Project Number: WVA00146
CRIS Number: 0185047
AQUACULTURE FOOD AND MARKETING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Investigators: Semmens, K.
Performing Department: Animal & Veterinary Science -- 1877
Start Date: 09/15/1999
Termination Date: 09/14/2002
Reporting period: 01/01/2001 to 12/31/2001
Progress Report:
Obj. 1. Marketing strategies and opportunities. Surveys have been completed, tested, and mailed. Data is being compiled with a written report. Obj. 2. Determine expected costs and returns of producing and processing products suitable to WV and to examine issues relating to development of a sustainable industry. (1) Estimation of two separate models, (a) farm-level and (b) processor-level economic efficiency models using data from the surveys and from published sources. Case studies of each of the two major aquaculture processors in the study area were completed. (2) Economic impacts and waste management options. Analyze statewide economic impacts from expansion in the aquaculture industry with an economic multiplier analysis. Results show that the type of feed, and how and when the feed is administered are important determinants of the amount of waste, and the cost of waste disposal. (3) Assess mine water sources suitable for economical production of food size trout in WV. The GIS analysis of mine-water sources suitable for aquaculture in WV was completed. Obj. 3. Improve consistency and quality of fresh trout fillets through improved feeding and harvesting techniques. (1) Assess culture conditions and post harvesting handling on product quality. (2) Effect of antioxidant feeding on product quality. Obj. 4. Technology transfer activities to disseminate information generated to aquaculture industry in Appalachia. Hosted a state-wide aquaculture meeting featuring latest information from this project and featured speakers from commercial aquaculture industry. Hosted seminars, and developed a web site for the project. Obj.5. (1) Five sites have been enrolled in the effluent characterization study. From September to December 2001, sites were sampled at six-week intervals. A relationship between turbidity and BOD5 is being studied to ascertain whether turbidity measurements can be used as a low-cost indicator of effluent water quality. (2) Technical assessment of impaired water resources suitable for production of trout. Four mine sites currently being investigated. Preliminary bioassays have been installed and routine water chemistry monitoring is being conducted. Intensive water quality monitoring is being conducted at the proposed modular raceway site. Water quality monitoring using field meters was conducted weekly. Monthly samples were taken to develop in-depth knowledge of metals and other constituents of the effluent waters. Obj. 6. (1) Develop a pilot yield verification program for food size rainbow trout in flowing water systems at two commercial facilities. Preliminary results show 50% more weight of fish raised in tank fed high energy feed compared with standard diet (38% protein, 11% fat). Production capacity in one trial was 135 lb/gpm flow when data converted on an annual basis. Additional trials are underway. (2) Health survey of trout production facilities in WV. Fifteen farms were sampled. IHNV, VHSV, SVCV, and Enteric redmouth disease-0/15 positive; Bacterial kidney disease-2/15 positive;(may represent false-positives); furunculosis-2/15 positive; IPNV-1/15 farms positive; Whirling disesase 2/8 positive.
Publications:
Fidler, Frank 2000. The Economics of Trout Production in West Virginia, M.S. thesis, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Roger C. Viadero, and Aislinn Tierney 2002. "Technical Feasibility Of Using Treated Mine Waters To Rear Oncorhynchus Mykiss", Abstract, Annual Meeting of the World Aquaculture Society, "Aquaculture America 2002", San Diego, CA, January 27, 2002.
Cunningham, James, and Roger C. Viadero, 2002. Effluent Characterization Of Flow-Through Aquaculture Operations In West Virginia, Abstract, Annual Meeting of the World Aquaculture Society, "Aquaculture America 2002", San Diego, CA, January 27, 2002.
Impact:
Results of marketing surveys indicate a very high interest in "cooperative concept" on the part of both in-state and out-of-state fisherman as well as in-state fee fishing operators. By attracting more recreational fisherman this effort will also enhance other sectors of the West Virginia travel and tourism industry. Two successful cooperative agreements 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. The use of mine water is being evaluated. Responded to over 250 requests (78% increase over 1999) for information from 41 counties, 15 states, and three foreign countries. Yield verification trial at one facility initiated a change to a high energy diet. Production has increased significantly since this change. Fish health survey results are encouraging and suggest that, at the time of sampling, the prevalence of certifiable pathogens was, as a whole, low in the West Virginia salmonid industry. Production related diseases, such as bacterial gill disease, coldwater disease, protozoal diseases and bacterial diseases secondary to fin erosion often represent the greatest cost to productivity in these systems.