Dive into the vibrant world of ornamental aquaculture with Travis Knorr, as he discusses sustainable practices for the aquarium trade. Learn how captive breeding and innovative aquaculture techniques can protect ocean ecosystems while inspiring future conservationists. Gabby Bradt and Michael Chambers explore the journey of ornamental fish from reef to home aquarium.

In This Episode:

Guest: Travis Knorr, Masters Student at University of Florida and Owner of Summerland Ocean Life

Host: Gabby Bradt, Ph.D. Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension State Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant/UNH Cooperative Extension, University of New Hampshire

Co-host: Mike Chambers, Ph.D. Aquaculture Research Professor at the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems

Show Notes

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the impact of wild ornamental fish collection on coral reefs.
• Learn about ornamental aquaculture and its role in marine conservation.
• Explore career paths and education in aquaculture and marine science.
• Understand the potential for repurposing existing infrastructure for coral restoration.
• Consider the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable aquaculture practices.

Resources Mentioned:

• University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory
• Summerland Ocean Life Ornamental Hatchery
• Florida Keys Community College (now College of the Florida Keys)
• Dynasty Marine
• Reef Renewal USA
• IC2R3 (International Center for Coral Restoration and Research)
• AquaFort
• EE Blue Aquaculture Literacy Grant
• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
• North American Association for Environmental Education
• College of the Florida Keys Marine Environmental Technology Program

Connect With Us:

• Travis Knorr (UF/IFAS tropical Aquaculture Laboratory)
• Gabby Bradt (NH Sea Grant/University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension)
• Michael Chambers (University of New Hampshire/ Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems)

Subscribe to Get Aquacultured!

• Apple
• Spotify
• Amazon

Featured Quotes:

• Travis Knorr: “What I saw, I couldn’t ignore…these fish that were supporting my career were getting fewer and fewer. And so I started to feel pretty guilty about what I was doing.”
• Travis Knorr: “Aquaculture should be considered as a trade… If you work hard, if you’re willing to do stuff and learn that, you know, you can start building your skills that way.”

Behind the Story:

Travis Knorr’s evolution from a scuba-diving fish collector to a passionate advocate for ornamental aquaculture showcases a growing awareness within the aquarium trade. His firsthand experience with coral bleaching and biodiversity loss in the Florida Keys spurred a career change, leading him to explore sustainable alternatives that balance industry needs with environmental stewardship.

Take Action:

Explore aquaculture education programs in your region.

Share This Episode:

Learn about #ornamentalaquaculture and its potential to save our reefs! Listen to the Get Aquacultured! podcast episode with Travis Knorr. #aquaculture #marineconservation

Imagine snorkeling in the Bahamas, encountering a queen conch, and dedicating your life to saving this species. Dr. Megan Davis shares her 50-year journey from childhood fascination to leading queen conch restoration efforts throughout the Caribbean.

In This Episode:

Guest Speaker: Megan Davis, Ph.D. – Research Professor, Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Queen Conch Lab

Host: Mike Coogan, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems, University of New Hampshire

Co-Host: Mike Chambers, Ph.D. Aquaculture Research Professor at the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the life cycle and breeding habits of queen conch, including their internal fertilization and egg-laying process.
• Explore the importance of seagrass beds for queen conch habitats and their role in carbon sequestration.
• Learn about queen conch restoration efforts in the Caribbean through mobile laboratories and community involvement.
• Identify the challenges in establishing hatcheries, including site selection and water quality.
• Consider the potential for queen conch farming, including grow-out areas, stocking densities, and pearl production.

Resources Mentioned:

• Florida Atlantic University
• Queen Conch Lab
• NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC)
• Conservacion Con Ciencia (Raymundo Espinoza)
• Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants
• Community-Based Mobile Hatcheries and Nurseries
• eConch Online Course

Dive into the world of finfish farming with Dr. Dan Benetti, whose journey from a self-described “terrible” student to an aquaculture legend is as captivating as the industry itself. Discover the science, passion, and collaborative spirit driving the future of seafood.

In This Episode:

Guest Speaker: Dr. Dan Benetti,Professor, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Director of Aquaculture, University of Miami

Host: Mike Coogan, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems, University of New Hampshire

Co-Host: Mike Chambers, Ph.D. Aquaculture Research Professor at the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems

Show Notes

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the differences between generative and regenerative aquaculture and their environmental impacts.
• Assess the economic and regulatory bottlenecks hindering aquaculture production in the United States.
• Identify potential investment opportunities in finfish aquaculture, including specific species and technologies.
• Explore the benefits and challenges of offshore vs. land-based aquaculture systems.
• Discover the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices.

Resources Mentioned:

• University of Miami Aquaculture Program
• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) Projects
• Open Blue
• Atlantic Sapphire
• IATTC (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission)
• Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth
• NOAA Sea Grant Program
• Atchotines Lab, Panama

Connect With Us:

• Dr. Dan Benetti
• Mike Coogan (University of New Hampshire)
• Michael Chambers (University of New Hampshire)

Subscribe to Get Aquacultured!

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon

Featured Quotes:

· Dan Benetti: “Collaborations bring the best of all of us and get us going.”

· Dan Benetti: “We are feeding the world while they’re talking and, and while they’re criticizing, they’re eating salmon and all the fish that is farmed.”

Behind the Story:

Dr. Dan Benetti shares his personal journey into aquaculture, from his early days fishing in Brazil to becoming a leading researcher and educator at the University of Miami. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sustainable practices, and overcoming the challenges facing the finfish aquaculture industry. Learn about the innovative approaches being developed to meet the growing global demand for seafood while minimizing environmental impact.

Take Action:

Explore the University of Miami Aquaculture program and consider supporting research and development in sustainable aquaculture practices.

Share This Episode:

Just listened to an amazing episode about the future of finfish aquaculture! Learn about sustainability, investment opportunities, and the challenges facing the industry. #aquaculture #sustainability #seafood #podcast