Research presently focuses on marine finfish aquaculture, addressing the major biotechnical constraints to mass propagation and intensive culture:
- Controlled Breeding
- Larval Culture
- Juvenile Growout in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
- Effluent Management
- Economics and Marketing
Relatively high capital costs of RAS will require the development of high-value, high-demand species for commercial culture that can be grown under high densities. UNCW currently conducts research on summer flounder and southern flounder (Paralichthys dentatus and P. lethostigma), the black sea bass (Centropristis striata), and red porgy (Pagrus pagrus). These premium value species are being threatened by overfishing and could potentially be marketed at home or abroad. New candidate species for commercial mariculture are continually evaluated.
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[Click on any image above to view current research gallery.]
