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Ashland NFWCO
 Midwest Region
 mtanlogo.gif (9794 bytes) Dedicated To The Tribal Aquaculture Program September 1993 - Volume 5
 http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/mtanhome.html **Administrative
        Coordinator:**
        **Frank G. Stone
        (715-682-6185) Ext.12
        U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service****Email:
        [email protected]**
      **Edited
        By:****Elizabeth W. Greiff
        (715-349-2195)
        St. Croix Tribal Nat. Res. Depart.****Email:****[email protected]**
  Topics Of Interest: Great Lakes Spotted Muskie Production - 1990
  Aquaculture Publications
  Use and Application of Salt in Aquaculture
  Financial Sources For Funding Aquaculture Programs
  Hatchery
    Tips
  Product
    Manufacturers  Great
Lakes Spotted Muskie Production - 1990  By: Randy R. Larson, Wild Rose
Hatchery, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources  This is the second year spotted muskies were hatched and reared at the
Wild Rose Hatchery. On 18 May, 1990, 30,000 spotted muskie eggs were received from the
State of Michigan. They were put into a McDonald hatching jar with a 60 degree F water
temperature and a flow between 1 and 2 gpm. Starting 23 May the eggs were treated with
formalin (1667 ppm, 15 min flow through) for three consecutive days, the "bad"
eggs were removed by siphon and the remaining eyed-eggs were measured and the number
estimated at 14,660 (49% eye-up rate). The eggs started hatching on 27 May (252 degree
days), and the water temperature was gradually increased to 70 F until all fry were out of
the hatching jar (486 degree days). On 3 June (8 days old) fry began feeding on
Bio-Kyowa B-400 and by 6 June (11 days) most of the fry were readily feeding on the B-400
dispensed by an automatic feeder. To reduce cannibalism and stress, the muskie fry were
hand sorted several times and by 19 June they had been divided into five circular
30-gallon tanks where the larger fry were being fed C-700. The smallest fry were not
accepting the dry feed and exhibiting a high amount of mortality (80-100 per day). These
fry (about 2,500) were stocked in an outlying hatchery pond which was drained in the fall
and none survived. At the end of June, the remaining muskies were
transferred to three, 300 gallon tanks with a water flow of 10 gpm and 70o
F water temperature. On 3 July (38 days) the muskies in each tank averaged 1.8, 1.9 and
2.0 inches in length. By July 10 (45 days), the muskies had been sorted into seven, 300
gallon tanks and hand counted at 2,527 total. At this time most were feeding on Bio-Kyowa
C-1700 with the larger fish on C-2700. Weekly measurements were taken and on 21 July (56
days) we began feeding small golden shiners (6,000/lb) on a daily basis in addition to
Bio-Kyowa to prepare the muskies for pond rearing. There is a good correlation (r2
= 0.89) between fish density and growth (percent increase in length). Better growth
(79-85% increases in length) occurred at lower tank densities of 4.5 to 7.6 fish/ft3 and slower growth (46-64% increases in length) at higher
densities of 13.6 to 16.8 fish/ft3. The tanks with better
growth started with smaller fish (1.8 inches compared to 2.6). Throughout the tank rearing period, certain
chemical treatments were necessary due to fungus and bacteria gill disease problems. The
treatments included Copper Sulfate and salt dips (10-60 seconds), Chloramine T (one hour
flow through, 3.5 grams/gpm), Diquat (1 hour bath, 13 ppm), and salt blocks during periods
of stress (sorting, measuring, cleaning). Two 0.33-acre ponds (# 8 and 9) were used for
the pond rearing period. Incoming water (50-52 F) was kept at low flow in order to
maintain pond temperatures between 65 and 70 F. Aeration systems were used to maintain
adequate dissolved oxygen levels. Pond 8 was stocked with 100 pounds of adult fathead
minnows on 21 June and Pond 9 with 700,000 sucker fry on 19 June. Old trout feed, alfalfa
meal and yeast was added periodically as a food source for minnows and as fertilizer to
encourage plankton growth for the newly hatching minnows and sucker fry. On 2 August (68 days) Pond 8 was stocked with
1,499 (4.1 inch) and Pond 9 with 719 (3.2 inch) muskie fingerlings. All remaining golden
shiners were stocked in the ponds at this time. During the rearing period temperatures
ranged from 64-70 F, dissolved oxygen from 4.0-11.5 ppm and Ph levels from 7.5-9.0. Using
small fyke nets, the ponds were periodically checked for minnow abundance and size, and
muskie fingerling growth.  Stocking On 16 October (143 days old), 1,983 large
fingerling spotted muskies were stocked.  Conversion Rates and Feed Costs Conversion rate and rate of return (survival)
were calculated for both ponds. Total pounds of feed included all BioKyowa, sucker fry,
golden shiner and fathead minnows used in the tank and pond rearing periods. The 1990
conversion rate (3.88) and rate of return (89.4%) was similar to 1989, however the 1990
fingerlings were larger, averaging 5 fish per pound compared to 8.5 in 1989. The muskies
were reared about one month longer in 1990. An estimated cost per spotted muskie produced
was calculated based upon the money spent for Bio-Kyowa, minnows, and LP gas (to heat
water). The cost does not include electricity, vehicle use, and personnel. A total of
1,983, 10-11 inch fingerlings were produced for $4,433.65 or a cost of $2.24 per
muskie. The major difference between 1990 and 1989 was
that in 1990 all muskies were reared entirely on Bio-Kyowa dry feed from the fry stage to
3.0-3.5 inch fingerlings. This accounted for only 1.8% of the total feed and 7.8% of the
rearing cost. In addition, the use of dry feed did not require vehicle and personnel costs
to gather plankton and minnow fry. Thus, efficiency was greatly improved with the use of
Bio-Kyowa in 1990. The pond rearing techniques (from small to large fingerling stage) were
similar both years and proved to be very successful (1989- 93.2% survival, 1990- 89.4%
survival). Aquaculture Publications By: MTAN
The research staff at the MTAN was again burning the midnight oil. We
found several research publications we felt will be of interest to our readers. The
articles selected cover a broad section of the aquaculture industry. If you are interested
in obtaining one or more of these publications, please write to the appropriate address:
Pond Culture of Walleye Fingerlings. 1992.
  Free. NCRC1. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. (Address below)

Culturing Fathead Minnows (Pinephales
  promelas) for Bait in Ohio Farm Ponds. 1984 62 pp. $7. OHSU-TB-023. Ohio Sea Grant
  College Program. (Address below)

Culture of Fingerling Walleye in Earthen Ponds.
  1989. Fact Sheet. Free. New York Sea Grant. (Address below)

Walleye Culture in Minnesota. 1992. Free.
  LCMR1. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.

Design and Construction of Diversion Ponds for
  Aquaculture. 1990. $5. A1790. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.

Information About the Diagnosis of Fish
  Diseases in the Upper Midwest. 1987. Free. SAN23. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.

The Use and Application of Salt in Aquaculture.
  1991. Free. Fact Sheet AS-458. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program. (Address below)

Intensive Aquaculture: The Proceedings of the
  Regional Work Shop on Commercial Fish Culture Using Water Reuse Systems. 1990. $5.
  Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program.

  Culture of NonSalmonid Fresh Water Fishes:
    Yellow Perch. R.C. Heldinger and T.B. Kayes. From Culture of Non Salmonid Fresh Water
    Fishes, chapter 7. Free. WIA-SG-86-795. Sea Grant Institute-Wisconsin. (Address below)
 

Genetic Guidelines for Fisheries Management.
1987. A.R. Kapuscinski and L.D. Jacobsen. $5. RR17. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.


Limits to Growth of Young-of-the-Year Walleye.
An Individual-Based Model Perspective. 1992. Charles P. Madenjian. Free. WIS-SG-92-936.
Sea Grant Institute-Wisconsin.


A Computer Program for Analyzing the Growth of
Fish. 1988. S. Weisberg. $25. COMP1. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.

Addresses for Listed Publications

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program, University
of Illinois, 65 Mumford Hall, 1301 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801-3068, (217)333-9448,
checks payable to: University of Illinois

Minnesota Sea Grant College Program,
University of Minnesota, 1518 Cleveland Avenue N Rm 302, St. Paul, MN 55108-6001,
(612)625-9288, checks payable to: University of Minnesota

New York Sea Grant, 117 Nassau Hall, SUNY at
Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5001, (516)632-9124, checks payable to: New York Sea
Grant Institute

Ohio Sea Grant College Program, The Ohio State
University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212-1194, (614)292-8949, checks payable to:
The Ohio State University

Sea Grant Institute, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, 1800 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-4094, (608)263-5371, checks
payable to: UW Sea Grant Institute


Sea Grant mails a quarterly list of free
publications. For more information write to: Sea Grant Abstracts, P.O. Box 84, Woods Hole,
MA 02543. Sea Grant also issues free quarterly newsletters by state. In Michigan the
newsletter is called Upwellings, in Minnesota it its called the Seiche, and Wisconsin's
newsletter is Littoral Drift.

Use and Application of Salt in
Aquaculture
By: L. Swann, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Program, Purdue University, and S. Fitzgerald, D.V.M., Animal Disease Diagnostic
Laboratory, Purdue University, West Laffayette, IN
Background Salt  is one of
  the most commonly used drugs in aquaculture. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the
  aspirin of aquaculture. Salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl) in its chemical form, is a drug of
  low regulatory priority for the United States Food & Drug Administration and requires
  no withdrawal time before marketing. Many forms of salt are used, including table,
  meat-curing, pickling, and rock salt. Of these, the most commonly used and least expensive
  form is the meat-curing variety. When used properly, salt can treat many external
  parasites including Costia, Epistylis, Trichodina, Chilodonella,
  and the flukes Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus. Salt can also be used to
  relieve stress during handling and transport. A few general guidelines are suggested before
  any salt treatment is attempted: A. Use sensitive and accurate scales to
  calculate doses for treatment of small volumes of water contained
  in hauling or holding tanks. "Guesstimating" may only end in disaster. B. Know the volume of your ponds, raceways
  and tanks beforehand. It is advisable to have those values in a convenient location for
  immediate use. C. Perform a test treatment on a few fish
  before attempting a large scale treatment. Salt, like other chemicals, reacts differently
  among different species and water qualities. D. Prepare to remove fish or flush out
  salt baths with fresh water when fish show initial signs of stress. Treatment procedures involve calculating the
  volume of water to be treated, calculating salt dosage, and choosing the treatment method.
  In the case of a specific disease, the corresponding rate of salt for applications needs
  to be calculated. Treatment Methods
        The method of salt application depends on the
          disease organism, fish species, weight, and type of aquaculture unit. Treatment methods
          include short-term dips, prolonged baths, and indefinite treatments:
        Dip treatments involve exposing
              the fish to very strong solutions for short periods of time, usually 30 seconds to one
              minute. Prolonged baths are useful for treating fish in small tanks that can
              be flushed quickly. Strong solutions of salt are added to the water. Fish are held in this
              salt solution with aeration from 30 to 60 minutes, or until they show signs of stress.Indefinite
                treatments are used when transporting, handling fish, or when dealing with large
              volumes of water, such as ponds. Low concentrations of salt can be used indefinitely in
              ponds.
        Calculation of Volumes
        Calculating tank and pond volume is an
          important step to effective salt application in aquaculture. Measurements used to
          determine volume are usually in feet and/or inches. The most common shapes of culture
          tanks, ponds, or raceways are square, rectangular, or round. Square or rectangular pond
          and tank volumes are calculated similarly except that an average depth is used for ponds.
          The method used to calculate volume of each is given below.
        Volume of a square or rectangular raceway,
          tank, or pond.
        Volume (Vol.) = Length x width x depth.
        Example 1: A rectangular tank is 12 feet (ft.)
          long, 3 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep. What is its volume?
        Vol. = 12 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft.
        Vol. = 108 cubic ft.
        Volume of a round tank
        Vol. = 3.14 x (radius x radius) x depth
        Example 2: A round tank is 12 ft. in diameter
          and 4.5 ft. deep. What is its volume? (Radius = 0.5 x diameter.)
        Vol. = 3.14 x (radius x radius) x depth
        Vol. = 3.14 x (6 ft. x 6 ft.) x 4.5 ft.
        Vol. = 3.14 x 36 square ft. x 4.5 ft.
        Vol. = 508.7 cubic ft.
        Calculation of Dosages
        Once the volume is calculated in cubic feet,
          the gallons are determined using these conversions:
        1 cubic ft. = 7.48 gallons (gal.)
        1 acre-ft (1 surface acre x 1 ft. deep) =
          325,850 gal.
        1 liter (L) = 0.26 gal.
          Other useful conversions:
          1 pound (lb.) = 454 grams (g)
        1,000 g = 1 kilogram (kg)
        One of the most commonly used units of measure
          in aquaculture is the part per million, commonly referred to as ppm. In percentage
          calculations, 1% equals 10,000 ppm. The amount of salt added to various volumes that
          results in 1 ppm concentration is listed below.
        1 ppm equals:
          2.7 lb./acre-foot
          0.0283 g/cubic ft.
          0.00378 g/gal.
          1.0 milligram (mg)/L
        Example 3: How much salt is needed to make a
          2% solution using a prolonged treatment for Dactylogyrus in the round tank used in
          Example 2?
        2.0% = 20,000 ppm
        Tank volume = 508.7 cubic ft. x 7.48
          gal./cubic ft.
        = 3,805 gal.
        Salt needed (g) 0.00378 g/gal. x 3,805 gal. x
            20,000
        = 287,663 g or 633.6 lbs (287,663 g / 454 g/lb
            equals 633.6 lbs.)
        Example 4: How much salt is needed to make a
          0.5% solution using an indefinite treatment in a 100 gal. transport tank?
        0.5% = 5,000 ppm
          Salt needed (g) = 0.00378 g/gal. x 100 gal. x
            5,000
          Salt needed (g) = 1,890 g or 4.2lbs. (1,890 g
            / 454 g/lb equals 4.2 lbs.)
        Specific Treatment Rates
        Specific treatments using salt are given in
            Table 1.
        Table 1. Specific treatment rates and
          methods of using salt for treating various diseases or as a remedial treatment of stress.
        Disease                                                                                    Concentration/Duration
        External
              parasites of brood fish
            30,000 ppm (3%)
              as a quick dip (15 seconds) before stocking.External
              parasites Costia, Epistylis, Trichodina, and Chilodonella and
              the flukes Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus
            10,000-30,000 ppm
              (1-3%) prolonged treatment (30 minutes or until fish show signs of stress), or 1,000-2,000
              ppm in hauling tanks as an indefinite treatment.Stress during
              transport and while handling
            Indefinite
              treatment using 1,000-10,000 ppm (0.1-1.0%). Financial Sources for Funding
Aquaculture Programs By: MTANMost Tribal fish hatcheries have three primary means for funding their
rearing programs; Congressional appropriations, Bureau of Indian Affairs - hatchery
rehabilitation projects, and in-house Tribal appropriations. What is not as well known are
the other types of federal and state "Grant and Loan" programs which are also
available.


The Marketing Division of the Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) invites proposals to
fund demonstration projects, feasibility studies or applied research directed toward new
or alternative agricultural products, technologies or practices designed to stimulate
development and diversification of economic activity within agriculture. Individuals,
groups of individuals, businesses and organizations are eligible to submit proposals.
Applicants may cooperate with any public or private organizations. The program is
administered by the Agricultural Development & Diversification (ADD) Program within
the WDATCP Marketing Division.


The objective of the AAD grant program is to
encourage the development of new or alternative agricultural technologies, products,
marketing techniques or production and processing methods in order to stimulate
agricultural development and diversification.

Proposals and anticipated project results must
demonstrate the potential for direct commercial application. The purpose of the program is
not to provide funds for business start-up, business expansion, or to pay off existing
debt. It is rather intended to develop and prove commercial viability so that loan funds,
if necessary, can be obtained from other sources for full implementation or application in
the future.  Submitted proposals must be received in the Department's Madison office
or postmarked by March 15, 1994. Questions related to your proposals should be directed
to:


Mr. Erwin A. Sholts, Director - ADD, WDATCP -
Marketing Division, 801 West Badger Road, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, Wl 53708-8911,
608-267-9644/Theresa, Fax: 608-266-1300

Applicant EligibilityProposals will be accepted from individuals,
groups of individuals, businesses and organizations related to agriculture. Applicants may
cooperate with any public or private organization, involving agricultural development,
research and/or marketing to enhance Wisconsin's agricultural industries. If two or more
individuals or organizations propose to conduct a project jointly, they may submit one
application as co-applicants. Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to carry out
all elements of the proposed project. Applicants choosing to work or consult another
individual or organization on the project must define their responsibilities and provide
evidence of their willingness and ability to perform.

Project Eligibility

Projects which involve new or alternative
agricultural production, processing distribution and marketing technologies, market
research and development and value added product development will be considered. Projects
must demonstrate a broad potential for further development of the State's agricultural
industry. The potential for near-term commercial application or widespread use of project
results is a major consideration in proposal evaluation. General research studies or
analyses which do not have a clear potential for direct implementation or wider adoption
should not be submitted. Proposed projects should have a completion time frame of no more
than three years. Funds may be used for expansion of existing activities if qualified on
the basis of program criteria. Proposals designed to substitute for existing efforts may
not be funded.

Available Funds
A total of at least $200,000 is available for
ADD grants in 1994. Grant requests up to $50,000 per project may be funded. All proposals
received by the deadline will be considered. The ADD grant program would like to fund as
many projects per year as possible. A preference will be given to grant applications that
include matching fund contributions. Matching funds may be in the form of land, labor,
equipment or any of the other eligible categories.

Additional Sources for Funding Aquaculture
Programs

There are direct and indirect financial
assistance programs at the Federal and State levels for aquaculturists. All of these
programs encourage technological progress and participation of minority and disadvantaged
firms, but some agencies focus on Federal or State research and development needs while
other programs focus on private sector commercialization over broader areas. These
programs are limited in funding and availability.

A. FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS Farmers Home Administration The Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) under
  the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides loans to aquaculture operators as well as
  farmers, ranchers, rural residents, and communities. Some loans are for individuals and
  their families. Other loans are made to partnerships, cooperatives, corporations, or
  public bodies. Loans may be used for husbandry of aquatic organisms including feeding,
  tending, harvesting, and any other necessary activities to promote and establish an
  aquaculture business. Aquaculturists are encouraged to make use of commercial sources of
  credit when able to do so. FmHA will then consider supplementing those financial resources
  with loans. Farmers Home Administration loans are of two
  types. **Guaranteed Loans** are made and serviced by a private lender
  with FmHA guaranteeing to limit any loss to a specified percentage. Interest rates are
  determined by the borrower and lender unless established by law. Insured Loans are
  sold to investors through the Federal Financing Bank and are insured by the Federal
  Government with interest rates usually determined by current cost of Federal borrowing.  Eligibility Individuals, corporations, cooperatives, and
  partnerships that will conduct family size farming or ranching operations may apply.
  Several loan programs are available through the FmHA, the one most applicable to
  aquaculture is the Resource Conservation and Development Loan (RC&D) program. To be eligible, an individual must generally:
  1) be a citizen of the United States; 2) be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere
  at reasonable rates and terms; 3) have the ability to repay the loan; 4) possess the legal
  capacity to incur the obligations of the loan; 5) be an owner or tenant operating a family
  farm after the loan has closed; 6) need to rely on farm income and any other income to
  provide a level of living comparable to that considered reasonably adequate for the area;
  and 7) have a satisfactory history of meeting credit obligations, have farm experience or
  training, and possess the managerial ability to carry out the operation. Cooperative State Research Service The Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS)
under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works with the State Agricultural
Experiment Stations, the forestry schools, the 1890 land-grant colleges, Tuskegee
Institute, and colleges of veterinary medicine. CSRS allocates formula funds to States for
maintaining high quality research programs in aquaculture. CSRS awards grants in
aquaculture on a competitive basis through the Aquaculture Special Grant Program and the
National Research Initiative (NRI). CSRS also administers Special Grants in aquaculture on
research problems that Congress believes are important to the Nation. In cooperation with
Extension Service, CSRS provides funding for research and extension activities that are
administered through the five USDA Regional Aquaculture Centers.  Eligibility

For information on eligibility for the
Aquaculture Special Grants Program and the NRI, request the solicitation announcements for
these programs from: Proposal Services Branch, Awards Management Division, CSRS, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Rm. 303, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20250-2200. For
information on the Regional Aquaculture Center programs, researchers should contact the
specific Regional Aquaculture Center for their current list of research priorities and
operational guidelines.
Economic Development Administration

The Economic Development Administration (EDA)
under the Department of Commerce provides grants and loans to alleviate conditions of
substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically distressed
areas and regions of the Nation. EDA is particularly interested in projects located in
federally authorized and designated enterprise zones.

To establish merits of project proposals,
interested parties should first contact the economic development representative for the
area (See Directory of Government Sources).

EDA also administers a program of Guaranteed
Loans. Authority is available to guarantee up to 80 percent of the principal and interest
made by eligible commercial lending institutions to private borrowers for the purchase of
fixed assets and/or for working capital purposes for projects located in areas eligible
for EDA assistance. Applicants should contact either the Austin or Philadelphia Regional
Office Business Loans Division to discuss their proposals. Applications will be accepted
only from private lending institutions.
National Sea Grant program

The National Sea Grant College Program under
the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
provides grant funding through a core of 29 Sea Grant colleges and institutions which in
turn network with over 200 participating universities and research institutes.
Approximately 10% of Sea Grant funding has been allocated to aquaculture projects in the
past. Funding is most often dispersed to the research branch of the institution, but a
private aquaculturist may submit a proposal requesting funds to research a specific
problem through a local Sea Grant college or university. These grants are awarded based on
competitive proposals subject to vigorous review. The proposal must follow very specific
guidelines. Grants are not provided for start up enterprises or expansion of ongoing
aquaculture business.
Eligibility

Universities, colleges, technical schools,
institutes, laboratories, public or private corporations, partnerships, individuals, and
State or political subdivisions are eligible to apply. Grant money cannot be used for
purchase of facilities. Grants range in size from $5,000 to $150,000 with the average
grant size at $31,000 or $57,000 with matching funds. One-third of the funds must be
matched. Aquaculturists with a research project should contact their local Sea Grant
college or university.
B. STATE FUNDING PROGRAMS

In addition to the above Federal programs that
are usually administered at the State level, States may have their own local development
programs with tax incentives for aquaculture investment. State economic development
programs vary in their structure and responsibility. State staff may have expertise in
areas of financing, advertising, tax applications, business management, and exporting.
While some States are now including an emphasis on aquaculture in their economic
development program, the industry is still not well known in other States.

Financial incentives at the State level may
include direct loans, loan guarantees, development bonds, grants, and State supported
venture capital programs. Maximum loan amounts at the State level are generally less than
$1 million. Grants are very rare and usually require ability to provide supplemental
financial support. The research should have an emphasis on technology transfer
applications and defined benefit to the community. State programs using lottery funds,
environmental issues, and minority support programs may all have an application for
aquaculture.

Aquaculturists should contact their State
office for information on the programs available to them through their State. The name of
the contacting office varies by State but may be listed as: State Economic Development
Office, State Department of Commerce, Bureau of Business Assistance, or Office of Urban
Programs. Contact your State Department of Agriculture or State Department of Natural
Resources for the appropriate office in your area. County-level economic development
programs may also be available.
C. DIRECTORY OF GOVERNMENT SOURCES

Agricultural Marketing Service, Federal-State
Marketing Improvement Program U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 3518, South Building,
Washington, DC 20250

Cooperative State Research Service, U. S.
Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Aerospace Building, Suite
330, Washington, DC 20250-2200

Competitive Grants Program, c/o Proposal
Services Branch, Cooperative State Research Service, Room 303, Aerospace Center, US
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-2200

Directory of Business Development
Publications, P.O. Box 15434, Fort Worth, TX 76119

Farmers Home Administration Information
Office, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC
20250

National Sea Grant College Program, U. S.
Department of Commerce, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Small Business Innovative Research Program
(SBIR), Small Business Administration, 1441 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20416
D. MINNESOTA STATE PROGRAMS

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
is seeking industry applicable research and demonstration proposals for the Minnesota
Aquaculture Development Program (MADP). A research grant program, the MADP is designed
to support evaluation and development of environmentally and economically sound
aquaculture systems for Minnesota. The MADP is not a loan program, nor is it a source for
business start-up capital. MADP funds are not meant to be used for capital improvements or
acquisition of expensive durable equipment where reasonable lease arrangements can be made
for the term of a project. Preference will be given to applications which involve producer
and research institution cooperation and those which request less that $30,000 of MADP
funds. Requests in excess of $50,000 will most likely not be considered.
Eligibility Requirements

Generally, proposals must meet all of the
requirements listed below to be considered for MADP funding.
A. Proposals must contribute to the MADP
goal of developing or evaluating environmentally and economically sound aquaculture
production systems in Minnesota.
B. Applicants must provide at least a
one-to-one match in project funding. Matching funds may include in-kind services and
equipment, but may not include other state funds.
C. Proposals must benefit, or at least
have a strong potential to benefit, Minnesota's aquaculture industry beyond the immediate
clientele of the project's activities. All projects must facilitate demonstration of
processes and results to present and potential Minnesota aquatic farmers.
D. Proposals must involve a private
producer.
Target Areas

The following are target project areas. Broad
industry applicability is a desired outcome of all funded projects. Adherence to a target
area does not guarantee funding. Conversely, there may be projects funded which do not
fall under any of the following categories (not in prioritized order).

A. Develop and demonstrate waste
    management, treatment, or utilization technology for pond, raceway or other aquaculture
    application.
    Desired outcomes: Encourage waste collection
    and treatment resulting in less nutrient discharge from farm sites and additional farm
    income or low disposal cost.
    B. Develop and demonstrate practical
    technology to raise fish in indoor, water re-use systems in Minnesota.
    Desired outcomes: Water conservation, waste
    concentration for convenient treatment, and new economically sound production technology
    for industry.
    C. Develop and demonstrate economical
    waste heat utilization technology for use in an aquaculture production system.
    Desired Outcomes: Reduction of thermal
    pollution from industrial facilities, utilization of an untapped resource to economically
    warm fish culture rearing waters.
    D. Develop and demonstrate intensive
    baitfish or sportfish fingerling production system technology.
    Desired Outcomes: Decreased reliance on
    natural pond/lake extensive systems resulting in better quality products, more reliable
    production, and less competition for natural ponds.
    E. Develop and demonstrate economical
    and efficient feed formulations or feeding strategies for Minnesota cultured fish.
    Desired Outcomes: Economical fish production
    through better feed conversion and improved effluent water quality through higher
    digestibility of feed ingredients.Application Procedures

You are encouraged to work with department
staff at an early stage in project development to ensure that your proposal meets all MADP
requirements. Please contact either Ying Ji at (612) 296-5081 or Brian Erickson at (612)
296-4939 with questions or comments.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of
experts and the Minnesota Aquaculture Commission (MAC). Factors upon which proposals will
be judged include, but are not limited to: 1) expressed understanding of project
objectives, 2) project workplan, 3) project cost, and 4) qualifications of both
organization and personnel.

Following review, recommendations will be made
by the MAC and peer reviewers which will contribute to a final department funding
decision. Following funding approval, applicants must enter into a formal agreement with
the state. Grantees must also submit quarterly progress reports which document work
progress and expenditures as outlined in the workplan, and a final
report.
Hatchery Tips
Water Alarm System
          
Ask yourself the following two questions: 1) If a power outage was to
  occur, how would I know if the back up generator properly came on line to continue the
  flow of water to the fish/eggs? 2) If the water flow was interrupted, would the hatchery
  program suffer? With the high cost of rearing fish and the labor involved, many fish
  hatchery managers have discovered that to properly address these questions and to ensure
  the safety of their fish, that a water alarm system is a necessary component to the
  hatchery facility.
  

If your fish hatchery receives its water
  supply from gravity flow or a pumping system, you may find that a water alarm system will
  alert you to any unexpected water level changes. Depending on your specific program, this
  alarm can be as simple as the one shown, or something much more complex.
Thanks to the technological advances made in
  this area, an alarm message can be sent to your home or office telephone line. Like any
  investment, you must decide if the gain is worth the cost. If your facility is located in
  an area that experiences frequent power outages and water flow changes, then you may want
  to consider a water alarm system. If you have already installed a water alarm, this may be
  a good time to consider if the system should be updated to take full advantage of the
  newer safeguards now available.
Water Discharge Pipe Stand:

How often have you had to hold onto a water
discharge pipe in order to release fish? Fish hatchery workers use a variety of ways to
transfer fish from hatchery troughs to ponds or from pond to pond. For those of use with
weak backs (but strong minds), an adjustable pipe stand is often useful to support a heavy
discharge pipe.

Many hatchery workers have found that 4 inch
aluminum irrigation pipes (when properly joined and supported) work well to channel both
fish and water to the desired location. To ensure that gravity will deliver the fish
safely, you will need to determine the best operating height of each pipe stand. MTAN
would also suggest that if you will be using the piping system for an extended period of
time, or if the pipe stands need to be over 24 inches high, that you support the base of
each stand with a heavy sand bag or cement block.
Funnel Trap:

During the final drawdown of a earthen pond,
fish are exposed to a great deal of stress as they enter the kettle area. The three
stressor's which are the most harmful during this period are: decreased oxygen, increased
turbidity and higher water temperatures. Any one of these can result in increased
mortality rates during the harvesting process. If two or more factors join together, then
a substantial increase in fish mortality will often result. To ensure that you will have
not only more fish to release but also stronger fish, you will need to continually
evaluate your harvesting procedures to eliminate any weak links in the program.

One possible solution to limit the extent of
this problem is to use a screened funnel trap to pre-collect fish as they migrate
into the catch basin. This technique has been found to reduce the harvesting mortality
rate because you can gradually crop off the fish as they move into the trap.

The technique is very simple. As the pond
nears the half way point in its drawdown, the funnel trap is positioned in front of the
kettle screen. As fish begin to move away from the shallow areas of the pond they inturn
move into the deeper kettle area and eventually find themselves caught in the funnel trap.
As the pond continues to drain (often taking several hours) you can position yourself in
the kettle and begin to collect those fish captured inside the trap (the trap is open at
the top to allow easy netting of the fish).

Depending on the number of fish to be removed,
you may want to make 2 trips to the kettle during the drawdown process. Once the water
level has reached the bottom third of the trap you may want to remove the device and begin
to harvest the remainder of the fish in the normal manner. Often this technique will
result in the pre-collection of 50-75% of your fish.

By pre-collecting your fish in this manner,
you will not only have more fish to release, but also fish which are stronger and better
able to survive the introduction into their new home.
Automatic Fish Crowder for Raceways:

Dale Bast (Iron River NFH) submitted this idea for a automatic crowding
device for cement style raceways. When crowding fish down a raceway, often increased fish
mortality results from the crowder pushing against the pond walls. This automatic crowder
is designed to allow some fish to escape past the sides of the pond as the crowder is
slowly pushed downward by the incoming water. Once the device has reached the bottom area
of the raceway, another (more secure fitting) crowder is wedged behind the fish and then
the automatic crowder is removed. Once the fish from the first crowding are removed, the
raceway is again re-crowded by hand. But this time far less fish are exposed to the
mechanical stress of the manual style of fish crowding. If you have any questions please
contact Mr. Bast at 715-372-8510.

The function and dimensions of the automatic
fish crowder are as follows: Section A. This is the bottom of the crowder. One inch less
than minimum raceway width. Section B. The height of the crowder should be above the water
line, but less then the total depth of the raceway wall. Section C. This is the portion
which rests on top of the water line and in front of the crowder as it is pushed downward.
The support rail keeps the crowder upright (between the pond walls) plus acts as a brace
once the device reaches the bottom end of the raceway. In this way the fish will not be
"over crowded". The length of the support pipe should be equal to the water
depth of the raceway, plus 6 inches. Section D. The fibercloth (PVC plastic or window
screen) should be cut to allow 3" of extra material on each side. This will allow for
a good water seal on each side of the crowder.

Materials Needed:

36 feet of 1 and 1/2" schedule 40 PVC
pipe.

6 - 1 and 1/2" schedule 40 PVC elbows.

2 - 1 and 1/2" schedule 40 PVC tees.

PVC primer and glue plus fibercloth
(30"x102")

Sheet metal screws to attach cloth to crowder
frame.
Low Oxygen:

Just because you measure little or no oxygen
in your un-drainable ponds prior to ice-out and see fish corpses after ice-out, doesn't
necessarily mean your pond experienced a complete winter kill of last year's unharvested
fingerlings. St. Croix Tribal biologist has reported the loss of all the 1993 hatch to
1992's left-overs.
Rotenone:

Aurum Aquaculture Ltd., Rt. 1, Box 1-H,
Leland, MS 38756. The phone is 800-817-5808. Ask for Betty Mitchell.
Pipe Hangers:

Do you have a problem with steel bolts and
structural supports corroding? If so, then a company called "Steelfree" may have
the solution. The company manufactures high-strength fiberglass materials that can't rust
or conduct electricity, because they contain no metal. According to the information
provided to MTAN, the products are engineered to perform and install similarly to
traditional steel supports and fasteners. Such a product should be ideal in corrosive
environments like high humidity fish rearing areas. To be included on a product mailing
list, call 1-800-869-9649.

Product
Manufactures
If you are
    interested in purchasing aquaculture related supplies you may wish to add Aurum
    Aquaculture Ltd (AAL) to your mailing list. The company offers such things as chemicals,
    specialty feeds, aquaculture related equipment and books. For a product listing manual
    write to AAL, Rt.1 H, Leland, MS 38756, or call 800-817-5808.
  Jason Mills Inc. (JMI) has been
    manufacturing mesh and net fabrics for 16 years. They have recently become more active in
    aquaculture applications. They now have the ability to supply fabrics using nylon,
    polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene meshes. They also have a cut and sew department
    which allows they to construct specialty types of mesh and net items. For more information
    write to JMI at 220 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ 07675-3601, or call 201-358-6500.

Product and company names mentioned in this publication are for informational
        purposes only. It does not imply endorsement by the MTAN or the U.S. Government.
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