February 11, 2020
USTFA Trout Forum at Aquaculture America, Honolulu Hawaii
Editors Note: The annual USTFA Trout Forum is in conjunction with Aquaculture America and an opportunity to highlight trout research, new trends and important news. We are thankful these speakers took time to present their information.
Jim Bowker, Riverence
17 Alpha-methyltestosterone for Trout, Tales from the Drug Approval Journey.
Jim’s talk was on the process to get a drug approved for use, in this case to achieve males in tilapia and rainbow trout. Through many trials the drug must be considered safe for humans to use and safe as it is discharged into the environment. They must determine a drug overdose level so proper dosages can be established. The process is guided by the Minor Use and Minor Species or MUMS program of the FDA. Investigational New Animal Drugs (INADs) are available through the National INAD Program (NIP) and can be used if study parameters are met, and work is being done to reach full drug approval. For more information contact Jim Bowker at jim3180bowker@gmail.com
Greg Fisher, UW-Stevens Point
Current Status and Research of Salmonid RAS Aquaculture in the U S
Greg is Assistant Director at the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (NADF) and has worked on many Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) projects over the years and has been working on cold water salmonid RAS research. He spoke of the need for 147 metric tons of salmon by 2050. He talked about a new facility in Wisconsin called Superior Fresh that is the largest aquaponic facility in the US raising salmon. They have zero discharge to surface water and employee 80 people. There is a new group formed called the Recirculating Aquaculture Salmon Network (RAS-N) For more information contact Greg Fischer at gfischer@uwsp.edu
Kathleen Hartman, USDA -APHIS
Managing Risks on the Farm
Kathleen’s talk was about putting risk into manageable categories. Identification and then characterization of the risk. You need to determine the pathogen of concern and then prioritize it (what is the biggest problem). Under risk mitigation – what can you accept or avoid and what can you manage? Biosecurity is the mitigation of risks – plans, what procedure do you have in place? Justify each practice. Identify where the risk comes from – animals, water, feed, vectors or formites. Take the Commercial Aquaculture Health Program Standards. For more information contact Kathleen at Kathleen.h.Hartman@aphis.usda.gov
Paul Zajicek, NAA
Grassroots Advocacy Moves the Needle for Aquaculture
Aquaculture is made up of 3,000 farms, aquaculture suppliers, 112 land grant universities, 33 Sea Grant institutions, teams, partnerships, and coalitions. NAA has taken the tactics with the Board and Friends to comment on all rules effecting US aquaculture. Teams pay attention to agency appointments, look at key committees and do the Walk on the Hill each year. They comment on proposed and final rules, reach out to media and neighbors and let members know what is going on. What works is having constituent input and representation on issues. For more information contact Paul at paul@thenaa.net.
Jesse Trushenski, Riverence
Raising Fish with Care: The Fundamentals of Animal Welfare in Aquaculture
Man is the only ethical species. General principals of welfare: breeding, safety, space, socialization, environment, nutrition, health, pain, handling, and experience. There is no consensus as to whether fish feel pain. Aversion vs pain. Take a pragmatic approach. Three sides of a triangle – functional based, feelings based, nature based. Be aware of staff, conditions, system, fish, expectations, oversight, harvest, wise use. Have a good reason for what you are doing. For more information contact Jesse at jesse.trushenski@gmail.com
The USTFA Members and Business Meeting followed these presentations
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Douglas Drennan II Industry Leadership Award – Presented to Bob Robinson 2020
Douglas Drennan Award: Bob Robinson Like Douglas Drennan, this award recognizes those individuals who continually contribute professionally to the aquaculture industry through technology, innovation and demonstrates personally through actions the commitment to aquaculture. Bob Robinson is an astute businessman, yet he is eager to assist professionals and students alike with his vast knowledge and generous spirit, whether Kasco Marine aerators are used or not. He has even freed a few whales along the way. Bob said, “. I will continue to push for domestic aquaculture growth because it is simply the best way to feed the world as well as a healthy choice which will reduce the trade deficit. Eat US Farmed raised aquaculture products. NOW MORE THAN EVER!”
Distinguished Service Award – Presented to Gary Fornshell 2020
Distinguished Service Award: Gary Fornshell Gary Fornshell was instrumental in collecting and disseminating scientific data later used to head off unfounded regulatory actions that would have had severe impacts on small trout farmers. Always grounded in sound science, common sense, and commercial farm realities, he is not afraid to raise critical and often difficult issues affecting small and large farms alike. His expertise within extension is exemplified by his leadership skills and gentle way with people. As said by many, the recent retirement Continued on page 10 of Gary Fornshell will leave very large shoes to fill. Editors Note: Gary started his aquaculture career in the Peace Corps in Zaire., went on to get a Master’s Degree in Aquaculture at Auburn in 1986 and has worked for University of Idaho since 1992. He said his greatest achievement has been developing the personal relationships with industry people.