Because of the large number of finfish species, University resources are more often directed toward discipline studies such as reproduction and pat hology. Extension outreach activities in finfish aquaculture are conducted by the campus-based Extension Specialist working independently or in concert with other University departmental faculty who also have some outreach responsibility. This cooperative effor t expands the outreach capabilities of the aquaculture program and allows greater utilization of University resources. Major outreach programs being conducted in freshwater aquaculture include sturgeon nutrition and development of a domestic sturgeon br oodstock manual, striped bass nutrition, channel catfish production and broodstock management, farm pond aquaculture, aquaculture system design and management, water quality management, finfish species physiology and biological requirements, finfish dise ase management, production site selection and pond facility construction, and aquaculture permit process and regulations. Aquatic Animal Welfare Animal welfare is a major concern of California's general population and an issue addressed within the University of California.
Animal welfare means the humane treatment of animals managed by humans.
As a Land Grant University, the University of California is responsible for operating teaching, research and extension programs related to the production of food and fiber. In the conduct of these programs, the University maintains laboratory and produc tion animals using regulations and guidelines established by the federal government, Public Health Service, and the American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. As part of its teaching, research and extension activities, the Uni versity's philosophy of best management practices is extended to the agriculture industries. The welfare of animals used for aquacultural production is also an area of emphasis at the University. Best management practices for aquatic animals are humane, and reduce stress and disease.