Aquaculture
Louisiana has one of the most diverse aquaculture industries in the United States, producing crawfish, catfish, alligators, oysters, tilapia, baitfish, and crabs. Here at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, we are developing an Aquaculture Research Program, and our prime goal is the production of aquatic species and the development of practical methods to facilitate sustainable aquaculture. Additionally, we are collaborating with researchers from different disciplines for the implementation of innovative technologies, such as aquaponics, in which intensive aquaculture and soilless production of plants will be combined and studied for its potential role in the improvement of food security in rural Louisiana.
Did you Know?
• According to the United Nations, the world population is projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050. This will increase the demand for fish food.
• Aquaculture generates employment for almost 60 million people across the world and provides approximately 17% of the total animal protein, fatty acids, vitamin D, and other nutrients, FAO.
• Integrated agriculture-aquaculture systems are considered sustainable and resilient, able to adapt to resources scarcity and adverse environmental conditions, FAO.
Program P.I.
Miriam Contin Ortega, DVM, PhD., Post-Doctoral Researcher, Aquaculture
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Email: miriam_contin@suagcenter.com
Program Teaching Collaborators
Dr. Fatemeh Malekian, Professor of Food Science
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Email: fatemeh_malekian@suagcenter.com
Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez, Postdoctoral Researcher-Food Science
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Email: gabriela_rodriguez@suagcenter.com
Dr. LaShunda Hodges, Research Professor of Soil and Plant Sciences
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Email: lasunda_hodges@suagcenter.com
Dr. Sanjay Batra, Professor/Chair Department of Environmental Toxicology
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Environmental Sciences
Email: sanjay_batra@subr.edu
Research Priorities:
• Culture and conservation of aquatic species of environmental and commercial importance: Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Hybrid Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops), and Red Swamp Crawfish (Procambarus clarkii).
• Development of sustainable methods applicable to the aquaculture industry for the prevention and control of diseases of farmed aquatic animals .
• Relationship between environment, fish health, and microbiome.
• Microbiome and immune system interactions.
• Introduction of aquaponic systems to rural Louisiana as an alternative to food insecurity.
• Engagement of Southern University Agricultural Sciences and Pre-Veterinary Medicine students in aquaculture research.
