Aquaculture 2022

February 28 - March 4, 2022

San Diego, California

BUILDING CAPACITY OF ATLANTIC SALMON RAS PRODUCTION IN THE U.S. – FROM RAS-N TO SAS2

 

Yonathan Zohar*

Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD, USA

zohar@umbc.edu



Fueled by the growing investment in land-based RAS production of Atlantic salmon in the US, the f ederal government increased its support towards enabling public-private partnerships and ensuring success of this industry. In 2019, an initial award was made by NOAA/National Sea Grant for a collaborative program,  the Recirculating Atlantic Salmon Network (RAS-N), a stakeholder- driven consortium consisting  of several academic research institutions and indust ry partners. The main goal of RAS-N  was to identify gaps in knowledge and impediments to the development of the industry, prioritize  R&D needs and engage in extension, education, training and workforce development that will enable  the  success, stability and growth of the industry. RAS-N is generating a R oad Map/Strategic Plan, which will help policymakers, federal and state agencies and industry identify and responsibly allocate resources to promote an economically feasible and environmentally sustainable land-based Atlantic salmon industry in the US.  Based on progress made in the  NOAA-funded program, a broader consortium wa s established and  recently funded by USDA-AFRI to implement the RAS-N findings and recomme ndations. This program, Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS2), is a multidisciplinary, synergistic “hand-on” national partnership in which leading aquaculture scientists, in collaboration with major US  producers, carry out research focusing on industry-identified impediments to the expansion of the salmon RAS industry, including  developing  domestic broodstock and egg production, reducing early maturation, improving ecologically-responsible, RAS-specific feeds, understanding and mitigating off-flavor, increasing water re-use, treating and minimizing waste, and conducting economic analyses.  Consortium-funded educators  are developing RAS-related STEM curricula and modules at multiple education levels and  have focused their efforts on the urgent need to foster a trained and skilled workforce for the  rapidly  growing industry. Aquaculture extension agents  are working with industry to increase public awareness of this new form of farming, engage with local communities, enable efficient technology transfer from academia to industry and ensure fish health and seafood safety. SAS 2 is, therefore , expected to improve sustainable US aquaculture and food systems and enhance life for fish farmers and society.