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The
mission of the Ohio Center for Aquaculture Research and Development (OCARD) is to increase
the productivity, innovation and profitability of Ohio and US aquaculture
operations, while respecting sustainability and good stewardship, by implement
of sustainability and good stewardship, by implement of innovative research,
outreach, extension and education programs in aquaculture.
O’GIFT is experiencing significant progress
O’GIFT (Ohio Genetic Improvement of Farmed-fish Traits) Program: Eight
strains of yellow perch were obtained from eight states and stock
evaluations have been completed. Two thousand genetically superior broodfish
were selected as the base breeding population for the long-term selective
breeding program. To date, two improved lines of perch have been produced
and distributed to farmers and a research facility for initial
commercial-scale tests. Current research data show that the two improved
lines grow 39.8% and 18.3% faster than unimproved fish. We have completed
two out of eight steps for developing technology to produce genetically male
bluegill that would grow 40-50% faster than a mixed-gender population. The
O’GIFT program is expected to increase aquaculture production and efficiency
of perch and bluegill by 35-50% by developing genetically improved
broodstocks.
Aquaculture...
Spreading Our Fins!
The OCARD is expanding
into the northwest corner of Ohio.
Responding to a need for enhanced aquaculture research and support in
the northern area of the state, a new Bowling Green Aquaculture Satellite
Center opened its doors on June 26, 2008. The new Center will focus on research
and extension initiatives involving recirculation aquaculture
and developing the baitfish industry in Ohio. Visitors will be able to see a
variety of commercial scale recirculation systems at the Center, located
in the Hirzel Agriculture Incubator in Bowling Green.
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