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**Species Group: Aquatic Food Consumption**

**Problem: Fortify nutritional composition of farm raised aquatic
products**

**Rank: 1st**

**Problem Statement:**

-   Some aquatic products can be improved nutritionally

**Research Statement:**

-   Demonstrate utilization of feeding regimes to add nutritional value
    to products i.e. adding omega-3 fatty acids, mineral, vitamins, etc.

**Extension/Tech transfer Statement:**

-   Devise education programs to provide information to feed
    manufactures, farmers and the public

**Desired Outcomes (with measurable outcomes):**

-   Healthier food and healthier consumers

**Problem: Consumption of farm raised aquaculture products**

**Rank: 2nd**

**Problem Statement:**

-   Insufficient knowledge of the nutritional composition of farm and
    wild caught seafood, and related aspects of consumption of farm
    raised aquaculture products

**Research Statement:**

-   Redo and renew data base on wild and farmed raised nutritional
    composition of seafood

**Extension/Tech transfer Statement:**

-   Put information into the hands of consumer and nutritional
    professionals

**Desired Outcomes (with measurable outcomes):**

-   Increase consumption

-   Increase health of American consumer

**Problem: Misinformation about farmed vs. wild seafood products**

**Rank: 3rd**

**Problem Statement:**

-   There is misinformation and misperceptions about farmed vs wild
    seafood products

**Research Statement:**

-   Assemble information, comparing wild vs farmed aquatic foods

**Extension/Tech transfer Statement:**

-   Develop science based education programs

**Desired Outcomes (with measurable outcomes):**

-   Alleviate concerns by the public about aquatic products and risk
    management

**Problem: Processing and packaging**

**Rank: 4th**

**Problem Statement:**

-   Processing and packaging effects on safety, health and consumer
    acceptance

**Research Statement:**

-   Do different methods or processing and packaging improve consumer
    acceptance, health and safety.

**Extension/Tech transfer Statement:**

-   Assist in the integration of these new technologies and inform
    consumers about benefits

**Desired Outcomes (with measurable outcomes):**

-   Increase food consumption of seafood and product safety

**Problem: Coordinated seafood educators program**

**Rank: 5th**

**Problem Statement:**

-   Consumer are not aware of health benefits of seafood
    consumption**•**

**Research Statement:**

-   Surveys on public perception of health benefits of aquaculture
    products

**Extension/Tech transfer Statement:**

-   Foster more collaboration and consistent information on fish health
    benefits

**Desired Outcomes (with measurable outcomes):**

-   More aquatic food consumption

**Problem: Water quality impacts on mollusks**

**Rank: 6th**

**Problem Statement:**

-   Water quality has a major impact on the seafood quality of molluscan
    shellfish and the health of consumers

**Research Statement:**

-   Develop rapid and affordable water quality tests to assure
    acceptable culture water

-   Develop/refine models to predict water quality changes in culture
    water

-   Continue to support ARS Vibrio research

-   Investigate alternative water quality indicators

**Extension/Tech transfer Statement:**

-   Extend information to public health and interested groups

**Desired Outcomes (with measurable outcomes):**

-   Reduction of human health risk

-   Maintain/enhance/expand farm areas, minimize and avoid restrictions
    to culture

**Problem: New feeds have effect on flesh quality; i. e., shelf life,
sensory attributes**

**Rank: 7th**

**Problem Statement:**

-   Sensory properties and other attributes can be improved

**Research Statement:**

-   Investigate consequences of alternative feeds

**Extension/Tech transfer Statement:**

-   Distribute information to growers and consumers

**Desired Outcomes (with measurable outcomes):**

-   Assure product acceptance