Develop cost effective methods of producing food fish and shrimp in an environmentally sustainable manner. Work with developing countries to assist in implementing new businesses.

Seafood is increasingly supplied by aquaculture due to the lack of supply from the wild catch. By 2010, shortage of seafood from wild catch availability is in excess of 15 million metric tons. Seafood is also one of the first food products that improve the general nutrition and welfare of low-income countries. The liklihood is that seafood product will be produced in low-income countries where environmental sustainability may not receive appropriate emphasis.

We are working with colleagues in multiple colleges at Cornell, several US universities and with scientists in Chile, private and public concerns in Mexico to address the technological issues of producing fish while maintaining the environment. A 1-week short course is offerred in both Spanish and English and in either a distance or hands-on format to provide fundamental teaching of engineering related to the topic. Three workshops were held in various locations in Mexico and the USA in 2006.

Improved production methodologies are being used for fish and shell production without environmental degradation. Economic development for small family farms is being initiated in Mexico.

NY Sea Grant partially sponsored the Mexico efforts.

• John Jacob
• Kevin Fitzsimmons
• Barry Costa-Pierce
• Dr. Eunice Perez-Sanchez