amy Broussard. I am grateful that they will continue with me, at least for the foreseeable future. In conclusion, if there is a specific concern that you have about the magazine, please feel free to contact me directly so that we can evaluate the need to change. The magazine will continue to evolve and your voluntary contributions are essential to its success. I look forward to taking this journey together. — John Hargreaves Incoming Editor-in-Chief of WAM (Continued from page 4) Taking the Helm USAS President’s column By the time this column is printed, we will be close to the end of another exciting year in US aquaculture; one in which I have had the tremendous honor and privilege to serve as president of the United States Aquaculture Society, a chapter of the World Aquaculture Society. I wish to make note of some very interesting trends and mention a few ongoing initiatives affecting our society, members, and industry as a whole. As has been the trend for several years now, general funding and support of aquaculture research, extension and education have been strained via ongoing global economic challenges. In the US these economic issues have reduced aquaculture research and funding opportunities, resulting in ever-greater research and funding applications to ever-shrinking funding opportunities and budgets. However, from this adversity has arisen the opportunity to maintain and advance aquaculture through integration, collaboration and leveraging of resources from a broad slate of stakeholders to maintain the advancement of our industry and professions. These collaborations have included private, public and government agencies, and ranged the broad spectrum of our field. A direct result of these new types of collaborations has been what I have observed as an increased trend toward applied research more closely oriented to industrially identified issues. These types of collaborations are bringing together multiple stakeholders’ knowledge, infrastructure and funding resources, allowing not only for the continued advancement and development of our industry, but also I believe, in a more productive and applied fashion. I envision this trend to continue into 2012, and believe this trend is indeed accelerating the potential and capacity of the US, aquaculture industry. One new project is to help identify current and emerging issues and trends within aquaculture academia in the US. The Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society, the National Shellfisheries Association and the United States Aquaculture Society, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at Virginia Tech developed an online questionnaire to collect data and information for a cooperative project titled: “A National Assessment of Aquaculture Education Programs at Postsecondary Institutions in the United States.” This assessment is designed to identify trends and issues with regard to aquaculture education directions, funding, and institutional support in the US. As you read this article, the survey will have already been completed, we will be analyzing the data and the results will be presented by Dr. Gary Jensen at the upcoming Aquaculture America Meeting in Las Vegas in 2012. I would also like to highlight the excellent program being put together by the Steering and Program Committees for Aquaculture America, 2012 which will be held in the ever-popular Las Vegas, February 29 – March 2, 2012. The program is rapidly expanding, with an excellent trade show assembling as well. Be sure to register for this early, reserve your hotels and plan for an enjoyable and informative week. Also note during registration the Professional Development/Continuing Education Workshop, to be held on Tuesday, February 28 prior to AA 2012. This continuing education workshop is titled: “The Next Generation of Statistics in Aquaculture – Mixed Models and Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM): A workshop using SAS® PROC GLIMMIX with real data examples. This is an excellent continuing education opportunity instructed by Dr. Walter Stroup from the Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska in Lincoln.” This workshop will serve as an introduction to mixed models, focusing on their application in aquaculture. Topics for discussion in the workshop will be: Review and definition of fixed, random and mixed models; how mixed model analysis builds upon and how it differs from previous generations of statistical analysis (why do mixed models matter?); statistical models for common applications including split-plot experiments and designs with repeated measures; how statistical analysis differs for normal and non-normal distribution of responses; and mixed model concepts of power, precision, and sample size essential for planning experiments. In closing, best wishes for your happy holidays, and a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year to each and every one of you. With kindest regards, Michael. — Michael Schwarz USAS President
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjExNDY=