APRIL 2008
INDUSTRY INPUT INTO USDA RESEARCH PROGRAMS
(Posted 03-15-08)
This is your opportunity to provide input into USDA's Stakeholders
Meeting to Set 5-Year Research Priorities in person, or
in written form.
On April 15-16th, USDA ARS
and CSREES will be convening their aquaculture program
planning workshop in Kansas City, Missouri to acquire
stakeholder input to guide their aquaculture program
development. The success of this workshop is dependent
on strong representation from private industry and
others with first-hand knowledge of critical constraints
and problems. USDA urges you to register if you haven’t
already. A block of discounted rooms will be held for
attendees of this workshop until March 31. For more
insights on the program, please refer to the draft
agenda below. At this time, USDA can accommodate more
attendees on a first-come basis until we reach their
limit on attendees based on conference budget
constraints. If you want to register and attend, contact
Rosemary Callahan at 301-504-4873 (rosemary.callahan@ars.usda.gov)
as soon as possible. Hotel conference is
Aquaculture Program Planning
Workshop, Airport Hilton Hotel,
Kansas City, Missouri.
For persons unable to attend this workshop, USDA
still seeks your knowledge and input. They encourage you
to record your comments on critical opportunities and
problems by completing a Stakeholder Input Form (Below
after agenda) and returning it as directed by April
10. Your written input will be acknowledged, in
addition to the output from the workshop in developing
the strategic plans for our aquaculture portfolios.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Tuesday April 15, 2008
Introductions
Presentations from ARS AND CSREES
Retrospective Review Panel Presentation
Plenary Address : Mr. Chip Morgan, Delta Council
Break Out Sessions I (2.5 hours)
Report out
Wednesday April 16, 2008
Plenary Address : Mr. George Williams, Darden
Restaurants
Break Out Sessions II (2.5 hours)
Report out
Break Out Sessions III (2.5 hours)
Report out
Summarize
Thursday April 17, 2008
USDA sessions
Separate ARS-CSREES meetings (ARS Action Plan sketch
session)
Discussion of Priorities and Linkages (ARS and CSREES)
Adjourn by 2:00pm
Break Out Sessions I
By Species/commodity
1. Salmonids-
2. Catfish-
3. Crustaceans-Shrimp, crawfish
4. Bivalves-(oysters, mussels, clams)
5. Non-salmonid marine fish-
6. Percids (tilapia, striped bass, yellow perch) -
7. Non-food fish-
Break Out Sessions II
By Discipline
8. Genetics/Genomics
9. Physiology (Reproduction, Growth and Stress)
10. Production Systems -
11Aquatic Animal Health-
12. Nutrition and Feeds-
13 Aquaculture Products-
Break Out Sessions III
Emerging Issues
14. Biosecurity
15. Water availability and Use-
16. Larval feeds-
17. Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
Measures-
18. Aquatic Animal Welfare-
19. New aquatic species and consumer products
20. Aquatic Foods Consumption and Human Health Benefits
STAKEHOLDER RESPONSE FORM
If you cannot attend the USDA ARS/CSREES Aquaculture
Program Planning Workshop for stakeholders on April 15
and 16, 2008 in Kansas City, MO, please provide your
written input no later than April 10.
If you cannot attend the workshop, we still wish to record your input.
Please complete and return this Stakeholder Response
Form to suggest priority research needs, technology
transfer mechanisms, and opportunities and benefits for
integrated research-extension approaches for any or all
breakout sessions in the workshop program. Please refer
to the Break Out Sessions/Topic listing below.
Break
Out Sessions/Topics
|
Break Out Sessions I
By Species/commodity |
Break Out Sessions II
By Discipline |
Break Out Sessions III
Emerging Issues |
|
1.
Salmonids- |
8.
Genetics/Genomics |
14.
Biosecurity |
|
2. Catfish-
|
9.
Physiology (Reproduction, Growth and Stress) |
15.
Water availability and Use- |
|
3.
Crustaceans-Shrimp, crawfish |
10.
Production Systems - |
16.
Larval feeds- |
|
4.
Bivalves-(oysters, mussels, clams) |
11.
Aquatic Animal Health-
|
17.
Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
Measures- |
|
5.
Non-salmonid marine fish-
|
12.
Nutrition and Feeds- |
18.
Aquatic Animal Welfare- |
|
6.
Percids (tilapia, striped bass, yellow perch) - |
13.
Aquaculture Products- |
19.
New aquatic species and consumer products |
|
7.
Non-food fish- |
|
20.
Aquatic Foods Consumption and Human Health
Benefits |
Please provide your input below and return the completed
form by fax or email it to Rosemary Callahan at
301-504-4873 (rosemary.callahan@ars.usda.gov) no later
than April 10.
Name:
Title:
Company, Organization, or University:
Email and/or telephone:
Opportunities/Problems
Please indicate species/ discipline using attached break
out session agenda
Opportunities/Problems
Approach to address Opportunities/Problems
Expected outcomes (numeric if appropriate; e.g. 30%
improvement)
Tech Transfer/Extension/Integrated Research Needs
Thank you for your attention and assistance (Jeff
Silverstein and Gary Jensen, USDA)
MEETINGS
USDA, Agricultural Research
Service (ARS) & Cooperative State Research, Education
and Extension Service (CSREES) Announces Stakeholders
Meeting to Set 5-Year Research Priorities
(see January
Archives For Details)
ARS and CSREES announce the
2008 Aquaculture Program Planning Workshop focusing on
research, technology transfer, integrated
research-extension programs, and linkages with key
partners. The workshop will be held in Kansas City,
Missouri, from April 15-16th, 2008, for stakeholder
input and interactions; April 17, 2008 will be the USDA
post-workshop session devoted to action plan
development.
Pacific Rim
Shellfish Sanitation Conference (PacRim) to be Held in
San Diego, CA April 22nd, 23rd and ½ day on the 24th.
(Posted 03-01-08)
Location: Hacienda Hotel in Old Town San Diego, CA
Cost: Registration is $120, includes entrance for 1 to
the reception on
the first night
Hotel Cost: $125/night
Additional Information, Contact:
robindowney@pcsga.org
MARCH 2008
INDUSTRY INPUT INTO USDA RESEARCH PROGRAMS
(Posted 03-15-08)
This is your opportunity to provide input into USDAs Stakeholders
Meeting to Set 5-Year Research Priorities in person, or
in written form.
On April 15-16th, USDA ARS
and CSREES will be convening their aquaculture program
planning workshop in Kansas City, Missouri to acquire
stakeholder input to guide their aquaculture program
development. The success of this workshop is dependent
on strong representation from private industry and
others with first-hand knowledge of critical constraints
and problems. USDA urges you to register if you haven’t
already. A block of discounted rooms will be held for
attendees of this workshop until March 31. For more
insights on the program, please refer to the draft
agenda below. At this time, USDA can accommodate more
attendees on a first-come basis until we reach their
limit on attendees based on conference budget
constraints. If you want to register and attend, contact
Rosemary Callahan at 301-504-4873 (rosemary.callahan@ars.usda.gov)
as soon as possible. Hotel conference is
Aquaculture Program Planning
Workshop, Airport Hilton Hotel,
Kansas City, Missouri.
For persons unable to attend this workshop, USDA
still seeks your knowledge and input. They encourage you
to record your comments on critical opportunities and
problems by completing a Stakeholder Input Form (Below
after agenda) and returning it as directed by April
10. Your written input will be acknowledged, in
addition to the output from the workshop in developing
the strategic plans for our aquaculture portfolios.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Tuesday April 15, 2008
Introductions
Presentations from ARS AND CSREES
Retrospective Review Panel Presentation
Plenary Address : Mr. Chip Morgan, Delta Council
Break Out Sessions I (2.5 hours)
Report out
Wednesday April 16, 2008
Plenary Address : Mr. George Williams, Darden
Restaurants
Break Out Sessions II (2.5 hours)
Report out
Break Out Sessions III (2.5 hours)
Report out
Summarize
Thursday April 17, 2008
USDA sessions
Separate ARS-CSREES meetings (ARS Action Plan sketch
session)
Discussion of Priorities and Linkages (ARS and CSREES)
Adjourn by 2:00pm
Break Out Sessions I
By Species/commodity
1. Salmonids-
2. Catfish-
3. Crustaceans-Shrimp, crawfish
4. Bivalves-(oysters, mussels, clams)
5. Non-salmonid marine fish-
6. Percids (tilapia, striped bass, yellow perch) -
7. Non-food fish-
Break Out Sessions II
By Discipline
8. Genetics/Genomics
9. Physiology (Reproduction, Growth and Stress)
10. Production Systems -
11Aquatic Animal Health-
12. Nutrition and Feeds-
13 Aquaculture Products-
Break Out Sessions III
Emerging Issues
14. Biosecurity
15. Water availability and Use-
16. Larval feeds-
17. Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
Measures-
18. Aquatic Animal Welfare-
19. New aquatic species and consumer products
20. Aquatic Foods Consumption and Human Health Benefits
STAKEHOLDER RESPONSE FORM
If you cannot attend the USDA ARS/CSREES Aquaculture
Program Planning Workshop for stakeholders on April 15
and 16, 2008 in Kansas City, MO, please provide your
written input no later than April 10.
If you cannot attend the workshop, we still wish to record your input.
Please complete and return this Stakeholder Response
Form to suggest priority research needs, technology
transfer mechanisms, and opportunities and benefits for
integrated research-extension approaches for any or all
breakout sessions in the workshop program. Please refer
to the Break Out Sessions/Topic listing below.
Break
Out Sessions/Topics
|
Break Out Sessions I
By Species/commodity |
Break Out Sessions II
By Discipline |
Break Out Sessions III
Emerging Issues |
|
1.
Salmonids- |
8.
Genetics/Genomics |
14.
Biosecurity |
|
2. Catfish-
|
9.
Physiology (Reproduction, Growth and Stress) |
15.
Water availability and Use- |
|
3.
Crustaceans-Shrimp, crawfish |
10.
Production Systems - |
16.
Larval feeds- |
|
4.
Bivalves-(oysters, mussels, clams) |
11.
Aquatic Animal Health-
|
17.
Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
Measures- |
|
5.
Non-salmonid marine fish-
|
12.
Nutrition and Feeds- |
18.
Aquatic Animal Welfare- |
|
6.
Percids (tilapia, striped bass, yellow perch) - |
13.
Aquaculture Products- |
19.
New aquatic species and consumer products |
|
7.
Non-food fish- |
|
20.
Aquatic Foods Consumption and Human Health
Benefits |
Please provide your input below and return the completed
form by fax or email it to Rosemary Callahan at
301-504-4873 (rosemary.callahan@ars.usda.gov) no later
than April 10.
Name:
Title:
Company, Organization, or University:
Email and/or telephone:
Opportunities/Problems
Please indicate species/ discipline using attached break
out session agenda
Opportunities/Problems
Approach to address Opportunities/Problems
Expected outcomes (numeric if appropriate; e.g. 30%
improvement)
Tech Transfer/Extension/Integrated Research Needs
Thank you for your attention and assistance (Jeff
Silverstein and Gary Jensen, USDA)
FDA RELEASES
INFORMATION ON SUPPLEMENTAL POLICIES: DRUG-PESTICIDE
ISSUES (Posted
03-01-07)
CENTER FOR
VETERINARY MEDICINE, PROGRAM POLICY AND PROCEDURES
MANUAL 1240.4220: SUPPLEMENTAL POLICIES: DRUG-PESTICIDE
ISSUES
I. Introduction: If a registered pesticide is being used
properly (i.e., the labeled conditions in fact exist in
the facility at the time the pesticide is used, and the
compound is not misused under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)), FDA will not
object to that proper use if the pesticide has purported
incidental, concurrent therapeutic (drug) benefit. Title
40 of the Code of Federal Regulations contains the
regulations under which the pesticide programs operate.
II. Registered Pesticide: If a registered pesticide is
not being used properly under FIFRA and is intended for
a drug use, then FDA may consider regulatory action.
A. Coordination should be effected with EPA since a
FIFRA violation likely would have occurred in addition
to an FD&C Act violation.
B. Regulatory action against a vendor should be
considered if the vendor is (overtly/subtly)
establishing an intended drug use for the pesticide.
Regulatory action at the producer level should be
considered only in light of the limits discussed in
II.A.3. in CVM Program Policy and Procedures Manual
1240.4200.
III. Compound Not Registered as a Pesticide:
If a compound that is not registered as a pesticide (and
is not exempted from registration) is promoted or used
both as a pesticide and a drug, regulatory action should
be considered. Coordination should be effected with EPA
since a FIFRA violation would likely have occurred in
addition to an FD&C Act violation.
Responsible Office: Division of Compliance
Date: 10/29/97; Updated 2/19/08 1
FEBRUARY 2008
CALIFORNIA
ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF AQUACULTURE COORDINATOR FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
(Posted 02-06-08)
Dr. Devin Bartley, 54, of Oroville, and graduate of
U.C. Davis, has been appointed aquaculture coordinator
for the Department of Fish and Game. Since 2000, he has
served as senior fishery resources officer for the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United
Nations. Bartley has worked for the FAO since 1991 and
previously held the positions of officer in charge of
aquaculture and inland fishery service and fishery
resource officer. Prior to that, he was an assistant
researcher for the University of California , Davis from
1989 to 1991 and a private consultant for Ocean
Nutrition from 1988 to 1990. Bartley is a member of the
American Fisheries Society, the World Aquaculture
Society and the American Association for the Advancement
of Science. This position does not require Senate
confirmation.
RESEARCH
TO Quantify Economic Contribution of Recreational Fish
Producers For Western States, Including California, led
by Colorado State University
(Posted 02-01-08)
A team of researchers at Colorado State University and
several other institutions has been awarded a grant by
the Western Regional Aquaculture Center to document the
economic contribution of the suppliers of recreational
fish in the Western United States. Dr. Craig Bond,
Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Resource
Economics at CSU, will lead the effort.
Contributions of an industry to a local or regional
economy are typically measured by tracing the flows of
spending between the firms in an industry and the rest
of the economy. The linkages between these industries,
and the share of local versus non-local purchases,
interact to create an overall industry contribution to
regional economies. Often, these results are reported in
the form of “multipliers”. For example, an output
multiplier of 1.62 for an industry in a particular
economy implies that for every dollar of sales, an
additional $0.62 of sales is generated elsewhere in that
economy.
To most accurately trace these spending flows, the
research team plans to collect primary data from the
supplying producers themselves using a survey. The
survey will include production data by species and size,
volume of production and sales, employment and wage
data, and perhaps most importantly, spending on inputs
(including materials, machinery, etc.). This information
will be used with a regional input-output model across
the twelve-state Western region to estimate total
economic contributions of the industry. In accordance
with Colorado State University regulations, information
for individual firms will be kept private and
confidential, and no results will be published that
allows identification of specific operations.
The research team is currently developing the survey
instrument and conducting focus groups in order to
refine and improve upon the current version of the
survey. A first mailing of the survey is planned for
early February. As the accuracy and representativeness
of the results critically depend on producer
participation, the research team would like to invite
producers to visit an informational website at
dare.colostate.edu/wracimpact.html, and/or to contact
Dr. Bond at 970-491-6951 or craig.bond@colostate.edu
with any questions.
Request for Western Regional Aquaculture Center Regional
Research and Outreach Project Pre-Proposals
(Posted
02-01-08)
The Western Regional Aquaculture Center’s (WRAC’s)
Industry Advisory Council and Technical Committee
recently reviewed the status of priority needs of the
aquaculture industry throughout the western region and
developed problem statements for projects in the 2009
fiscal funding cycle. The Board of Directors approved
the enclosed six statements for solicitation of
pre-proposals. WRAC policy requests that each project
include participation by two or more states located
within the western region (Alaska, Arizona, California,
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon,
Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). Research partnerships
may be formed among all elements of federal, state, and
local government, public institutions, and the private
sector.
WRAC is seeking pre-proposals for the following six
research areas (Problem Statements attached):
1. Alternative Species
2. Microalgae Culture in the West
3. Effect and Interaction of Alternative Ingredients in
Fish Diets
4. Tilapia Nutrition for Modern Intensive Production
5. Salmonid Gamete Quality
6. Alternative and Dependable Sterilization Techniques
For details and additional
instructions go to
http://www.fish.washington.edu/wrac/
and click on WRAC News.
Catfish Farmers
of America Annual Convention
Feb. 29-March 2, 2008
Hyatt Regency San Diego
San Diego, Calif.
For Information: email:
catfishjournalth@bellsouth.net
JANUARY 2008:
USDA, Agricultural Research
Service (ARS) & Cooperative State Research, Education
and Extension Service (CSREES) Announces Stakeholders
Meeting to Set 5-Year Research Priorities
(Posted 12-23-07)
ARS and CSREES announce the
2008 Aquaculture Program Planning Workshop focusing on
research, technology transfer, integrated
research-extension programs, and linkages with key
partners. The workshop will be held in Kansas City,
Missouri, from April 15-16th, 2008, for stakeholder
input and interactions; April 17, 2008 will be the USDA
post-workshop session devoted to action plan
development.
This workshop is designed to
provide stakeholders, customers, and partners with the
opportunity to participate in planning the direction of
public investments in USDA aquaculture programs for the
next five years.
Aquaculture Program Planning
Workshop, Airport Hilton Hotel,
Kansas City, Missouri, April
15-17, 2008
April 15: Morning
introductions and reports; Afternoon simultaneous
breakout sessions.
April 16: Simultaneous breakout sessions
continued with summaries.
April 17: USDA ARS and CSREES closed,
post-workshop sessions.
Why convene the
workshop: We need public and professional input in
forming the objectives and directions of our aquaculture
program support of U.S. agriculture for the next five
years.
Who should attend April
15-16: Aquaculture farmers and their
representatives, manufacturers of aquacultural products
and technology developers, veterinarians, researchers
from federal, commercial and university laboratories and
experiment stations, extension specialists, and anyone
having problems that can be addressed by USDA-funded
aquaculture programs. This is also a great opportunity
to make new professional contacts and to further
understand the diversity of aquaculture programs
administered by ARS and CSREES.
What is provided:
The workshop will include breakfasts, snacks, and
lunches on Tuesday and Wednesday, plus a reception on
Tuesday evening. We hope you can attend and will make
many new professional contacts at this meeting.
If you are interested in
attending this workshop, or to request more information,
please contact Rosemary Callahan at:
Rosemary.Callahan@ars.usda.gov
Jeffrey
Silverstein, USDA-Agricultural Research Service,
National Program Leader, Aquaculture
Ornamental
Fish Health Seminar
(Posted 01-21-08)
The
Greater Nevada Aquatic Ecology and KOI Health Academy is
holding a pathology, health and pond management seminar
and workshop February 23-24 in Reno Nevada. Instructors
are from industries and universities. Accommodations are
at the Siena Hotel, Spa & Casino at $119 and
registration is $295. For additional information
regarding special topics, program and registration
details please contact Dr. Tim Miller-Morgan at (541)
867-0265 or at
tim.miller-morgan@oregonstate.edu .
DECEMBER 2007:
CONTE TAKES A SABBATICAL
(Posted 12-12-07)
Yes, and I am looking forward to it. I will be taking a
sabbatical to work on selected special projects,
beginning January 2, 2008 through December 2008. The
primary project is to work on a sturgeon book, with the
working title of, Sturgeon Culture: for Conservation,
Meat and Caviar. The book will also include an
update of the sturgeon hatchery manual that we published
in1988. The project includes construction of a companion
digital E-book, which will contain digital photography,
Flash-video presentations and additional sturgeon
culture information. In addition, I will participate in
Sea Grant funded sturgeon research on egg development
quality, and the production of a digital outreach
publication and a Flash video covering the research
subject.
A second part of the
sabbatical will be to work on construction of special
topics and sections in the California Aquaculture web
site, so the web site will continue to be updated and
maintained. As some have noted, the website’s Podcast
and Flash video sections have been at a standstill for
the past few months, primarily due to the noise from
sub-street construction in front of my office window.
Since I will also be working at a second location while
on sabbatical, production of the voiceover recordings
will be made at the second location until the roadwork
is completed.
Future Podcasts include
continuation of the oyster aquaculture series and a
beginning series on aquatic animal welfare, and niche
marketing of aquaculture products. These Podcasts will
also be added to the Aquaculture Podcasts from the
University of California, free download section on
the iTunes website (www.iTunes.com).
Flash video presentations for our web site will include
the basics of aquatic animal welfare, engineering
aquatic systems for welfare, and models for best animal
practices in fish live hauling and holding of live fish.
GLOBAL AQUACULTURE ALLIANCE EXPANDS BEST
AQUACULTURE PRACTICES (BAP) CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.
(Posted 12-07-07)
The Global
Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) is forming a new Standards
Oversight Committee (SOC) to coordinate the development
of its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification
standards. Draft standards are being developed for
Channel Catfish and Tilapia, and nominations for SOC
membership is being sought. Channel Catfish draft
guidelines and comment links may be found at
www.gaalliance.org/comment2.html.
Submit your comments
on Channel Catfish by December 31. Please send
nominations for SOC membership to
dangaelle@aol.com
or
fax to +44-0-1248-716729.
The SOC will manage public input, oversee the process of
developing standards, and coordinate updates. Its
members will include equal representation from
nongovernmental conservation and social justice
organizations, academic institutions and regulatory
agencies, and industry.
Global
Aquaculture Alliance --
http://www.gaalliance.org
Feeding the World Through Responsible Aquaculture
5661 Telegraph Road, Suite 3A -- St. Louis, Missouri
63129 USA
Telephone: 314-293-5500 -- Fax: 314-293-5525 -- E-mail:
homeoffice@gaalliance.org
2007
EDITION OF THE BLUEBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE
In
2003, the AFS-FHS released a new digital version of the
FHS Blue Book. In that version were many new diagnostic
chapters, hundreds of color pictures, videos, and a new
inspection section written jointly with the USFWS. The
latest version of the FHS Blue Book is ready for
distribution and sale. This new edition contains an
updated Fish Health Inspection Manual co-authored with
the USFWS, many new Diagnostic Chapters, and (for the
first time ever) QA/QC Guidelines for Fish Disease
Laboratories. The new Diagnostic Chapters include seven
shellfish disease chapters written by East and West
Coast experts. These are all very up to date and
lavishly illustrated Those with subscriptions to the
Blue Book will be receiving their new copies very soon.
Those wishing to purchase the Blue Book CD will find it
by following the Bookstore links on the
AFS web site or by going directly to the
AFS bookstore

USDA-CSREES OPENS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR INTEGRATED
ORGANIC PROGRAM - AQUACULTURE ELIGIBLE
(POSTED
12-04-07)(Source USDA-CSREES-Received 12-04-07))
Please
note the following notice of funding opportunity to
support the development of national organic standards
for farmed aquatic species. There are certainly
researchable topics and educational issues associated
with advancing organic certification of aquaculture
products through USDA in the US. Please review the
various integrated and other activities that are
eligible for funding under this program and consider
strategic partnerships to develop highly competitive
proposals related to organic certification of farmed
aquatic species.
The purpose of the Integrated Organic
Program is to solve critical organic agriculture issues,
priorities, or problems through the integration of
research, education, and extension activities in two
program areas: (1) Organic Transitions Program (ORG);
and (2) Organic Agriculture Research and Extension
Initiative (OREI). ORG funds the development and
implementation of research, extension, and higher
education programs to improve the competitiveness of
organic producers and producers who are adopting organic
practices. OREI funds research and extension programs
that enhance the ability of producers and processors who
have already adopted organic standards to grow and
market high quality organic agricultural products. These
two funding opportunities are included in the same
Request for Applications. PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM DOES
NOT FUND START UP BUSINESSES
Solicitation Date
(Opening) November 15, 2007
Letter of Intent Due Date None
Due Date (Closing) January 9, 2008
For Details go to go to:
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/integratedorganicprogramicgp.cfm
NOVEMBER 2007:
NOAA and USDA
Accepting Public Comment on Aquaculture Feeds
(Posted November 20)
NOAA and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture are soliciting information and
ideas on ways to lessen dependence on fish-based feeds
in the aquaculture industry. This comment period is the
first step of a broad, year-long program that will
include research projects, scientific consultations and
a national workshop aimed at developing new and
effective ingredients for aqua-feed.
"Forty percent of the
seafood consumed in the United States comes from farmed
sources, so we have a keen interest in making sure that
aquaculture production is efficient and environmentally
responsible," said Bill Hogarth, director of NOAA
Fisheries Service. "Our program will identify science
needs on alternative feeds for aquaculture to guide
federal research funding priorities."
Congress is considering
legislation to allow NOAA to permit aquaculture
operations in federal waters, three to 200 miles off
U.S. coasts. If enacted, the National Offshore
Aquaculture Act of 2007 also would authorize a
research and development program for all marine
aquaculture, which would advance the movement to find
additional feed options.
Producers feed pellets
to farm-raised fish and shrimp that are made in part
from ground-up herring, menhaden, anchovy, and sardines,
so-called industrial fish. These small, bony species
provide farmed seafood with important protein, fatty
acids and essential vitamins and minerals.
The issue of feed
ingredients is a challenge facing the expanding global
aquaculture industry because industrial fish are under
increasing pressure as a commercial fishery worldwide.
The cost of fish meal has risen steeply as farming
operations have increased. In 2002, 46 percent of
fishmeal went to aquaculture uses, while 22 percent went
to poultry and 24 percent went to pigs. The amount of
available fish meal and fish oil is not likely to
increase, so producers must find other sources of feed
protein as the aquaculture industry continues to grow.
In response, industry is
turning to other feed ingredients such as algae and
soybeans, thus reducing the use of fishmeal and fish
oil. Studies are helping scientists to better understand
the nutritional requirements of fish to ensure new feeds
effectively grow seafood that retains nutritional
benefits for humans. NOAA Fisheries Service and USDA’s
Agricultural Research Service and Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service are
interested in making better use of discarded fish parts
from fish processing plants for feeds, in addition to
using a variety of potential ingredients from
agriculture, including plants.
To submit a question,
idea, or recommendation on alternative feeds for
aquaculture, stakeholders should send an e-mail to:
noaa.aquaculture@noaa.gov; send a fax to:
301-713-9108; or, send a letter to: NOAA Aquaculture
Program, Alternative Feeds Initiative, 1315 East-West
Highway, Room 13117, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The
deadline for comments is February 29, 2008.
FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS
AVAILABLE FOR CATFISH FEED LOSSES DUE TO NATURAL
DISASTERS -
EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 27 (Received
November 1, Poster November 2nd AND November20)
Application is
now online. Deadline to apply is
November 27, 2007
Do you raise catfish in a controlled environment in
California for commercial use?
Did you suffer a catfish feed loss or damage due to a
natural disaster from January 2, 2005 through February
28, 2007?
If so, you may be eligible for a reimbursement of up to
$80,000 from the 2007 Catfish Feed Compensation Program,
a U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency
disaster assistance program that is administered by the
California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Program participation criteria, application and
instructions for the program are now available online at
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/fflders/catfish.html.
Completed, hard-copy applications must be received by
the California Department of Food and Agriculture no
later than November 15, 2007.
CDFA
has developed a work sheet and instructions to assist
California's catfish producers in calculating costs
associated with lost feeding days. Under this method,
catfish producer's will be able submit a claim for the
livestock losses associated with the specific disaster,
such as a heat loss. Please review this document
carefully.
If you
have already submitted you application, you may file an
amended application by the extended due date of November
26, 2007. Questions can be directed to Natalie Krout,
nkrout@cdfa.ca.gov, Liz Houser, ehouser@cdfa.ca.gov or
by phone to 916-445-0444, or Kelsey Olson at (916)
445-0444 or
kolson@cdfa.ca.gov.
EXAMPLES
2007 Catfish Feed
Compensation Program
Method for calculating “Costs
associated to Lost Feeding Days”
Due to disasters (i.e. extreme heat) under Method #1.
Average Feeding Rate per Day Method
1.
Determine the
average feeding rate per day (in pounds of food) for the
months of May – September. Use the actual feed
purchased during this 150-day period based on feed mill
records or receipts. Divide the total pounds purchased
by 150 to determine average daily feeding rate.
2.
Multiply the
daily feeding rate by the number of days specified in
the disaster period to reach the “calculated feeding
days lost”. To determine the number of days, use the
“Start Date” and “End Date” from the Counties Affected
by a Designated Natural Disaster spreadsheet. For heat
losses in the same calendar year you may claim multiple
dates.
·
For Example
Kern County suffered excessive heat during 2 time
periods in 2006; 14 days from 5/1/2006-5/15/2006 and 30
days from 7/1/2006-7/31/2006; therefore a farmer in Kern
County would use 44 days for their calculation.
3.
Once you have
determined the “calculated feeding days lost” (CFDL)
divide that number by the 2.0 feed conversion rate to
determine the pounds of fish lost. Multiply the
calculated fish loss by the average price per pound
based on your sales in the year of loss (i.e. 2006
average price per pound).
4.
Record the
resulting dollar amount on Form CDFA-CFCP-07A and use
“Heat Loss Calculation” as the description. Attached a
supporting spreadsheet to show your calculations for
#1-3.
Formula for calculating loss:
_Feed
Purchased (lbs)_
X ____________
= ___________________
150 Days # days of
disaster (CFDL)
CFDL
= ____pounds of fish lost
X $_________ =
$ __________________
2.0
Price/pd
Dollar value of loss
Example:
A
producer in Kern County purchases 250 ton of food per
year. Between May – September he historically purchases
150 ton (300,000 pounds). This producer suffered a loss
due to extreme heat in 2006. Based on the Counties
Affected by a Designated Natural Disaster spreadsheet he
qualifies for 44 days of disaster designation. His
calculations under Method # 1 and Method 2 follow:
Method #1:
2000
pounds X 44 days = (88,000/2.0) = 44,000 pds of fish
lost x $2.60 per pd. = $114,400 (Dollar Value of Loss)
On Form
CDFA-CFCP-07A this producer would record the following:
Description of Loss: Heat Loss Calculation
Dollar
Value of Losses: $114,400
Type of
substantiating documents – Feed mill receipts
Date(s)
of loss: 5/1/2006-5/15/2006 and 7/1/2006-7/31/2006
Disaster Designated County: Kern
Disaster Designation Number: S2363 & S2386
Method #2:
The
producer would then calculate his loses under Method
#2. His records indicate that he purchased 250 tons of
feed in 2006.
250
tons x $26 per ton = $6500
Since
the losses under Method 2 ($6500.00) are less than the
losses under Method 1 ($114,000), he would submit a
claim for the $6500.00.
MEETINGS
PROPOSED U.S. ORGANIC AQUACULTURE STANDARDS UPDATE
Upcoming Symposium Posts Papers
(Poster October
11, 2007)
The
National Organic Standards (NOSB) and the National
Organic Program (NOP) are hosting an Organic Aquaculture
Symposium on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 in
conjunction with the Fall 2007 NOSB Meeting to be held
Wednesday, November 28 through Friday, November 30, 2007
in Washington, DC. The purpose of the symposium is to
obtain scientific and academic input to assist the NOSB
in making final recommendations to the NOP on two major
unresolved issues regarding the organic standards for
finfish aquaculture. The symposium is scheduled for Nov.
27 and will precede the Fall 2007 meeting of the
National Organic Standards Board scheduled 28-30 Nov. in
Washington, DC.
NOSB and NOP will be
taking another step toward the development of national
organic standards in reviewing and seeking further
consultation from stakeholders on two critical topics:
fish feed and fish meal/oil and open cage net pens. The
six members of each panel that will address these two
subjects have been selected and most of their papers
have been posted in addition to details on the symposium
at:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nosb/MeetingAgendas/Nov2007/OrganicAquacultureSymposium/11_07OrgAquaSymposiumPanelists.html
There will also be
several posters presented as well. Note the
international representation and perspectives that will
be presented. The organic aquaculture symposium is
scheduled for November 27 in Arlington Virginia the day
before the next meeting of the National Organic
Standards Board. George Lockwood, the chair of the NOSB
Aquaculture Working Group will also make introductory
comments at the outset of each panel to provide
background information about recommendations from the
Aquaculture Working Group.
If you
are interested in this topic, this should be a great
public event that will generate much debate and
discussion. The draft organic standards for bivalve
shellfish have also been posted by the NOSB for
public review and comment. It is anticipated that the
NOSB will direct more attention to organic aquaculture
standards at the 2008 spring meeting as well. The
government moves slow but is in fact moving forward on
this important topic to aquaculture growers, consumers
and seafood retailers.
(USDA CSREES)
(USDA CSREES)
OCTOBER 2007:
APHIS Makes Funding Available for Activities Related to
the Control of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia
(Posted October 10, 2007)
The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) is making $1.5 million in contingency
funds available for activities related to the control of
viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). Such control
activities include confirmatory testing, surveillance
and compliance, and education and outreach efforts.
These activities will help to prevent the spread of VHS
into aquaculture facilities. VHS is a destructive
pathogen that causes internal hemorrhaging and death in
a wide range of fish species. Dead and diseased wild
fish have been reported in the St. Lawrence River and in
Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario and
Lake St. Clair. Outbreaks of VHS have also been reported
in inland lakes in Michigan, New York and Wisconsin. The
disease does not pose a risk to people, but it has been
found to affect many different species of fish,
including several commercially farm-raised species in
the United States previously not known to be
susceptible to the disease. The contingency funding that
APHIS is providing will be used for surveillance and
compliance activities and other VHS-related efforts.
These include: laboratory upgrades to USDA’s National
Veterinary Services Laboratories to support confirmatory
testing; and an educational campaign that promotes
biosecurity efforts and addresses human-related
activities which-though not easily regulated-could
spread the disease. Surveillance activities will be
risk-based and focus on states in the Great Lakes
watershed and those states in surrounding watersheds.
APHIS will develop cooperative agreements with state
departments of natural resources, state departments of
agriculture, tribal agencies and other appropriate
agencies for surveillance and compliance efforts.
Surveillance data collected in the coming months will
give APHIS more information on VHS to better target
future surveillance and regulatory actions.
On Oct. 24, 2006, APHIS
issued a Federal Order to immediately prohibit the
importation of 37 susceptible species of live fish into
the United States from Ontario and Quebec, Canada-the
two provinces that have reported VHS outbreaks. The
order also prohibited the interstate movement of the
same fish species from eight states in the United States
(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio,
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) that have reported
incidences of VHS in wild fish or that are at immediate
risk of acquiring the disease because they share
watershed areas with states in which the disease has
been detected. APHIS amended the order on Nov. 14,
2006, to allow for movement and importation of
susceptible fish species under conditions that mitigate
the risk of spreading VHS; and on May 4, 2007, to allow
for catch-and-release fishing activities. Restrictions
under the Federal Order will continue until APHIS
publishes an interim rule establishing appropriate
VHS-related fish importation and interstate movement
criteria.
For additional
information, please contact P. Gary Egrie by telephone
at (301) 734-0695 or by e-mail at Paul.G.Egrie@aphis.usda.gov
UPCOMING
MEETINGSARE STILL POSTED UNDER CURRENT MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2007:
PROPOSED U.S. ORGANIC AQUACULTURE STANDARDS
SUPPLEMENT
TO INTERIM FINAL REPORT (Bivalve
Molluscs)
(Posted August 13, 2007)
The National Organic
Standards Board (NOSB) at its October 12–14, 2004,
meeting recommended the formation of an aquatic
animal taskforce to develop proposed production,
handling, and labeling standards for food and animal
feed products derived from aquatic animals. The
taskforce would be divided into two working
groups—one for animals that live and are harvested
in the wild or open-sea (wild-caught working group)
and another for animals that live and are harvested
under aquaculture (aquaculture working group).
(See August Archives for Greater Details)
Catfish Farmers
of America Annual Convention
(Posted August 13, 2007)
Feb. 29-March 2, 2008
Hyatt Regency San Diego
San Diego, Calif.
For Information: email:
catfishjournalth@bellsouth.net
61st
ANNUAL PACIFIC COAST SHELLFISH GROWERS ASSOCIATION (PCSGA) &
NATIONAL SHELLFISHERIES ASSOCIATION (NSA) ANNUAL SHELLFISH
CONFERENCE
(Posted August 13, 2007) and (August 28th, 2007)
The PCSGA and NSA events will be held October 9-12,
2007 at The Resort at the Mountain located in
Welches, Oregon 97067.
(See August Archives for Greater Details)
Registration for 2007
National Marine Aquaculture Summit
(Poster August 13,
2007)
Sponsored by NOAA, the summit will be held June 26-27,
in Washington, D.C.
(See August Archives for Greater Details)
The 59th Pacific
Fisheries Technologists (PFT) Meets in San Francisco
(Posted August 13,
2007)
PFT
will meet February 3-6, 2008 in San Francisco,
California at the Hotel Whitcomb. The 2008 theme of this
international meeting, “Sea to Plate by the City of the
Golden Gate,” emphasizes bridging communication.
(See August Archives for Greater Details)
AUGUST 2007 Archives:
AQUACULTURE AMERICA
08' CALL FOR ABSTRACTS (Deadline September 1, 2007)
(Posted July 12, &
July & August,
2007)
Aquaculture 08' America will be held in Buena Vista,
Florida (Orlando) February 9-12, 2008. Some special
meetings will begin on the 8th. The call for papers and
abstract deadline for presenters is August 7th, 2007
CHANGED TO SEPTEMBER 1, 2007.
For full information on the conference, hotel and
conference registration and abstract submissions go to:
https://www.was.org/meetings/ConferenceInfo.asp?MeetingCode=AA2008
PROPOSED U.S. ORGANIC AQUACULTURE STANDARDS
SUPPLEMENT
TO INTERIM FINAL REPORT (Bivalve
Molluscs)
(Posted August 13, 2007)
The National Organic
Standards Board (NOSB) at its October 12–14, 2004,
meeting recommended the formation of an aquatic
animal taskforce to develop proposed production,
handling, and labeling standards for food and animal
feed products derived from aquatic animals. The
taskforce would be divided into two working
groups—one for animals that live and are harvested
in the wild or open-sea (wild-caught working group)
and another for animals that live and are harvested
under aquaculture (aquaculture working group).
In preparation for the October 2006 Meeting of the
NOSB, the NOSB Livestock Committee invited further
public comment on some of the questions that had
arisen during its review of the proposed standards
for finfish in its document entitled: Invitation for
Public Comment on Aquaculture Standards, September
8, 2006 (PDF). Written and oral comments received in
response to that invitation are available for
viewing on the website under the October 2006 NOSB
meeting.
At the March 2007 NOSB
Meeting, the NOSB voted to accept the proposed
finfish standards of the aquaculture working group
but postponed their final vote on the sections
involving the use of wild harvested fish meal and
fish oil at up to 24% of the diet of finfish, open
net pens in oceans, and compost in ponds. An
aquaculture symposium on the use of fish meal, fish
oil, and open net pens is scheduled for November 27,
2007, in Washington, DC. Abstracts are being
reviewed by the Livestock Committee at this time. No
recommendation on these outstanding issues will be
made at the November 2007 NOSB meeting.
On July 9, 2007, the
NOP received the Supplement to the Interim Final
Report (Bivalve molluscs)
(PDF). It has
been submitted to NOSB for its review and acceptance
at the November 2007 NOSB Meeting. In the meantime,
the NOSB is seeking public comment on the Supplement
to the Interim Final Report (Bivalve molluscs) of
the aquaculture working group, until
November 9, 2007.
With respect to
receipt of comments by the NOSB during the comment
period, the following provisions have been
established to ensure that your comment will be
received and reviewed by the Board:
•
Mail:
Persons may submit comments on listed Board
recommendations by mail to: Valerie Frances,
Executive Director, National Organic Standards Board
(NOSB), National Organic Program, 1400 and
Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4008 - South Building,
Washington, D.C. 20250-0001.
•
E-mail:
Comments may be sent via internet to NOSB.Livestock@usda.gov.
•
Fax:
Comments may be submitted by fax to (202) 205-7808.
In reviewing and
commenting on the Supplement to the Interim Final
Report (Bivalve molluscs) aquaculture working
group’s interim final report, please consider and
respond to the following criteria:
Do the recommended
standards:
1. Communicate effectively?
2. Provide clear, context of scope, product
coverage, and production systems?
3. Identify and address key stakeholders and their
concerns and challenges?
4. Include vision and strategy for achieving
consistency with organic principles demonstrated in
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and its
implementing regulations?
5. Present measurable objectives which are
enforceable?
6. Present a clear expectation of targets and goals?
To
review the Supplement to the Interim Final Report
(Bivalve Molluscs) go to:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/TaskForces/AATFShellfishFINAL7-09-07.pdf
Catfish Farmers
of America Annual Convention
(Posted August 13, 2007)
Feb. 29-March 2, 2008
Hyatt Regency San Diego
San Diego, Calif.
For Information: email:
catfishjournalth@bellsouth.net
61st
ANNUAL PACIFIC COAST SHELLFISH GROWERS ASSOCIATION (PCSGA) &
NATIONAL SHELLFISHERIES ASSOCIATION (NSA) ANNUAL SHELLFISH
CONFERENCE
(Posted August 13, 2007) and (August 28th, 2007)
A major event at this
years combined PCSGA-NSA Conference will be to
discuss standards for the certification of molluscan
aquaculture products, which make up one-quarter of
the world’s aquaculture production. The purpose of
the meeting is to finalize the list of key
environmental and social impacts of mollusks
aquaculture (e.g. transfer of diseases to wild
caught species and harvesting techniques, such as
dredging, that harm critical habitat), establish
goals and objectives for the group and create a
steering committee to spearhead the group’s work.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will convene several
meetings of the Mollusk Aquaculture Dialogue over
the next year to develop principles, criteria, and
then credible, measurable and voluntary standards
geared toward minimizing or eliminating the main
environmental and social impacts caused by farming
clams, oysters, abalone, scallops and mussels. Once
finalized, the standards will be handed off to a
certification entity to manage the system.
Certification could take a number of forms, from a
buyer or investment screen to a third-party
eco-labeled product sold in supermarkets and
restaurants. Producers participating in such a
program could benefit from preferential treatment
from lending agencies, retailers or chefs, as well
as increased or differentiated market access, and
possibly, premium prices.
The PCSGA and NSA events will be held October 9-12,
2007 at The Resort at the Mountain located in
Welches, Oregon 97067
For more information access the PCSGA web site at
http://www.pcsga.org/ or at the following:
PCSGA Business Office
120 State Ave. NE, #142
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 754-2744
Fax: (360) 754-2743
pcsga@pcsga.org
Registration for 2007
National Marine Aquaculture Summit
(Poster August 13,
2007)
Sponsored by NOAA, the summit will be held June 26-27,
in Washington, D.C. The summit will feature a broad
agenda focused on the business opportunities and
challenges for U.S. marine aquaculture. At the meeting,
business leaders, policy experts, government officials,
and researchers from across the nation will gather to
exchange ideas and make recommendations on how the
United States can join the global aquaculture community
and accelerate the integration of domestic aquaculture
into our own seafood production efforts.
Registration for the 2007 National Marine Aquaculture
Summit is now available online on a first come-first
serve basis. To register, go to
www.Aquaculture2007.noaa.gov and follow the
directions. The summit is free, but registration is
required and space is limited. For more information,
contact Kate.Naughten@noaa.gov.
The 59th Pacific
Fisheries Technologists (PFT) Meets in San Francisco
(Posted August 13,
2007)
PFT
will meet February 3-6, 2008 in San Francisco,
California at the Hotel Whitcomb. The 2008 theme of this
international meeting, “Sea to Plate by the City of the
Golden Gate,” emphasizes bridging communication.
Registration and an evening reception starts on February
3rd and the technical program starts at 8 AM on February
4th and ends by noon on February 6th. There will be oral
and poster presentations. The call for papers seeks
presentations in:
Aquaculture and Feeds · Biochemistry · Byproducts ·
Education/Extension · Engineering; Environmental Issues
· Fish Harvesting and Handling · Marine Biology ·
Marketing · Microbiology; Processing · Regulatory Issues
· Safety · Shellfish · Value-added Products · Waste
Management
The due date for submitting abstracts is November 30,
2007. The technical presentation committee chair is Dr.
Subramaniam Sathivel (Louisiana State University).
Questions regarding PFT can also be emailed at:
PFT2008@gmail.com
JULY 2007
ARCHIVES:
SPECIFIC
NOSB QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED REGARDING
PROPOSED U.S. ORGANIC AQUACULTURE STANDARDS
(Posted July 6, 2007)
The
National Organic Standards (NOSB) and the National
Organic Program (NOP) are hosting an Organic Aquaculture
Symposium on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 in conjunction
with the Fall 2007 NOSB Meeting to be held Wednesday,
November 28 through Friday, November 30, 2007 in
Washington, DC. The purpose of the symposium is to
obtain scientific and academic input to assist the NOSB
in making final recommendations to the NOP on two major
unresolved issues regarding the organic standards for
finfish aquaculture. The symposium is scheduled for Nov.
27 and will precede the Fall 2007 meeting of the
National Organic Standards Board scheduled 28-30 Nov. in
Washington, DC.
Current Unresolved Issue Areas: (1) Compatibility of
Open Cage Net Pens with organic aquaculture standards;
(2) Alternative Nutritional Technologies to Fish Oil
(12%) and Fish Meal (12%) at 24% of Total Feed.
See NOSB June 19th
Posting for specifics of meetings.
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE
ADDRESSED
A. Compatibility of Open Cage Net Pens with organic
aquaculture standards
1. How can open cage net pens be ecologically
responsible? What requirements need to be included in
the proposed regulation to assure this? How can the
issues of water flow and rotational locations be
included? What are the other issues?
2. Sea-lice: What is the prevalence or rate of sea lice
infestation in wild fish populations where there are no
net pens? What are the regional variations? Are sea lice
infestations inherent with open cage net pen systems?
How can they be controlled without prohibited substances
in an organic system?
3. Escape: What is the current rate of escape in the
conventional aquaculture and the developing organic
aquaculture industry? How can the issue of escape be
better controlled in an organic system than in a
conventional ocean-based system? Are there any
implications to containment farming of fish species not
indigenous to that geographic area other than
cross-breeding with native species?
4. Assimilation of waste: How much can any system expect
to mitigate waste in outflow and settling of waste in
open pen systems? Actual data regarding the inflow and
outflow of nutrients of existing operations claiming
sustainable practices would be the most helpful.
5. Predators: What is the risk to and from predators in
open pen systems? In relation to language in the AWG
document, in what ways is the section on predators
adequate, or in need of changing, etc?
6. Migratory issues: How is migration a valid issue for
these fish at the stage of life when they would be
housed in open net pen systems? If so, what are these
issues and their implications?
B. Alternative nutritional technologies to Fish Meal
(12%) & Fish Oil (12%) at 24% of Total Feed
1. What alternative nutritional technology is available,
or in development, to fish meal and fish oil for fish
that have a high requirement for nutrients provided in
these feedstuffs? What are the prospects for research to
yield new knowledge that would make it possible for fish
meal and oil levels in feeds for farmed fish species to
be reduced below the proportions in the diet that are
considered the minimum today?
2. Would these alternatives meet the principles of
organic production for allowance as a feed source?
3. Would the fish product resulting from the use of
these alternative feed sources be considered
nutritionally comparable for humans to fish consuming
feed from their natural environment regarding such
nutrients as omega-3 fatty acids?
4. What is the feed conversion rate of these different
technologies compared to the traditional diets in
current conventional and organic confinement systems?
How would the feed conversion ratio be affected by using
alternative protein and oil sources that were compatible
with organic principles compared to current commercial
diets containing fish meal and oil?
5. What is the state-of-the-art with regard to the
minimum percentages of fish meal and oil needed in feeds
for commercially important farmed fish species that
currently are reared using feeds containing relatively
high proportions of fish meal and oil?
6. Is utilization of wild-caught sources in organic fish
farming systems feasible or acceptable to the organic
community? Why or why not?
7. How can fish meal and fish oil from the waste
processing stream of wild caught fish sources only
coming from sustainably-fished species be separated and
segregated in "the real world" from
non-sustainably-fished species?
8. If wild-caught fish meal and fish oil were to be
allowed as feed for organic fish, what would be a
realistic time frame until organic sources of fish meal
become available? Are wild caught sources feasible? What
wild fish sourcing guidelines should be placed on the
various potential fishery industries and what
governmental agencies or NGO’s should be utilized to
monitor these fisheries? Special consideration should be
given to consider that many of these fisheries would be
out of US waters.
9. If the farmed fish species are the source of fish
meal and fish oil, what are the implications of this
practice? Discuss the environmental footprint of such
procedures especially related to feed supply and
environmental waste.
JUNE 2007
ARCHIVE:
USDA
REOPENS COMMENT PERIOD FOR INTERIM FINAL RULE FOR
MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING (COOL) OF FISH AND
SHELLFISH. (Posted June 25, 2007)
The
U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it is
reopening the comment period for 60 days for the Interim
Final Rule (IFR) for mandatory country of origin
labeling (COOL) for fish and shellfish covered
commodities.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is reopening the
comment period to request general comments on the IFR,
which has been in effect for over two years. The
comments received by USDA will be used to promulgate a
final rule for mandatory COOL for fish and shellfish,
and to the extent applicable, other covered commodities.
USDA published the COOL requirements for fish and
shellfish as an IFR in the Oct. 5, 2004, Federal
Register, with an effective date of April 4, 2005. The
IFR requires designated retailers and their suppliers to
notify customers of the country of origin and method of
production of specified fish and shellfish products and
maintain specific records to verify claims. The full
text of the IFR can be found at
http://www.ams.usda.gov/cool/COOLfr.pdf.
Details
of the comment period reopening will be published in the
June 20 issue of the Federal Register. Comments are due
August 20 and should be submitted online at
www.regulations.gov.
Additional means of comment submission are via e-mail to
cool@usda.gov; by mail to Country of Origin
Labeling Program, Room 2607-S, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0254,
Washington, DC 2025-0254; or by fax to (202) 720 – 1112.
Additional information on this and the COOL program can
be found at
http://www.ams.usda.gov/cool .
New Global Aquatic Vet Association
Formed. (Posted: June 22, 2007)
The first Annual General Meeting of the newly formed
Aquatic Veterinary Association (AqVA) will be held on
July 18, 2007 in Washington DC, USA, in conjunction with
the144th AVMA Annual Convention.
The mission of the Aquatic Veterinary Association will
be:
"To serve the discipline of aquatic veterinary medicine
in enhancing
aquatic animal health and welfare, public health, and
seafood safety in
support of the veterinary profession, aquatic animal
industries and
other stakeholders".
The purpose of the Association is:
* To serve aquatic veterinary medicine practitioners of
many disciplines
and backgrounds by developing programs to support and
sustain members
and the aquatic species industries that they serve.
* To identify, foster and strengthen professional and
political
interactions among aquatic medicine practitioners and
other
organizations around the world.
* To advocate for, develop guidance on, and promote the
advancement of
the science, ethics and professional aspects of aquatic
animal medicine
within the veterinary profession and a wider audience.
* To optimally position and advance the discipline of
aquatic veterinary
medicine, and support the practice of aquatic veterinary
medicine in all
countries.
Registration for 2007
National Marine Aquaculture Summit Open
(Posted June 19, 2007)
Registration for the
2007 National Marine Aquaculture Summit is now
available online on a first come-first serve basis. To
register, go to
www.Aquaculture2007.noaa.gov and follow the
directions. The summit is free, but registration is
required and space is limited.
Sponsored by
NOAA, the summit will be held June 26-27, in
Washington, D.C. The summit will feature a broad
agenda focused on the business opportunities and
challenges for U.S. marine aquaculture. At the meeting,
business leaders, policy experts, government officials,
and researchers from across the nation will gather to
exchange ideas and make recommendations on how the
United States can join the global aquaculture community
and accelerate the integration of domestic aquaculture
into our own seafood production efforts.
For m