Objectives

The objectives for this fourth phase of the Aquaculture Food and Marketing Development Project include a continuation of some activities initiated with FY 1998, FY 1999, and FY 2000. The major new initiatives of phase IV are the use of impaired water for trout production, and the use of hybrid bluegill as an alternative species for fee fishing businesses.

The objectives of the FY 2001 funding are:

1. Impaired Water. Evaluate production of rainbow trout in a modular raceway system using water from an acid mine drainage treatment plant. Examine trout fillet quality and determine if the fish accumulate metals in excess of recommended amounts.

2. Hybrid Bluegill as an alternative species for fee fishing businesses. Demonstrate production methods; collect production, economic, and nutritional data required for growers in this region to assess profitability; and use the fish produced to determine a pricing structure and format acceptable to fee fishing businesses.

3. Trout health survey . Conduct a health survey at working trout hatcheries, provide consultation regarding fish health management, and assist with disease free certification so West Virginia producers can market trout in adjacent states.

4. Technology Transfer. Disseminate information to the aquaculture industry in Appalachia, to state agencies with aquaculture-related responsibilities, and to the general public.

Progress Report

FY 1998. (Phase I)

Objective 1. Develop marketing strategies for aquaculture (primarily trout) producers and processors.

Market study 1 – Fee Fishing

Data from the fee fishing market have been collected and are being analyzed. On-site fee fisherman (personal interviews), in-state recreational fishermen (mail survey), out-of-state recreational fishermen (mail survey) and fee fishing operators in West Virginia (personal interviews) were surveyed. The response was excellent and there is great interest in this initiative by all markets surveyed. The results should lead to the following outcomes: 1. a marketing strategy for fee fishing business’, 2. a marketing strategy for those interested in getting into the fee fishing business, and 3. a strategy for the state of West Virginia policy makers.

A model for operating a successful fee fishing enterprise in West Virginia is under development. This effort received funding from the Benedum Foundation, and the results will be a “how to model” for starting and operating a recreational fee fishing operation in WV. This model will be disseminated through the WVU Extension Service.

Market study 2 – Processed food fish market

Data are being collected for production/food processing reseller market. It has been requested that we expand this data collection effort and the marketing plan to include arctic charr. The results should lead to the following outcomes: 1. a marketing plan for existing fish producers who sell to the food market and 2. a marketing strategy for those interested in supplying fish to Appalachian processing businesses.

Objective 2. Examine the economic and financial feasibility of alternative aquaculture species focusing on hill land.

Task 1 - Farm level production costs, management practices, and marketing arrangements.

Development of farm-level trout enterprise budgets has been completed, that shows the costs for raceway systems producing 20,000; 50,000; and 100,000 lbs./yr. to be $0.98; $0.93; and $0.90/lb, respectively. These costs allow a reasonable profit level if the present market prices remain in the range of $1.15 - $1.30/lb.

Task 2 – Financial viability of a range of aquaculture enterprises including the effects of incorporating aquaculture as a diversification strategy for traditional agricultural firms.

Data on aquaculture production and processing in WV and surrounding states have been compiled using a combination of mail surveys, site visits, and published sources. These data will be analyzed and the analysis will be reported in the next phase of this project.

Task 3. – Assess the economic and organizational feasibility of operating an aquaculture processing and marketing cooperative for small and medium sized aquaculture producers.

A feasibility analysis for the two major aquaculture processors in WV has been completed, and the results documented.

Objective 3. Determine the effect of water quality and stress on the consistency and quality of fresh trout fillets and value-added smoked trout products.

Task 1 - Determine the influence of managing, harvesting, handling and processing practices on the yield and quality of fresh trout fillets.

Stress and Fillet Quality.

The project goal is to increase production of high quality rainbow trout in West Virginia. Elevated, dissolved carbon dioxide level is a primary water quality limitation among current aquaculturists throughout the state. Excessive carbon dioxide can interfere with metabolic (suppressed growth), osmotic (pH and ion imbalance), and respiratory (gas exchange) functions of fish. Studies were developed from common farm conditions and practices to simulate the grow-out, handling, and harvesting methods of farm-raised rainbow trout. Three levels of CO₂ (<25 mg/L, 35±5 mg/L, and 45 mg/L) were examined in five tanks of fish each. These fish were sampled initially, and at 28, 56, and 84 days. Physiological stress responses (blood hematocrit and plasma glucose, cortisol, and chloride), whole fish and fillet weights, initial and ultimate pH, smokehouse yields, fillet shear, expressible moisture, and water-phase salt, and proximate composition were determined.

Total mean growth (average weight gain over 3 months) of fish exposed to high carbon dioxide levels (45±5 mg/L) was significantly less (P< 0.001) than fish exposed to either intermediate (35±5) or low (<25) levels. Thus, at the conclusion of the study, fish grown in higher carbon dioxide levels weighed significantly less. Chloride concentrations of fish were lower (P < 0.01) in the high CO₂ treatment groups compared to fish in the intermediate or low treatment groups. This observation indicates a decreased ability of fish to maintain optimal blood chloride concentrations at higher CO₂ levels. As CO₂ increased, fillet weights decreased and shear force increased. Ultimate pH was not affected by CO₂level; however, it decreased with increased time of the study. Water retention by the fillets, water-phase salt, cooked moisture, and fat content were not affected by CO₂ level. Smokehouse yield and fat content increased and shear force decreased with increased time on the study. These latter effects are likely associated with an increase in fillet size.

Cryoprotection of Trout Fillets.

Deterioration of food quality results from frozen storage, and fish muscle is particularly susceptible to this deterioration. Little information exists for cryopreservation of intact fillets; whereas, considerable work has been done with the minced fish product, Surimi. Sodium lactate and sucrose/sorbitol, alone or with food-grade phosphates or MgCl₂, were evaluated for their ability to preserve fillet quality during frozen storage for 90 days at -20 °C. Fillets were soaked in cryoprotectant solutions for 90 min. Water was used as a control for the cryoprotectant soaks. Smoked fillets and trout mince were prepared, and muscle color, raw and cooked pH, brine uptake, cook yield, shear force, total salt content, water-phase salt content, and proximate composition were measured. Gel hardness and cohesiveness were determined on the fish mince.

Prior to freezing, lightness and redness of treated fillets prior to brining and smoking were lower than untreated fillets (P<0.05). Following frozen storage, sucrose/sorbitol and sodium lactate increased (P<0.05) gel hardness and cohesiveness, cook yield, pH and fat content of smoked products compared to an opposite effect for water. A greater increase in cook yield and cooked moisture content was observed for sucrose/sorbitol than for sodium lactate (P<0.05). Phosphates increased (P<0.05) pH of fillets after soaking that in turn decreased lightness (P<0.10) and increased yellowness and cooked pH (P<0.10) of the fillets. Magnesium chloride enhanced (P<0.05) the increase in cooked pH caused by frozen storage. Frozen storage increased (P<0.05) total salt content, water-phase salt content, raw and cooked ash, and decreased (P<0.05) brine uptake and fillet shear force. In summary, cryoprotectant minimized the negative effects of frozen storage on intact trout fillets.

Objective 4. Conduct a technology transfer component to disseminate information generated by this project to the aquaculture industry in Appalachia, to state agencies with aquaculture related responsibilities and to the general public.

A variety of a Activities were conducted in support of extending aquaculture information. The WVU Aquaculture web page has been updated. A “Live Fish List” has been developed listing West Virginia producers, fee fishing businesses, and consultants on the WVU Aquaculture web page (http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/aquaculture/index.htm). The site also has been developed as a reference source supporting exchange of aquaculture information. We initiated an exchange with the trout industry in North Carolina with the intent to determine how growers in West Virginia can produce trout as a food fish for $1/lb or less. This exchange has been aimed primarily at development of mine water sources in the southern part of the state. We hosted a state-wide meeting of aquaculture interests on January 8, 2000 in Flatwoods, West Virginia featuring investigators involved in aquaculture research at WVU. Producers from Illinois, North Carolina, and Colorado shared information regarding problems and opportunities facing their aquaculture businesses. Approximately 70 people attended the one-day event. Overall evaluation was 4.34 on a 5.0 scale where 5 = Excellent. We conducted “road trips” with producers and/or supporters of the West Virginia aquaculture industry to North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Approximately 140 requests for information were fielded from specialists, agents, and individuals across the state. We developed a brochure describing the Aquaculture Food and Marketing Development Project and distributed it at meetings and events where the work is of interest.

Some activities, and products resulting from this project include:

“West Virginia Trout Enterprise Budgets,” by San, Nu Nu, D. Miller, G. E. D’Souza, D. K. Smith, and K. J. Semmens, a bulletin published by the
WV Agricultural Experiment Station, in press.

“Costs and Returns of Trout Processing by High Appalachian: A Case Study,” by San et al., Summer 2000.

“MA & PA Cooperative: A Case Study,” by Fidler et al., Summer 2000 (a draft version was presented to the Board of Directors of Mountain Aquaculture and Producers Association at their Fall annual meeting in Elkins, WV, in December 1999). A follow-up to this case study was conducted by Sztroin and Fincham in Summer 2000.

“Aquaculture 2000," Poster prepared by Dan Miller, for displays at venues such as the WV Extension Service Aquaculture Forum held in Flatwoods, WV, January 8, 2000.

Jittinandana, S., P. B. Kenney, and R. Kiser. 2000. Chemical and Physical Changes in Smoked Rainbow Trout Associated with Frozen Storage. Presentation at the 53^rd Reciprocal Meats Conference. Columbus, OH.

Danley, M., P. Mazik, P. B. Kenney, R. Kiser, and J. Hankins. 2001. Chronic exposure to carbon dioxide: growth, physiological stress response, and fillet quality of rainbow trout. Presentation at the World Aquaculture Society Annual Meeting. Orlando, FL.

Jittinandana, S., P. B. Kenney, S. Slider, and R. Kiser. 2001. Cryoprotection of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fillets for smoked trout production. Presentation at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo. New Orleans, LA.

Jittinandana, S., P. B. Kenney, S. Slider, and R. Kiser. 2001. Effects of cryoprotectants on physicochemical attributes of intact rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fillets. Presentation at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo. New Orleans, LA.

FY 1999. (Phase II)

Objective 1. Implement the marketing strategies developed in the FY1998 project for aquaculture producers and processors and assess further opportunities for developing a sustainable aquaculture industry in a multi-state area including the Appalachian region.

Task 1.1 Implement a market driven network for Appalachian aquaculture.

Phase II funding was designed to develop and market a “cooperative effort” among aquaculture producers and/or fee fishing operators to draw more recreational fishermen to their facilities. By attracting more recreational fisherman this effort will also enhance other sectors of the West Virginia travel and tourism industry. Phase I survey results indicate a very high interest in this “cooperative concept” on the part of both in-state and out-of-state fisherman as well as in-state fee fishing operators.

Task 1.2 – Implement a cooperative approach to marketing.

Task 1.3 – Recreational fee fishing utilizing streams.

Objective 2. Economic Analysis. To determine the expected costs and returns of producing and processing aquaculture products suitable to hill country such as that in West Virginia and to examine other issues relating to the development of a sustainable aquaculture industry in the study area including identification of suitable water supply sources, waste management practices, and economic development impacts of aquaculture.

2.1 Estimate firm level optimization models.

Development of farm-level and processor-level economic efficiency models using data from the surveys and from published sources has been conducted. Results of the farm-level models show that: (a) as production levels increase, raceway systems are generally more profitable than tanks under the conditions investigated; (b) economies of size exist for the three capacities investigated; and (c) in terms of risk characteristics, specializing in fee-fishing not only results in the greatest potential profitability but is also (in financial terms) the riskiest alternative. Thus, a risk-reducing strategy is to sell some fish to processors; the more risk-averse the producer, the larger the proportion that should be sold to processors rather than through fee fishing. Results of the processor-level models identify market scenarios under which each processor can break even, and also show that processors can reduce their break-even point and potentially increase profitability if a greater proportion of products sold is value-added (e.g., smoked).

2.2 Assess Economic Impacts and Waste Management Options.

A literature review of these issues was conducted as a prelude for a more comprehensive analysis of these topics in subsequent grants.

2.3 Assess mine water sources suitable for economical production of food-size trout in West Virginia.

An analysis of mine water sources suitable for aquaculture in WV has been completed. In addition, two cooperative agreements have been initiated with large coal mining companies, who own large land and water resources, allowing trout bioassays to proceed in four different acid mine discharge polishing ponds.

Objective 3. Product Quality Research. Improve the consistency and quality of fresh trout fillets through improved feeding and harvesting techniques.

This work will be initiated in July of 2001, and its purpose is to improve the consistency and quality of fresh trout fillets through improved feeding and harvesting techniques. The impact of feeding rate and water velocity on growth rate and efficiency, stress indicators, and raw and processed fillet characteristics will be determined. Additionally, antioxidants will be fed in the diet to determine their impact on preserving lipid and thus, fillet quality of rainbow trout. Consistently achieving the highest quality possible will allow small food fish producers and processors to compete in niche markets demanding the highest quality.

Objective 4. Technology Transfer. Determine and implement appropriate technology transfer activities to disseminate information generated by this project to the aquaculture industry in Appalachia, to state agencies with aquaculture- related responsibilities and to the general public.

A variety of activities were conducted in support of extending aquaculture information. We hosted seminars featuring farmers from Virginia, Prince Edward Island, Canada and academics from the University of Arkansas, and Ohio State University, to describe factors associated with successful aquaculture programs and businesses. We developed bioassays with cooperation of two coal companies at four acid mine drainage treatment plants. This involved integration of resources with the local economic development authority, Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center, Mountain Partners, Inc., and WVU. We responded to over 250 requests (78% increase over 1999) for information from 41 counties, 15 states, and three foreign countries, and conducted site evaluations around the state. We held a second Aquaculture Forum. It was attended by about 100 people, an increase of about thirty percent. Presentations from the Aquaculture Forum are featured at WVU Extension Service Aquaculture web page (http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/aquaculture/aquacult.htm).

Some activities, and products resulting from this project include:

Ken Semmens. “Economic Development and Coldwater Aquaculture in West Virginia”, a presentation at the US Trout Farmers Association annual meeting, Branson, Missouri, September, 2000.

Green Lands Magazine, a publication of the West Virginia Mining Association, Winter 2001, “Somewhere over the Rainbows.” 31:1 Pp. 26-28

Consol Energy newsletter. “Farming Fish – CONSOL Energy helps WVU to research raising trout in mine water”. December 2000, 15:3 p5.

“The Economics of Trout Production in West Virginia,” by Frank Fidler. M.S. thesis. December 2000.

“A GIS DataBase for Spring and Mine Water Sources in West Virginia,” Draft copy of a bulletin for the WV Agricultural Experiment Station, January 2001.

“Where are the Best Counties in West Virginia for Potential Aquaculture Production?” A GIS Analysis by Frank Fidler, December 1999. [http://www.nrac.wvu.edu/rm391/fidler/].

“Locating Potential Aquaculture Sites in West Virginia Based on Proximity to Demand Outlets.” A GIS Analysis by Ryan Fincham. December 1999. [http://www.nrac.wvu.edu/rm391/fincham/].

Objective 5. Water Resource Engineering. Characterize effluents from West Virginia trout production facilities, optimize a working system, and evaluate use of impaired water from mine sites.

5.1 Baseline quality data and characterization of effluents from West Virginia trout production facilities.

The study of effluent characteristics from West Virginia aquaculture production facilities has been initiated. Currently, five sites have been enrolled in the effluent characterization study. Operators of a wide range of production capacities have been selected to represent the broad range of effluent production from facilities in West Virginia. Sampling of each site is now being conducted every six weeks.

5.2 – Technical assessment of impaired water resources suitable for production of trout in West Virginia.

The mine water feasibility program is underway with four mine sites currently being investigated.

Intensive water quality monitoring is being conducted at the site proposed as the home of the modular raceway demonstration project. Preliminary bioassays have been installed and routine water chemistry monitoring is being conducted at four sites which produce treated mine water to ascertain the potential effect(s) of exposure to mine waters on fish health, growth, etc.

Objective 6. Farm Level Research. Conduct research at the farm level focusing on fish health and production efficiency of facilities growing food size rainbow trout.

6.1 – Develop and implement a pilot yield verification program for food size rainbow trout in flowing water systems at two commercial facilities.

Preliminary results from yield verification trial at High Appalachian, Inc. shows 50% more pounds of fish were produced in tanks fed high energy feed (48% protein, 18% fat) compared with standard diet (38% protein, 11% fat). Production capacity in one trial of this facility ranged from 83 to 138 lb/gpm flow when data were compared on an annual basis. The first trial at Trout Lodge and Angler’s resort is now underway.

6.2 – Health survey of trout production facilities in West Virginia.

Investigators met with farmers individually, and selected sites to be sampled. Staff from the Freshwater Institute have completed the necessary training with the diagnostic lab in Maryland and obtained the necessary supplies. Sampling is underway.

FY 2000. (Phase III) Research is underway for FY 2000 funded project activities, but it is too early to report significant progress for all objectives at this time.

Objective 1. Impaired water research.

1.1 Determine water quality requirements for flowing water trout production and pre-production water treatment – “entrance works.”

One in situ water quality monitor was purchased to enable researchers to monitor water quality on a 24-hour basis at the site of the proposed modular raceway system.

A preliminary site survey has been made as a first step toward completing the layout of the modular raceways at the mine water treatment site. Civil engineering researchers will return to the site in spring 2001 to complete a more detailed survey of the site.

1.2 - Design and implementation of composite material raceway system.

Design of composite material raceways has been initiated. A graduate research assistant from the structural engineering group has been recruited to perform computer-aided design of the composite material raceway system. Further, Drs. Semmens, Davalos, and Viadero have been working to incorporate novel features into the design, which will streamline the operation of the system in the future.

A patent disclosure has been filed with WVU’s Office of Technology Transfer to protect the intellectual property rights associated with the development of the novel Honeycomb Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (HFRP) raceways. WVU-Civil and Environmental Engineering investigators were recently awarded a “Partnerships For Innovation” grant from the National Science Foundation to develop novel HFRP materials for industrial applications such as bridge decks and aquaculture raceways.

Objective 2. Economic Analyses.

2.1 To quantify the economic development impacts from expansion of the aquaculture sector in West Virginia.

2.2 To evaluate the impacts, potential for, and consumer acceptance of new production technologies, such as genetically modified, transgenic and organically grown fish, on aquaculture production, prices and profits.

2.3 Economic analysis of impaired water production facilities.

Objective 3. Product Quality

3.1 Assessment of cost effective production and harvest on product quality.

Harvesting and production method optimization is the basis for work proposed as an addition to the study outlined in Phase II. It is the goal of our research team (WVU Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, USGS Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, and the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute) to evaluate independent variables in Phase II (feeding rate, water velocity, antioxidant feeding, and harvest method) and Phase III (method of kill, transportation before or after kill) concurrently on the same set of fish produced at the Freshwater Institute's facility. Water quality attributes (total ammonia nitrogen, free CO₂, total hardness, and alkalinity) will be carefully monitored throughout the study.

3.2 –Fresh and value added product manufacture, quality, and functionality assessments.

Studies have begun to evaluate methods to improve water-phase salt and consistently achieve >3.5% NaCl. These studies will consider different salting methods in the presence and absence of vacuum tumbling.

Objective 4. Technology Transfer.

It is too early in the project to report progress in this objective.

Procedures (Phase IV)

The plan for each objective and the tasks within each are described in this section.

Objective 1. Impaired Water

We will refer to water discharged from coal mines and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment plants as “impaired water”. Specifically we will be studying the feasibility of using water discharged from the settling pond of a nearby AMD treatment plant. This water is monitored to meet NPDES permit requirements. Samples are periodically taken to measure pH, dissolved metals (iron, manganese, aluminum), and conductivity. Water discharges from the settling ponds may have a total dissolved solids concentration of nearly 2000 ppm. Some parameters important to survival and growth of trout are not monitored by regulatory agencies and the mining companies. These include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature. It is essential that all parameters remain within acceptable levels on a continuous basis in order for the fish to survive and grow.

Task 1.1 Production of rainbow trout in waters originating from an AMD treatment plant (Viadero, Masciola, Semmens).

Consol Energy, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, operates an acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment plant in Monongalia County about 15 miles west of the WVU campus. The AMD treatment plant currently pumps water from two large underground pools of mine water to the treatment facility. The water is aerated to permit oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III), and the pH is raised by the addition of hydrated lime (USEPA 1983). Final treatment includes aeration and settling of the Fe(III) hydroxide precipitate in a 17 acre impoundment (Figure 1). We will refer to this impoundment as the AMD treatment pond.

Figure 1. Schematic of the acid mine drainage treatment system.

Task 1.1.1 Production of rainbow trout in a modular raceway system using impaired water.

In this task, trout will be grown in the modular composite material raceway developed with FY2000 (phase III) funding using treated water discharged from the AMD treatment pond. Modular raceways made of composite material will be located downstream from the outlet of the pond. Researchers from WVU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have been collecting and analyzing water quality samples at the outlet of the AMD treatment pond on a routine schedule since September 2000. Representative data on temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH at the outlet of the pond are presented in Figure 2. Based on historic data as well as measurements taken by WVU-CEE researchers, average water flow at the outlet from the lake is estimated at 2,038 gpm. Additionally, analyses were conducted to determine the concentrations of trace metals (Cd, Se, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sb, Ni, Ag, Be, and Tl) in the waters exiting the lake. Concentrations of all metals were below the respective method detection limits (0.005 mg/l for mercury and 0.05 mg/l for all other metals listed above). A preliminary bioassay has demonstrated that caged rainbow trout survive and grow in this water.

Figure 2. Water quality data, AMD treatment pond discharge.

The pilot-scale system features paired raceways in series, with four steps for a total of 8 individual units. A preliminary schematic of the modular raceway system is presented in Figure 3. (Note: only three of the four proposed raceway segments are shown in Figure 3.) Each raceway will be 30 feet long and 3 feet wide. Approximately 500 gpm will flow through the system. Water will fall approximately three feet at each step. This unit will function as an experimental and demonstration system.

Figure 3. Schematic of the modular raceway system.

The raceway configuration was chosen because it is the system of choice for commercial trout aquaculture in West Virginia. It is a proven system that is labor efficient; furthermore, the modular approach is consistent with coal companies’ desire for a short term project without creation of permanent structures. In addition, the modular approach allows modification or transfer of a culture system to another site, something impossible with a concrete structure. In short, it provides a measure of flexibility and liquidity to both operator and investor.

Production of rainbow trout: Approximately 1,000 rainbow trout (50 to 80 grams) will be stocked into each of the units and grown to market size (450 grams). The volume of water flowing through each side of the system will be equal. Fish will be fed to satiation six days each week utilizing demand feeders and manual feeding. As they grow, fish will be spread evenly through the system until oxygen begins to limit production. This is expected to occur when the partial pressure of oxygen is consistently below 90 mm Hg (Klontz 1996, Davis 1975). Water velocity will be managed to promote removal of waste from the rearing area and settling of solid waste in the quiescent zone of each raceway.

Fish in each raceway tank will be weighed initially and at the end of the experiment (total weight per tank). The number of fish stocked and harvested in each tank will be estimated by weight.

Sample weight (number/kg) for each tank will be determined by counting the number of fish in 10% of the tank’s population and measuring the weight of the sample. Total number will be estimated by multiplying sample weight by total weight for each tank. Feed conversion will be calculated as the weight of feed fed to each tank divided by the weight gain in the corresponding group of fish in each tank. The following observations and measurements will be made:

Daily: Mortality, weight of feed fed, temperature, flow rate, oxygen concentrations of inflow and outflow, pH, and conductivity will be recorded for each production unit. Mortalities and solid waste accumulating in the quiescent zone will be removed.

Weekly: Total ammonia nitrogen, total hardness (as CaCO₃), alkalinity (as CaCO₃), and acidity (as CaCO₃) will be measured throughout the experiment.

Monthly: Fifty fish will be sampled from each raceway unit to determine weight, length, and condition factor (K) of the population. Average K factor will be determined by adding all K factors and dividing the total by the number of fish in the sample group.

Immediately prior to monthly fish sampling, routine water quality parameters will be measured. Heavy metals (Cd, Se, Hg) and metals commonly associated with acid mine drainage water (Fe, Al, Mn, Mg) will also be measured. Further, the raceway system will be outfitted with YSI (Yellow Springs Instruments) in situ water quality monitors (sonde) capable of measuring pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and water depth. The combination of continuous monitoring with the YSI data sonde and grab sampling for a more complete array of metals, will make it possible to develop a rigorous history of water quality.

Feed conversion, density (lb/cubic ft.), loading rate (lb/gpm), and survival rate will be determined for each raceway unit harvested. Growth will be compared with expected growth based on the Forecast program developed by Skip Thompson, Area Specialized Agent for the North Carolina Extension Service, which uses equations developed by Haskell (1959 ). Production data will be compared with observations made in the yield verification program and the literature.

Task 1.1.2 Evaluation of sinking and floating diets.

In this task, we will compare two diets manufactured by Zeigler Bros., Inc. of Gardners, Pennsylvania. In 2001, Zeigler Bros., Inc. will be releasing a new line of floating trout feeds. The objective of Task 1.1.2 will be to evaluate performance of two diets with the same protein (42%) and fat (16%) levels. Each diet will be fed to a series of four raceway units comprising one side of the raceway system as described in Task 1.1. Paired observations at each step for each diet will be made on size at harvest, growth rate, feed conversion, weight of fish harvested/raceway unit, and cost/lb gain.

Task 1.2 Collection of effluent data from raceway system located at the AMD treatment pond (Viadero, Masciola).

WVU Civil and Environmental Engineering researchers will begin research in this new system by collecting baseline data on effluent water quality characteristics. The following water quality characteristics must be monitored and reported for NPDES regulated fish hatcheries in West Virginia: wastewater flow rate; five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5); total suspended solids (TSS); ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N and NH₃-N); settlable solids; dissolved oxygen (DO); and pH. Samples will be collected at the inlet to the raceway system, the effluent from each quiescent zone, and at the outlet of each raceway in an effort to establish the performance of the new system. Each parameter will be measured according to the applicable “Standard Method” (APHA 1998) or US EPA (1997) approved analytic method.

Influent, process water, and effluent turbidity measurements will be taken during field water sampling events. A correlation between turbidity and laboratory data (BOD5, TSS, SS, etc.) will be developed to use turbidity as an indicator of real-time water quality, process performance, and pollutant loading in the pilot-scale system. In order to obtain a complete characterization of water quality in the pilot-scale aquaculture system, inlets and outlets of the composite material raceways will be outfitted with in situ water quality monitors capable of measuring pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, DO, and depth. Thus, it will be necessary to purchase four (4) additional YSI data sondes to enable WVU researchers to continually measure water quality in each composite material raceway.

Through the implementation of the proposed protocol of grab samples and in situ monitoring, it will be possible to develop relationships for use as real-time indicators of system performance, that can be used as benchmarks for future system operation. Effluent from the experimental unit will be sent to a settling tank or pond.

Task 1.3 Structural engineering response evaluation of fish culture tanks (Davalos).

The fish tanks produced from honeycomb fiber-reinforced plastic (HFRP) panels in Phase III research will be based on analytical modeling and manufacturing capabilities of the producer. The design will be based on functional requirements defined in collaboration with the research team. To expedite the overall goals of the project, the prototype tanks produced will be implemented in the field without experimental evaluations of their structural response in the laboratory. However, such evaluations are necessary in order to optimize the product in the future and assure suitable life-span service of the tanks. Thus, this task is concerned primarily with the laboratory response evaluation of components of the prototype tanks, by testing instrumented material constituents (e.g., core, face sheets), HFRP panels, and connection details.

The work under this task will consist of combined experimental and analytical evaluations of the performance of constituent materials, component panels and connection details. The following studies will be conducted:

Evaluation of face-sheet and core material properties by conventional and novel tests, leading to future optimizations of material lay-up and possibly core-geometry.
Evaluation of beam-type HFRP panel samples in bending and torsion to obtain global directional and shear stiffness properties.
Evaluation of panel-to-panel connections (base of tank to wall connection) and quiescent zone to tank connections, as well as other details of the prototype design. Failure modes will be identified and potential for improvements of the design will be explored.

The samples will be instrumented with strain gages, including rosette gages to capture principal strains. Displacements will be measured with transducers, and the data will be collected and analyzed with a computer-based acquisition system. The analytical study will include explicit solutions already developed by Dr. Davalos and co-workers and also using Finite Element models. Experimental/analytical correlations will then be used to validate the theoretical tools for future use in the optimization of the product design.

Task 1.4 Stress (Mazik).

This task will determine the stress response of fish raised in AMD water. Fish will be sampled monthly over an 8-month period. Five fish will be sampled from each raceway section each month (40 total per month). A control non-AMD pond will be included. Each fish will be bled using heparinized syringes from arteries in the caudal peduncle. All fish will be bled within 5 minutes of initial disturbance and each fish will be sampled only once. Blood will be centrifuged and plasma stored at -55^OC until analyzed. Plasma concentrations of cortisol will be determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) with a commercially prepared kit (Ciba-Corning Diagnostics Corporation, Medfield, MA). Plasma glucose will be determined using a clinical diagnostic kit (Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, MO) and plasma chloride levels will be determined using a chloridometer (Buchler Instruments, Lenexa, KS).

Task 1. 5 Bioaccumulation – Are trout grown in water from an AMD treatment plant safe to eat? (Mazik)

This task will determine if flesh of rainbow trout grown in impaired water contains metals above the EPA levels safe for human consumption. Mercury, selenium and cadmium are considered high priority pollutants (Heinen 1996) and will be measured in these samples. Fish grown in the modular raceway system previously described under Task 1.1 will be sampled at stocking, at monthly invervals and at harvest. The grow-out period is expected to require 6 to 8 months depending on growth rate. Five fish from each raceway section will be sampled each month (total of 40 fish per month). Samples from a control non-AMD pond will also be taken. Water samples analyzed under Task 1.1 will provide data on the metals present in the water. Fish will be collected, frozen and analyzed within 28 days. Fillets will be powdered in liquid nitrogen to produce a homogenous composite. Samples will be analyzed at the National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE). This laboratory is EPA certified for performing analysis under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of the Clean Water Act. All analytical methods are EPA approved and have a standard Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocol.

Task 1.6 Evaluate the impact of acid mine drainage (AMD) water, following treatment, on fish quality with an emphasis on palatability, composition, and fresh storage stability (Kenney).

In a study by Setälä et al. (1997), to examine similarities and differences in quality perceptions of wholesalers, retailers and caterers, freshness components (preservation and hygiene) were the most significant quality attributes of fresh, rainbow trout fillets. Caterers considered sensory quality (appearance, odor, taste, texture), safety (harmful substances, environmental risks, food poisoning risks), and nutrition (vitamins/minerals, fat content, health effects) more important than did wholesalers and retailers. Wholesalers considered raw material (cultivation environment, size, sex, maturity, and fat content) and service components as most significant in characterizing quality. With respect to the impact of culture practices, Haard (1992) reported that fish farmers have some control over physiological factors (age and growth rate), environment (water temperature, pressure, flow, and chemistry), and dietary factors (feeding regimen, starvation, overfeeding, and the presence or absence of specific components). Moreover, he pointed out that consumer's acceptance of fishery products depends on several quality attributes, including safety, nutrition, flavor, texture, color, appearance, and the suitability of the raw material for processing and preservation. As the aforementioned reports indicate, a variety of fish and nonfish components can impact quality perceptions as a function of clientele. Previous work at WVU funded by the first phase of this special grant showed that wide variation exists in compositional, processing, and textural attributes of rainbow trout fillets used in smoked processing. Some of the contributing factors have been previously mentioned (Haard, 1992).

Fish reared at AMD sites will be harvested and analyzed using the following procedures. In addition, fish from one additional mine water site and three spring-fed sites will be compared as "typical" production practices in the region. Harvest and handling will be standardized to the degree that is logistically possible with temperature control during transport, handling, and storage prior to evaluation as the critically controlled factor.

Fresh Fillet Evaluations. Fillet yield will be calculated for each fish from each site. Fresh fillets will be graded according to the Code of Federal Register (50 CFR, Ch. 11, Part 260) entitled, "Regulations Governing the Processed Fishery Products and US standards for Grades of Fishery Products". Fresh fillet color will be measured using a Minolta chromameter when graded at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours following filleting.

Expressible moisture of fresh fillets will be measured according to procedures of Jauregui et al. (1981). This trait will indicate the water retention ability of postharvest trout muscle. Color, cook yields, texture , protein-water interactions (water binding potential, expressible moisture, protein solubility) and proximate analyses (moisture, protein, fat, and ash) will be evaluated in fresh and value-added products to determine the impact, if any, of water characteristics on trout muscle functionality.

Sensory attributes of flavor, odor, and texture will be performed through collaborations with Joe Regenstein at Cornell and the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute.

Smoked Trout Evaluations. Production practices affect fish muscle characteristics. The carryover of this effect to smoked trout quality will be determined using a two-stage brining protocol. Stage one will consist of subjecting fish to brine containing 8.7 % NaCl for 90 min at 3°C. Stage two will consist of removing fillets from brine and allowing the salt to equilibrate for 48 hours. Following removal from the brine and prior to storage for equilibration, fish fillets will be weighed and weights will be recorded in order to determine brine uptake. Muscle pH of fresh and brined fillet will be measured at the cranial, middle, and caudal third of each fish using a surface probe. Fish will be weighed to determine cook yield. Fish fillets will be placed on smoke racks and thermally processed in a microprocessor-controlled smokeoven (Model CVU-490; Enviro-Pak, Inc., Clackamas, OR). Following thermal processing to an internal temperature of 65°C, fish fillets will be weighed and vacuum packed for texture analyses.

Proximate analyses will be conducted for fresh and smoked trout using standard AOAC (1990) procedures. The pH measurements will be carried out using a pH/Ion analyzer (Corning, Inc.; Corning, NY). Expressible moisture will be measured according to Jauregui et al. (1981). Percent NaCl will be determined using QUANTAB Chloride Titrators (Environment Test Systems, Inc., Elkhart, IN). Cook yields will be determined based on weights prior to and following thermal processing. Brine uptake will be evaluated based on weights of fresh fish and brined fish prior to thermal processing.

Objective 2. Hybrid Bluegill

Survey data revealed that trout are the fish of choice for fee fishing in West Virginia. Approximately 74% of the food size fish stocked in fee fishing facilities are trout. Both catfish and trout are stocked at 35% of the fee fishing businesses in West Virginia. Though trout and catfish dominate fee fishing in West Virginia, both anglers and fee fishing managers state a desire for other species to diversify the recreational experience. Site limitations contribute to the need for other species. Sites suitable for trout are limited by the availability and location of large volumes of cold water (i.e. springs and mines). Ponds frequently warm up during summer months and are unsuitable for trout based fee fishing businesses, so ponds are stocked with catfish or the business is closed. Catfish are usually obtained from wild or farmed sources out of state. Bass and bluegill are commonly cited as alternative species, yet suitable sources for fish and the cost for producing harvestable size fish in West Virginia are not readily known. It is also unclear what pricing structure and fee fishing format is most suited to these alternative species.

Hybrid bluegill, hybrid striped bass, and largemouth bass may be suitable alternatives to catfish and trout in the fee fishing format. In this study, we propose that a sunfish hybrid, male bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) x female green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), be grown in ponds and test marketed at operating fee fishing businesses. In the process we would demonstrate production methods, and collect production, economic, and nutritional data required for growers in this region to determine profitability. Once the production experiment is completed and the fish are harvested, they would be transported to fee fishing businesses where we will determine what pricing structure and fee fishing format will be acceptable to fee fishing customers.

Fee fishing managers and prospective entrepreneurs have little guidance in determining the optimal method to provide this relatively new type of fishing experience. Scant information is available on the business aspects of this outdoor recreation enterprise in West Virginia (Ponzurick, Logar, & Semmens, 2001). Two basic strategies for pricing have been applied in West Virginia--a fixed fee and a graduated fee. With the fixed fee, an angler will pay a flat amount per day for each fishing pole used. Size limits and possession limits are enforced so the average value of fish harvested per angler is less than the cost of restocking. Incentives with a graduated fee are very different. The cost of the fishing experience to the angler is based on the number or weight of fish caught. With this pricing system, ponds and streams are frequently stocked with an abundance of fish so revenue per angler is maximized. Fish are not released after capture. Profits vary for each strategy depending on the average value of fish harvested.

Task 2.1 Task 1.1 : Production of Hybrid Bluegill at three stocking densities.(Semmens and O’Bara)

Production Facilities: Fish will be grown at the Palestine State Fish Hatchery near Elizabeth, West Virginia approximately 125 miles southwest of the WVU campus. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources will contract to provide nine 0.5-acre earthen ponds and labor to grow out hybrid bluegill sunfish. An automated system to monitor oxygen and temperature, will be installed to collect data for each pond and turn on the aerators when oxygen concentrations decrease to 3.5 mg/l or lower. The system will include iChart Software, RS485 to RS232 Converter, NEMA 4X enclosure and an Intelligent interface. Each pond will have an automated control system with AC power and built in motor control relay, and dissolved oxygen sensor hard wired to the control system operated by a personal computer. Each pond also will be equipped with a vertical pump aerator.

Experimental Design: Fingerling hybrid bluegill sunfish (40 g minimum weight) will be purchased from a commercial producer and stocked into nine ponds in March of 2002. There will be three treatments based on stocking density (5000, 10000, 20000/acre) and three replications per treatment. Ponds will be randomly assigned to each treatment. Number of fish stocked into each pond will be based on sample weights and total weights of fish unloaded from the truck. Initially, fingerlings will be stocked into small net pens until they are trained to the feed.

Water Quality: Dissolved oxygen and temperature will be measured by the automated system. Total ammonia nitrogen, pH, nitrite, alkalinity, and chloride will be measured with a Lamotte test kit on a weekly basis.

Feed: We will feed a “high energy” floating salmonid diet containing 42% protein and 16% fat. During the training phase, fingerlings will be fed in the morning and evening. Once the fish are released into the pond, they will be fed three times each day. Automatic feeders will be set to feed approximately 30% of the ration twice each day. A third feeding will be done by hand to satiation. Feeding frequency will be reduced as water temperature decreases in the fall.

Growth and conversion: Total weight and sample weight will be taken for fish in each pond at the beginning and end of the experiment. Additionally, fish will be sampled every six weeks . We will measure growth in length and weight. Amount fed to each pond or the amount placed in each automatic feeder will be based on volume and a standard conversion to weight. Feed conversions will be calculated as weight of feed fed: biomass gain. Table 1 describes a hypothetical production scenario given survival, feed conversion, and target final weight.

Table 1. Hypothetical production scenario for grow-out of hybrid bluegill sunfish.

		Stocking	Number of	Survival to	Estimated	Target	Estimated	Initial	Final
Pond	Acres	Rate	Fingerlings	Harvest	Weight	Feed	Feed	Weight	Weight	Harvest
		No/acre	Stocked	(%)	Gain (lb)	Conversion	fed (lb)	lb/1000	lb/1000	lb/acre
1	0.5	5000	2500	95	855	2.5	2137	90	450	2137.5
2	0.5	5000	2500	95	855	2.5	2137	90	450	2137.5
3	0.5	5000	2500	95	855	2.5	2137	90	450	2137.5
4	0.5	10000	5000	95	1235	2.5	3087	90	350	3325
5	0.5	10000	5000	95	1235	2.5	3087	90	350	3325
6	0.5	10000	5000	95	1235	2.5	3087	90	350	3325
7	0.5	20000	10000	95	1520	2.5	3800	90	250	4750
8	0.5	20000	10000	95	1520	2.5	3800	90	250	4750
9	0.5	20000	10000	95	1520	2.5	3800	90	250	4750
Total	4.5		52,500	49,875 fish	10,830		27,075

Task 2.2 Task 1.2 : Assessment of four commercial diets for Hybrid Bluegill (Eya and Blemings)

Conducting practical feeding trials in aquaria at West Virginia State College will define the relative performance of diets available to the fish farmer such that one could estimate expected performance and economic efficiency. The production diet in the pond study (Task 2.1) will be a salmonid formulation with 42 % protein and 16% fat in a floating pellet. The objective is to choose a nutrient dense formulation and obtain the best conversion possible. This will assure the highest production possible given the short growing season. There will be questions about this choice and whether it is more economical to select a commercial formula that is less nutrient dense. Therefore, the following diets will be fed to hybrid bluegill in aquaria.

Diet %Protein %Fat

Salmonid High Energy formulation 44 24 Sinking diet – Melick Feeds

Hybrid Striped Bass tank formulation 42 16 Floating diet – Melick Feeds

Hybrid Striped Bass pond formulation 40 10 Floating diet – Melick Feeds

Catfish cage formulation 36 5 Floating diet – Melick Feeds

Ken Holyoke, a producer in Alapaha, Georgia has developed a hybrid bluegill he contends will grow as much as 50% faster than other hybrid bluegill on the market. He has selected each parent line for fast growth over a period of 13 years. It would be prudent to determine if growth rate of these “Georgia Giant” hybrid bluegill is superior to hybrid bluegill from other sources. If replicates in the aquarium study are blocked with respect to diet treatment, and genetic type, we may be able to verify this claim. Therefore, four aquaria would be required for each diet treatment and two aquaria would be utilized for each genetic type within each diet treatment.

Task 2.2.1 Evaluation of four commercially available diets (Eya).

Four different production diets will be evaluated over a 12-week growing period in 16 152–L tanks. Each diet treatment will be randomly assigned to four tanks (four replicates per treatment). Hybrid bluegill will be obtained from two sources: 1) the same source of fish as task 1, and 2) Ken’s Fish Hatchery (i.e. “Georgia Giant”). Thirty fish weighing an average of 40 g will be stocked into each tank. Water source will be dechlorinated city water. The water temperature will range between 18 and 25 ^oC and dissolved oxygen concentration between 5.0 and 8.0 mg/L. Fish will be fed the test diets to satiation twice daily. Fish samples will be taken at the start and end of the study and analyzed for crude protein and fat according to the procedure of AOAC (1990).

Extruded diets will be obtained from Melick Aquafeed, Catawissa, Pennsylvania. Satiate feeding will be achieved in each tank by allowing fish to eat until feeding activity stops (30 minutes), after which the remaining pellet will be removed from the tank and counted to obtain an estimate of weight of the feed eaten. Weight of fish in each aquarium will be determined biweekly.

At the end of the feeding trial, fish in each aquarium will be weighed and counted. The following responses will be determined by the following formulas: Percent weight gain, PWG = Final weight - Initial weight/Initial weight x100; Feed efficiency, FE = wet weight gain/dry feed fed; Protein productive value, PPV = protein gain/protein intake; Percent protein deposited, PED = protein gain/protein intake x 100; Condition factor, CF = weight/lenght³; Specific growth rate, SGR = ((ln final weight - ln initial weight)/number of days) x 100. Five fish will be randomly selected from each tank for the determination of hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indexes. The hepatosomatic (HSI) and viscerosomatic (VSI) indexes will be determined by the following formulas: HSI = liver weight/body weight x 100 and VSI = (liver + empty gastrointestinal + mesenteric fat)/body weight x 100, respectively.

Data will be subjected to one-way analysis of variance (Steel and Torrie 1980). The Duncan multiple-range test will be used to test for significant differences between groups (P<0.05).

Task 2.2.2 Determine the effect of different commercially available diets and stocking densities on measurements of protein and amino acid metabolism in two strains of hybrid bluegill sunfish. (Blemings)

The objective of this phase of the project is to determine the effect of diet and stocking density on efficiency of nutrient retention and on measures of amino acid oxidation.

The efficiency of nutrient retention is important since it underlies growth and the impact on water quality. We will try to develop a laboratory test that predicts how efficient a diet will be without growing out fish on a production scale. It will be especially critical to sample fish during the period of fastest growth since we expect that this is the time that fish will be most sensitive to dietary variables. Our primary interest is in amino acid and protein nutrition and the efficiency with which the fish will use these components of their diets for growth within the framework of different growth rates. We are especially interested in lysine since this is often a limiting amino acid in fish diets.

Fish and diets. Fish will be obtained from pond and aquaria experiments. Nutrient retention experiments will use a comparative slaughter approach. Fish will be killed before they are placed in the aquaria and ponds so that we have a basis for comparison. Fish in the ponds and aquaria will be harvested at two and four weeks and thereafter on a monthly basis. Fish will be chill killed after removal of a blood sample. Fish in ponds are fed the salmonid diet that is also one of the experimental diets so that we can determine how well the aquaria reflect the pond situation. We expect the aquaria to give a more accurate assessment since these fish do not have access to wild foodstuffs.

Laboratory Analysis. Crude protein in the diets and fish will be measured by a modified Kjeldahl procedure (AOAC, 1990), and fat will be measured by ether extract (AOAC, 1990). Amino acid composition will be determined on acid hydrolyzed samples of diets and fish, and on blood to determine free amino acids by the method of Bidlingmeyer et al. (1990). Diet analysis will be done on each batch since the feed mill is expected to use least cost formulation on a batch by batch basis. These data in conjunction with the feed intake data will allow us to determine the efficiency with which each amino acid, as well as crude protein and fat have been used for growth for each diet, stocking density, and strain.

Biochemical measurements will determine more directly how each of the diets affect amino acid (lysine) degradation. Specifically, we will measure liver lysine a-ketoglutarate reductase activity, lysine a-ketoglutarate reductase mRNA, and lysine oxidation. Moreover, we will measure lysyl oxidase and lysine oxidation in muscle. We expect these are the primary places where the limiting amino acid lysine is degraded, and that lysine a-ketoglutarate reductase in liver and lysyl oxidase in muscle represents the rate limiting step in the primary pathways. We expect that fish induced to grow at different rates will differ in these measures, as is the case in mammals (Blemings et al., 1996) and birds (Manangi, 2000). We have already shown that in rats induced to grow at different rates, liver lysine oxidation and lysine a-ketoglutarate reductase activity are depressed. One would expect that fish with a reduced lysine oxidation and reductase activity to grow faster and more efficiently. Therefore, we expect that we may be able to develop this as a marker for growth. A long-term goal of this laboratory is to increase the efficiency of lysine use for protein synthesis. These studies with fish are the first to relate measures of lysine degradation with growth and efficiency of lysine (and other amino acids) retention. As we improve the efficiency with which this limiting amino acid is used for growth, we will add less lysine or lysine sources to the diet decreasing the flow of excess nutrients especially nitrogen (and presumably phosphorus depending on the lysine source) into the environment.

Statistics: Data will be analyzed by analysis of variance procedures testing for the main effects of diet, strain (Georgia Giant vs. hybrid bluegill), and environment (pond vs. aquaria) using statistical software (PC SAS). In the event of a significant F test, Duncan multiple range test will be used for the multiple comparisons.

Expected Results: We expect that fish growing faster will have increased retention of crude protein and amino acids, and we expect that the higher protein diets will improve the efficiency of retention. We expect this effect will be especially apparent in the Georgian Giant since it may have an increased growth rate. This finding would suggest an interaction between diet and strain.

Caveats and Alternative Procedures: We are not expecting difficulties with analysis of crude protein, ether extract or amino acids. If sensitivity is an issue in amino acid analysis, we can move from spectrophotometric to fluorometric detection. If the lysine a-ketoglutarate reductase activity is very low, we could move from the spectrophotometric method we currently use to an HPLC method that is more sensitive. For lysine oxidation we can increase our signal (¹⁴CO₂ production) by using more tissue or incubating for longer times if that becomes necessary.

Task 2.3 Task 1.3 : Production economics for Hybrid Bluegill reared at three densities in West Virginia (D’Souza and Smith)

Enterprise (or cost and return) budgets will be developed for each of the pond-based hybrid bluegill production systems described in this proposal. The procedure will be similar to that used for the development of trout budgets (San et al., 2001). Since stocking density and feeding regimen are two variables of particular interest, optimal stocking density and feeding regimen will also be identified. To accomplish this task, production functions will be estimated using data from the aquarium and pond experiments. Standard enterprise budgeting, discounting, benefit-cost and economic optimization techniques will be employed.

Task 2.4 Determine customer satisfaction and appropriate fee structure for fee fishing enterprises who utilize these alternative species. (Schuett and Pierskalla)

This phase of the study will examine anglers’ willingness to pay for fishing opportunities, perceived satisfaction levels, and indicators and standards of quality for fee fishing experiences. A discrete-choice contingent valuation approach will be used to estimate anglers’ net willingness to pay a graduated fee (e.g., cost per length or weight of fish harvested) or a flat fee (e.g., cost per day or for each fishing pole used), or some combination of fee types. Models of visitor satisfaction including situational variables (e.g., resource, social, and management settings) in a recreational environment and subjective evaluation (e.g., individual characteristics and experiences) of the angler will be developed. As reported by anglers, the minimum acceptable conditions (e.g., time required to catch fish and the size of the fish harvested) of a fishing experience will be determined.

The investigation will be carried out over two years using a quasi-experimental design. In the first year, we will examine the fishing experience with businesses that grow trout and catfish. In the second year, hybrid bluegill will be stocked in the ponds in addition to trout and catfish.