USDA NIFA SOUTHERN REGIONAL AQUACULTURE CENTER: PRODUCER INVOLVEMENT, IMPACT PROJECTS, AND HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED

The USDA NIFA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (SRAC) represents the southern region of the U.S. and is comprised of thirteen states and two territories. Mississippi State is the host institution and is housed at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center in Stoneville, Mississippi. Each year, SRAC sub-contracts with research and Extension teams to address priority aquaculture problems across the region. Although the work is being done by state institutions, the funding and direction is being provided by SRAC.

SRAC is made up of a Board of Directors, a Technical Committee (TC), and an Industry Advisory Council (IAC). The IAC is made up of one member from each of the 13 states and 2 territories and 6 at-large members nominated by the states. Each year, project ideas are solicited from the TC and the IAC. At our annual meeting, the IAC narrows the list to 7-10 projects. Then the IAC and TC come together and discuss the merits, limitations, and any previous work done in this areas. Then the Director and the TC meet and assign funding level and amount of time it would take to get the work done for these 7-10 projects. Once the IAC has this information they vote to prioritize the projects for development. It should be noted that only the IAC (all producers) have a vote in picking which projects are funded.

Most of the projects funded by SRAC have had significant impacts on the species and production systems in the region. Three recent projects have had a significant economic impact to the catfish industry. The Split-Pond Aquaculture Systems project and the Intensive, Pond-Based Culture Systems project ran from 2012 to 2017. These systems now account for over 15% of catfish acreage. As of 2017, these systems have generated an additional $168 million in catfish sales above traditional ponds. (This from a SRAC investment of $757,000 investment.) There have been three hybrid catfish fry production studies beginning in 2004. Today, hybrid catfish account for 70% of production with over 275 million fry produced in 2018. It is estimated that the premium price paid for hybrid fingerlings has resulted in an additional $118 million in increased sales for hybrid fingerling producers. This does not count the improved production in growout systems. (This from a SRAC investment of $1.4 million.)

Researchers who would like to become involved in SRAC-funded projects need to respond to the annual Request for Proposals (RFPs). These RFPs are sent to research and Extension administrators at the 1862 and 1890 land grant institutions as well as non-land grant institutions with aquaculture scientists. The RFPs are also posted on the SRAC website (http://srac.msstate.edu/) during the period of time the call is open. Southern region producers wishing to serve on the IAC should contact the Extension Aquaculture Specialists in their state.