INTRODUCING NEW LEAD SCIENTIST FOR THE WARMWATER MARINE FINFISH PROJECT AT USDA-ARS

The USDA-ARS has recently appointed Nicholas Romano (Fish Biologist) as the new Research Leader to the National Warm Water Marine Aquaculture Unit (NWMARU), Ft. Pierce, FL.  In this presentation, he will provide a brief overview of his professional background followed by some of his research visions for NWMARU with the goal of enhancing marine finfish aquaculture under Component 5: “Developing Marine Finfish Seedstocks” from the USDA-ARS strategic plan.  Currently, the unit is still forming, and he will be recruiting new research scientists, technicians, as well as a postdoc to lead this research effort.  The NWMARU will be working closely with faculty and staff at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) where there is a collaborative research agreement on marine finfish.  The areas of research will focus on breeding/genetics, nutrition, and larviculture, and fish health.  It is anticipated that by presenting some of the research directions and capacity for research-based solutions of NWMARU, this can foster open communication with stakeholders to develop ways to address their needs.