The Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (TAL) is a research and extension facility operated by the University of Florida. The TAL, located in Ruskin Florida, was founded in 1996 to better serve the stakeholders of the ornamental aquaculture industry. This initial venture was made possible through collaboration with the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Early programming focused primarily on fish health and applied aquaculture production. Since that time the TAL has expanded its research and extension programming to include reproduction, aquatic ecology, physiology, non-native species ecology and management, youth education, and restoration aquaculture. A full scale diagnostic laboratory is also located on site, catering to a wide variety of aquatic animal health issues. Partenerships have also grown to include Hillsborough Community College, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, who has stationed the Senior Staff Veterinarian in Aquaculture Health at the TAL.
The TAL has always been committed to a mission of serving Florida’s aquaculture industry by solving problems and creating opportunities. Over 20 UF faculty, staff, and students now operate out of the TAL. Moving forward the TAL has established a strategic plan to once again broaden its programs to include new commodities and clientele and improve its resources and capacity as it continues to support the broad diversity of aquaculture in Florida.