The Blue Revolution: Where will our seafood come from in the future?

NOAA

A significant portion of my outreach is focused on fisheries as well as seafood safety and sustainability. One of the most prevelant questions I get is about aquaculture, particularly the benefits/risks associated with it.
My esteemed colleage John Stevely, the Manatee County Sea Grant Agent, just wrote a great article that addresses the topic and I thought I'd share it with you.

The Blue Revolution: Where will our seafod come from in the future?

by John Stevely, Manatee County Sea Grant Agent

There has been a truly amazing revolution going on in our lifetime. The past four decades have seen the birth and rapid growth of the world fish farming industry. Currently, almost half (47%) of seafood is produced by farming (also called aquaculture). If the industry continues to grow at its present rate (7.4%), it may provide 62% of the world’s protein by 2050.
This is not to say that the world’s wild-caught fisheries will not provide a significant share of seafood production. Although there have been some claims that our oceans’ fisheries production will collapse this century, I do not believe this will be the case.
Yes, there have been problems with collapses of major fisheries, but currently over half of the world fisheries are at sustainable levels. I think solutions will be found for some of the problem fisheries. However, it is true that we have at least reached maximum production and there will be level production or somewhat reduced production in the future.


Most farmed seafood originates in
Asian countries. (Florida Sea Grant)

 Where are the fish farms? Although you don’t see many fish farms in Florida, there is a successful clam farming industry here, mostly centered in the Cedar Key area. However, shrimp and fish farms have not been financially successful in Florida. There are major fish/shrimp farming industries in central and south America as well as in Europe. But as you can see from the adjoining graphic, Asia is the 800-lb gorilla of the aquaculture industry.
Why is that? There are a number of contributing explanations (government policies and subsidies, geography, etc.), but the one-word answer is economics. It is very difficult to compete with low-cost land and a seemingly endless supply of low-cost labor found in many Asian countries, especially China.

Salmon farm in British Columbia
(BC Salmon Farmers Association)

Are there any problems with fish farming? Yes. Remember, this is essentially a new industry. At the beginning of this article I noted that modern fish farming started about 40 years ago. When shrimp farming started, mangrove wetlands where destroyed to create shrimp ponds. Fish farms in coastal waters, in some cases, led to too much waste being released into surrounding waters. Densely packed fish farms resulted in disease and parasites spreading through farmed fish. These fish often escaped, spreading disease to wild populations.

However, as the industry matures, fish farmers and environmental regulators are learning from past mistakes. Innovative solutions are being developed that will help the industry progress in a more sustainable, environmentally compatible manner. Some farmers are beginning to raise seaweed and filter-feeding mollusks near fish farms to take up waste products. Improvements in animal husbandry and feed formulations are reducing disease.

Some innovative thinkers have come up with ideas to farm the open ocean where waste products would be rapidly dispersed by ocean currents. One idea is to have submerged fish pens equipped with large propellers that could ride in stable ocean currents and then return months later to their starting point.

No such thing as a free fish! The most difficult problem to solve in the future of fish farming is the fact that it takes fish protein to produce fish protein. The fish meal used to feed farmed fish contains a large amount of fish protein that comes from small wild fish such as anchovies and sardines. Hence, eventually overfishing problems could develop with these species. In years past, most fish meal was fed to pigs and chickens. Now fish farming consumes 68% of the fish meal currently being produced.

New design for submersible fish cage.
(Ocean Farm Technologies)

However, advances are being made to develop better formulations that can reduce the amount of fish protein needed in the meal and more efficient feeding practices are being developed. Scientists are working on ways to make microscopic algae produce the omega-3 fatty acids that make seafood such a healthy food choice. Innovations like this may reduce the amount of fish that need to be harvested to produce fish meal, and increase the potential to increase farm fish production without depleted other fish stocks.

What will the future bring? The growth of the world fish farming industry has been phenomenal. Because of the health attributes of eating seafood, demand is increasing. We cannot count on increased production of wild-caught fisheries to meet this demand. Fish farming has and will continue to provide an increasing amount of the seafood we eat. However, the problems facing the industry I mentioned are very real. It will take quite a number of innovative and brilliant minds to develop solutions. Perhaps some the projections for the growth of modern fish farming industry may be overly optimistic, but it seems reasonable to conclude that it will provide an important source of protein to meet the world’s future needs.

Read more of The Marine Scene at this link: http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/seagrant/index.shtml

Are You Smarter Than a Stone Crab Tour!

High School Marine Science Field Trip

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to spend the morning assisting a colleague from Rookery Bay with a field trip for high school marine science students from Gulf Coast High School. We couldn't have asked for a better day! We started off our boat trip discussing the importance of water quality to the health of the estuary and explained Rookery Bay's water quality monitoring program. We split the students up into small groups to collect data on salinity, pH, and turbidity. We did our testing near the mouth of Henderson Creek to emphasize the importance of freshwater input (or more specifically lack of freshwater in the case of Henderson Creek)

Next we headed towards Keewaydin Island to do a trawl, which is always one of my favorite activities. I have to admit we didn't catch a lot of stuff, but we certainly had a decent amount of diversity. Our catch included a juvenile stone crab, 9-armed sea star, brittle star, spotfin mojarra, polka-dot batfish, hardhead catfish, comb jellies, and sponge pieces. The students seemed to enjoy it, especially the batfish as this was the first time many of them had ever seen one. We also had the students pick through the sponge pieces to look for specimens hiding among them; they found lots of porcelain crabs! At the end of the trip we discussed  the importance of having a citizenry, no matter what their profession is, who recognizes and understands the importance of a healthy estuary to the long-term sustainability of our economy and livelihoods. I was very impressed with the class's knowledge and insights. Enjoy the pictures!!

Investigating the catch of the day!

Mrs Libby showing her students the Polka-dot batfish we caught in the trawl.

A student checks out the juvenile stone crab we caught.

Rookery Bay educator Meredith Bayer shows the class a
9-armed sea star's tube feet.

The hardhead catfish we caught.

Students examine the insides of a sponge piece we caught in the trawl.

NOAA Begins National Survey of the Economic Contributions of Saltwater Angling

If you live along or visit the coast of Florida, you don't have to look too far to see fishermen fishing from the shore, bridges, kayaks, or boats. Saltwater recreational fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry in the state, but what kind of economic impact does it have nationwide? NOAA fisheries is trying to answer this question. I was forwarded this press release about a national survey they are doing to determine the economic contributions of recreational saltwater fishing. Who knows, you might get a call!!

February 22nd NOAA Press Release
NOAA is again surveying saltwater anglers across the nation to update and improve estimates of the overall economic contributions of saltwater recreational fishing to the U.S. economy.

“The money that millions of recreational anglers spend on fishing trips each year produces tens of thousands of jobs and billions in sales revenue,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This year’s survey is a chance for saltwater anglers to help NOAA get an updated, accurate picture of how recreational fishing translates into economic vitality and jobs for Americans.”
NOAA and the saltwater angling community need timely economic data to help evaluate the economic importance of recreational fishing activities. The data give a more accurate look at the economic effects of fishing regulations and changes in the ecosystem caused by natural or manmade events. The information gathered in the survey will contribute to more informed decisions on a variety of recreational fishing issues.
"By surveying the recreational fishing community, we are following through on one of the recreational fishing community's top priorities identified at the 2010 sportfishing summit," said Eric Schwaab, assistant NOAA administrator for NOAA's Fisheries Service. "The survey will ensure that NOAA and the fishery management councils have the best data when considering management actions that affect anglers.”
Throughout 2011, NOAA will survey a random sampling of the more than 15 million saltwater anglers in each of the 23 coastal states and Puerto Rico for the 2011 National Marine Recreational Fishing Expenditure Survey. The survey will include a random sampling of people who fish from shore, from docks, from party or charter boats and from privately owned boats. Field interviews have begun and will continue throughout the year. Surveying began in January in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, California, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It will begin in the remaining Atlantic states and Texas in March and April, and in Alaska, Oregon and Washington in May. This is NOAA’s second national survey focusing on how much saltwater anglers spend on their sport.
NOAA and its state partners will ask anglers how long their fishing trips last and how much they spend on bait, boat fuel, ice, charter fees and other expenses. Anglers will also be asked to participate in a follow-up survey that will ask them to estimate what they spend on durable goods such as boats and fishing tackle used for saltwater angling for the previous 12 months. Those who participate in both parts of the survey will help NOAA produce accurate economic information.
Economists from NOAA’s Fisheries Service throughout the country as well as regional and state partners are assisting with the 2011 survey. Once the economic data are collected, they will be analyzed and released as a NOAA report. The most recent economic study in 2009 showed that anglers’ expenditures generated $59 billion in sales and supported more than 385,000 jobs.

Helping Counties Deal with Public Issues and Manage Conflict

Recently, my colleagues and I were in Palmetto, Florida teaching a workshop on managing public issues and conflict to county and municipality employees. Although we have taught this workshop in the past to other UF Extension employees, this was the first time we have taught it to outside audiences. The 2-day workshop provided training on the basics of facilitation, meeting management, and group dynamics. It also addressed the differences between a content specialist and a facilitator and provided skills, tips and tools to:

• Convene stakeholders and the public
• Summarize and frame issues
• Address feelings, values, interests and positions
• Create a process that encourages full participation in decision making
• Recognize and address difficult dynamics in a group meetings

The training consisted of a mixture of presentations, group brainstorms, and small and large group interactive exercises designed to give participants experience in using the tools provided. We had 15 attendees, many of them managers and/or planners who routinely interact with the public.

You might be wondering why UF Extension faculty (especially me, a marine science agent) are involved in such a training. Public issues, particularly ones dealing with natural resources can quickly become contentious when diverse values, interests and views related to the issues are expressed by different individuals and groups. When these issues involve benefits and costs that are little understood, it becomes important to define the interests of the public in those issues. UF Extension, particularly in southwest Florida, is expanding beyond its traditional content-provider role and providing more public issues education to help citizens and other stakeholders make better-informed policy choices in the face of controversial issues. If you would like to learn more feel free to give me a call!

"Steps to Here" Ice breaker to help participants get to know one another

Participants play "Lost in the Jungle" to learn about group dynamics

One of many small group activities; active listening skills

Reflection activity to think about the concepts and skills learned during the day

Gag and Goliath Grouper Updates from Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

In a recent post, I discussed the interim regulations for gag grouper in federal Gulf waters. I've also shared information on goliath grouper management in the past. Both of these species are found in Southwest Florida waters, and if you are a fisherman, you know that they have both caused their share of controversy in recent years.  The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, who is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act, and is responsible for managing fisheries in the exclusive economic zone of the Gulf of Mexico recently held its February Council meeting Feb 7-10 in Gulfport, Mississippi. I wanted to share some of the hightlights relating to gag and goliath grouper that came out of the meeting.

Source: Gulf Council February Update Press Release (2/12/2011)
Gag Grouper

The Council asked staff to prepare an interim rule for consideration during the April Council meeting that sets the 2011 recreational season for gag from September 16 through November 15. This request was made after the Council reviewed the results of a re-run of the 2009 gag update assessment. The re-run adjusted the size distribution of undersized released fish in the recreational fishery and used newly available observer

data to estimate discards in the commercial fishery. The result was a slight improvement in the total allowable catch for 2011, from 1.01 to 1.28 million pounds. That means 781,000 pounds (61%) for the recreational sector and 499,000 pounds (39%) for the commercial sector. The 781,000 pound recreational allocation allows enough catch for a two-month fall season, provided Florida adopts a consistent closed season by June 1. Without Florida consistency, it is projected the entire recreational allocation will be caught in state waters, leaving no allocation available for federal waters. The September 16 through November 15 recreational season is contingent upon Florida consistency.
For the commercial sector, a major unknown factor is the levels of dead discards due to the small amount of gag individual fishing quota (IFQ) available, and whether commercial fishermen can successfully avoid catching gag while fishing for red grouper. Because the grouper IFQ system has only been in place for one year, the commercial sector has not established a track record to demonstrate how successfully fishermen can avoid catching fish for which they do not have IFQ shares. As a result, the Council set the 2011 commercial quota at a precautionary level of 430,000 pounds. This includes the 100,000 pounds previously released via interim rule at the beginning of the year.
The Council also continued work on Draft Reef Fish Amendment 32 to establish a rebuilding plan for gag, which has been declared by NOAA Fisheries to be overfished and undergoing overfishing. Amendment 32 will be implemented in 2012 and should allow for an increase in the 2012 total allowable catch of gag, provided that the 2011 catches from recreational and commercial fishing do not exceed the levels needed to
rebuild. To help assure that the rebuilding plan stays on track, the Council directed staff to include alternatives for recreational quota closure authority for the NOAA Fisheries Regional Administrator, and overage adjustments if a sector exceeds its allocation. This is similar to the quota closure authority and overage adjustments of the greater amberjack fishery, which is also under a rebuilding plan. The Council also streamlined the amendment by removing several alternatives that were intended to address bycatch, and by moving a section on data collection and monitoring programs out of Amendment 32 and into a more appropriate amendment. In addition, alternatives to increase the recreational bag limit of red grouper will be added to the amendment. Public hearings on Amendment 32 will be scheduled around the Gulf coast this spring or summer.

Goliath Grouper

The Council received a summary of a new stock assessment on goliath grouper. The assessment showed that the goliath grouper stock has clearly improved since the moratorium was implemented in 1990. However, questions still remain about the stock. For example, there is a lack of information about the basic biology of the goliath grouper, such as how long they can live. Estimates range anywhere from 37 years to 80 years.
Another unknown is whether goliath grouper change sex like gag and some other grouper species. Also, the assessment, which was conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, focused on the south Florida portion of the stock. While that area is the center of abundance, goliath grouper are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and in the Caribbean, and information about the status of the stock in areas not covered by the assessment is lacking. Because of the biological uncertainties and the limited geographic scope of the assessment, the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee was unable to set a level of acceptable  biological catch. Instead, they recommended that the moratorium be continued through 2015, and that during this period, a coordinated scientific sampling plan be produced to address the data needs. The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission will review the assessment during its February meeting and may consider some sort of limited harvest of Goliath in state waters.

To view the entire Gulf Council Update visit:

 http://www.gulfcouncil.org/news_resources/Press%20Releases/FebruaryUpdate.pdf

The Polka-dot Batfish-What a Cool Looking Fish!!

 

The Polka-dot batfish
(Ogcocephalus radiatus)
is the "unofficial" mascot of
 Rookery  Bay NERR

If you have ever been to the Rookery Bay Reserve Environmental Learning Center, the first thing you probably notice as you walk through the door is the giant larger-than-life model of a Polka-dot batfish staring back at you. I can honestly say, without a doubt it is the most unique fish I've witnessed since working as the local Sea Grant Agent. I've come across them several times when doing trawls within the Reserve or diving the region's artificial reefs. I thought I'd share a little background information and some pictures about this fascinating fish!

Taken from the Rookery Bay Field Guide:

This sluggish, triangular-shaped fish, which can reach up to 15 inches  relies on camouflage and slow, stealthy movements to sneak up on food. Batfish have pectoral fins underneath that help it to “walk” across the bottom. The batfish uses its esca (lure) to attract small prey towards its mouth. The esca juts out just below the rostrum (the point on the fish’s head) and wiggles or twitches to catch the attention of a small fish, crab or shrimp. Once within range, the batfish’s lips shoot forward and down to slurp up the unsuspecting meal. Several batfish species can be found in sub-tropical waters around the world, and this species is commonly caught while trawling in Rookery Bay.

To learn more about the life history and ecology of the Polka-dot batfish visit:

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/Descript/Batfish/Batfish.htm 



The colors of batfish can vary considerably depending on the
type of substrate it is sitting on. I spotted this about 5 miles off of Naples
in approximately 30 feet of water.



A good profile shot showing how the batfish uses its pelvic fins for support
Photo courtesy of Renee Wilson, Rookery Bay

I came upon this batfish near an artificial reef site
off Marco Island





A batfish caught during a seining trip. Photo courtesy of Chris
Humphrey of Barron Collier H.S.

Another profile shot. Photo courtesy of Chris
Humphrey of Barron Collier H.S.

A great view of the fish's ventral (belly) side. Photo courtesy of Chris
Humphrey of Barron Collier H.S.

Webinar Recording: "Florida's Grouper Fisheries"

Did you know that Florida fishermen harvest over 80% of the nation's grouper supply? Want to learn more?Today my colleagues and I held our 2nd Florida Seafood Safety and Sustainability Brown Bag Webinar session. The presentation, "Florida's Grouper Fishery," discussed  grouper ecology, provided an overview of  how the fishery is managed, and shared tips and resources on being a more informed consumer about Florida grouper products. To view the webinar click on the link below

 GROUPER WEBINAR RECORDING 

(You might get a message that blocks you from downloading the webinar; you will need to click on "allow" to let your computer download the presentation)

To view past webinar presentations from the Florida Seafood Safety and Sustainability Brow Bag Webinar Series visit: http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/environment/sea_grant_seafood.shtml

To make sure your computer is compatible with Elluminate Live, go to: http://www.elluminate.com/support/index.jsp and work through steps 1 and 2.
If you have connection problems, please contact Ron Thomas with UF/IFAS distance education at
http://icsde.ifas.ufl.edu/contact-us.shtml

We want to hear what you think!

To help us improve future webinars, we would greatly appreciate your input by completing a short online evaluation about the presentation. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7GPFFRT

Don't forget to sign up for our future sessions (see the schedule below) If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

Presentation on Climate Change Impacts on Florida's Coasts and Oceans

This morning I gave a presentation on climate change to a group of adults who are apart of the Hodges University's Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning

My presentation was adapted from the Florida Ocean and Coastal Council's Report entitled, "The Effects of Climate Change on Florida's Ocean & Coastal Resources."
The report was created  "to provide a foundation for future discussions of the effects of global climate change on Florida’s ocean and coastal resources, and to inform Floridians about the current state of scientific knowledge regarding climate change and how it is likely to affect Florida. It provides important information for legislators, policymakers, governmental agencies, and members of the public who are working to address, or who are interested in, issues related to climate change in Florida"

I have found it to be well-vetted, trustworthy resource that addresses Florida climate change issues in a well-balanced and easy to read manner for lay audiences. I refer to it often when  asked about Florida and climate change. If you would like to learn more you can access the entire report by visiting:
 http://www.floridaoceanscouncil.org/reports/Climate_Change_Report_v2.pdf

Collier Sea Grant Extension at the 3rd Street Farmers Market in Naples

For the past several Saturdays I've been setting up shop at the 3rd Street Farmers Market in Naples. The Collier County Extension office has a booth there, and all of agents and I rotate to work the booth each Saturday from December through May. We've had a booth there for at least the past three years, and it has a been a successful outreach project. We are able to share resources and provide advice to both residents and visitors who visit the market on a wide variety of subjects. In addition to an agent, there is also a Master Gardener present to answer plant and gardening questions.

When I'm at the market, I bring lots of fishing and seafood-related resources and answer questions on a variety of topics such as the use of circle hooks and dehooking tools, local fisheries and wildlife, mercury in fish and the pros and cons of farm raised vs. wild caught seafood. By far, the number one question I get is about fishing licenses and regulations. I find that many of the shoppers, both resident and visitor, are unfamiliar with who is required to have a fishing license, and what the latest changes to the fishing regulations are.

Besides answering questions, I also use the farmers market as an outlet to promote my upcoming outreach programs. Lately, I've been talking up my Seafood Seminar and Sampling Tour that takes place March 10th. For details, click here.

Captain Kirk's Stone Crabs of Naples
is a regular patron at the 3rd St.
Farmers Market.

The popularity of farmers markets continue to rise, and they are a great way to buy fresh, locally produced/harvested products and support area businesses. The 3rd Street Market, like many markets has several vendors selling  seafood. Below are some tips to help ensure you purchase fresh products, and that you protect yourself from possible contamination.

• FRESH SEAFOOD SHOULD NOT BE FISHY: Use your senses. If the products you want to buy have overpowering strong "fishy" odors, they probably aren't as fresh as they should be. Choose something else!
• KEEP YOUR SEAFOOD COLD: If you plan to shop around for awhile at the market, purchase your seafood last so that it remains cold especially during warmer periods. If this can't be avoided, bring a cooler or ask the vendor for bags of ice to ensure your seafood stays cool. Spoilage can rapidly occur if seafood is not properly cooled. Once your seafood makes it home, be sure to store it in the coldest part of the fridge to help maintain freshness.
• KEEP YOUR SEAFOOD CLEAN: Wash your seafood under cold running water and pat dry with a clean paper towel before cooking to help wash away any excess bacteria that might have accumulated from the time of purchase. Also, keep your seafood away from other raw or cooked products (and vice versa) to help avoid possible cross-contamination.
• KEEP YOUR SEAFOOD MOVING: Seafood experts recommend eating most freshly-purchased seafood within 36 hours of purchase unless you plan to freeze it. Shellfish such as clams or oysters can be kept of several days if properly refrigerated. These recommendations help ensure maximum freshness!!!

To read more about recommended safe seafood handling practices for consumers click here!

See you next week at the market!!!!!