1. Florida Aquaculture: History Dr. Craig Kasper FAS 1012: Lecture 2

2. Florida Aquaculture? Like other endeavors,Like other endeavors, aquaculture in FL has its aquaculture in FL has its roots in capture fisheries. roots in capture fisheries.

3. Hard Life! Fishing every day to feed your family is rough work.Fishing every day to feed your family is rough work. Long hrs., possibly dangerous conditions!Long hrs., possibly dangerous conditions! Might not catchMight not catch anything either. anything either.

5. It never ends! Stocking and restockingStocking and restocking became an issue for many fish managers. many fish managers.

7. Florida Aquaculture Generalities… Florida Aquaculture is extraordinarily diverseFlorida Aquaculture is extraordinarily diverse 1,500 species (fish, plants, mollusks, crustaceans and reptiles)1,500 species (fish, plants, mollusks, crustaceans and reptiles) Over 1,000 certified aquaculturists.Over 1,000 certified aquaculturists. Products for food and non-food markets alike.Products for food and non-food markets alike.

8. Specific Items Cultured Tropical fish/including marine spp.Tropical fish/including marine spp. PlantsPlants Clams/OystersClams/Oysters AlligatorAlligator ShrimpShrimp Catfish, hsbCatfish, hsb Red Drum, largemouth bass, bream (bluegill), Frogs, etc.Red Drum, largemouth bass, bream (bluegill), Frogs, etc.

9. Tropical Fish Production in Miami in the late 1920s.Production in Miami in the late 1920s. World War II veterans liked colorful Asian tropical fish and aquatic plantsWorld War II veterans liked colorful Asian tropical fish and aquatic plants 1960 shipped Florida raised fish round-the-world tour.1960 shipped Florida raised fish round-the-world tour. Today, tropical fish production is concentrated in Hillsborough and Polk CountiesToday, tropical fish production is concentrated in Hillsborough and Polk Counties Ornamental fish are Florida’s most valuable aquaculture products (49%)Ornamental fish are Florida’s most valuable aquaculture products (49%) 2003 151 producers with farm gate sales of $47.2 million.2003 151 producers with farm gate sales of $47.2 million. 800 species produced.800 species produced. Guppies, mollies, swordtails, tetras, gouramies, goldfish, angels, barbs and African cichlidsGuppies, mollies, swordtails, tetras, gouramies, goldfish, angels, barbs and African cichlids

10. Alligators Used for meat, leather, ornaments, etc.Used for meat, leather, ornaments, etc. Culture began following ESA listing of alligators as endangered in the early 70’s, but natural populations soon rebounded!Culture began following ESA listing of alligators as endangered in the early 70’s, but natural populations soon rebounded! Culture continues today. Harvesting of wild gators still viable industry.Culture continues today. Harvesting of wild gators still viable industry.

11. Today, alligator culture is a thriving industry!

12. Alligators Lakeland even has ‘em!

13. Historically, we have always been harder on alligators than they have been on us.

14. Bivalves Oyster industry off-shore, in-shore is old (>20 yrs.) and on the decline. (why?)Oyster industry off-shore, in-shore is old (>20 yrs.) and on the decline. (why?) Many workers displaced.Many workers displaced. Clam industry born!Clam industry born! Clam industry is newer (<20years) and on the rise.Clam industry is newer (<20years) and on the rise.

15. Oyster History