Location: Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr
Project Number: 6028-10600-001-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: Feb 12, 2025
End Date: Feb 11, 2030
Objective:
1. Develop genetic improvement strategies for hybrid striped and largemouth bass aquaculture.
1.1. Continue selection on an all-plant protein diet for increased growth rate and carcass yield in WB to produce improved broodstock.
1.2. Evaluate performance of select and control line HSB in different culture systems when fed the all-plant protein selection diet.
1.3. Evaluate crossbred performance of HSB with SNARC Select WB and NCSU Select SB.
1.4. Determine genetic variation and evaluate potential for including additional traits in WB selection.
2. Optimize intensive grow out production systems for hybrid striped bass aquaculture.
2.1. Optimize stocking rate of HSB in split ponds for growth to market size.
2.2. Determine the effects of pond culture system on HSB production metrics.
2.3. Develop TAN management strategy for HSB pond culture.
3. Develop control technologies for bass and baitfish pests and pathogens.
3.1. Management of hitchhikers for baitfish facilities.
3.2. Development of monoclonal antibodies that distinguish between the immunoglobulin isotypes of Moronids.
3.3. Development of optimized DNA vaccine vectors for Moronids.
3.4. Efficacy of eBeam vaccination for use in Moronids.
3.5. Synthesis of Flavobacterium covae lytic bacteriophages.
3.6. Diagnostic hematology for Moronids.
Approach:
The domestic aquaculture industry faces multiple challenges to continued expansion and profitability. To meet the growing demands of the domestic aquaculture industry, this project will implement a three-objective strategy addressing the needs for genetic improvement, improved production efficiency, and development of disease and pest control methods and diagnostics. These challenges will be addressed using a variety of approaches, including genetic improvement, production intensification strategies, water quality management, evaluation of compounds for the exclusion of nontarget species, development of treatments and tools for disease management, development of targeted vaccines, and establishing reference ranges for health-related hematology parameters. We will continue selective breeding of white bass and striped bass to identify novel sources of genetic variation, develop genomic tools and markers, and investigate new traits for inclusion in the selection index. The work will lead to the release of superior germplasm for the hybrid striped bass industry. Improvement in production practices will be used to optimize the culture environment through evaluation of appropriate stocking rates and water quality management. These production systems will be optimized so that the culture environment can be better controlled to make use of the increased genetic potential of selected bass. Development of control strategies for invasive baitfish pests will be developed to aid farmers with regulatory compliance for interstate transport. New disease treatment strategies, resources and vaccines will be identified for use in a variety of production systems, and gaps in knowledge of immune mechanisms of protective immunity will be identified. Finally, we will develop and test new diagnostic tools to aid in disease management strategies. This project will produce technologies to enhance economic performance of bass and baitfish farming, thereby improving global competitiveness and allowing domestic aquaculture to reduce dependence on imports to meet the U.S. demand for seafood.
