COLLABORATION BETWEEN EXTENSION AND INDUSTRY: COORDINATION AND ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIA TO CONTROL HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN AQUACULTURE PONDS

Many times researchers and Extension personnel deal with projects that are difficult to determine how to solve a problem. Collaboration between industry partners, researchers, and Extension personnel can help solve these problems. In Arkansas, an example of this principle is the disappearance of Golden Shiner Notemingus crysolucus. Fish farmers reported losses ranging from 20-80% annually.  Interviews with the producers determined that losses were not from theft, low dissolved oxygen, depredation or disease.  Most farmers did not observe dead fish in the pond, but rather noticed losses when harvesting.  Based on this information, an approach was designed to determine the cause and then provide a solution.  This approach included research projects targeting water quality parameters and collaborative research projects with industry partners. These studies included laboratory toxicity studies, bacterial application rates, and water quality testing.  Results have been disseminated to stakeholders through a number of different venues and are still on-going.