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FOR AQUACULTURE
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Agricultural Experiment Station
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
E.V. Smith, Director Auburn, Alobomo
December 1970
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Auburn University's School of Agriculture-Agricultural Experiment Station
pioneered in freshwater fisheries management research in the United States.
Following World War II, the foreign assistance agency of the U. S. Department
of State, the FAO, and some foreign governments sent students from other
countries to Auburn to study fisheries management.
Although many of the leading fisheries personnel in developing nations
received all or some of their scientific training at Auburn, the program was more
or less informal. Our scientists did not feel this relationship permitted the 
Univer-
sity to make its full contribution to the solution of the world's food-protein
problem. Therefore, the opportunity to expand our contribution as a result of an
A.I.D. Institutional Grant in support of the International Center for Aquaculture
was most welcome. This brochure was developed to present some of the major
programs offered by the Center.
Yours very truly,
E. V. Smith
Dean and Director
Fish of the oceans, the streams, lakes, and man-made ponds are one of the im-
portant renewable natural resources of the world. The effective management of
this resource for food and for recreation can only be realized through the activities
of trained men utilizing research-proven management techniques. In this brochure
we are describing some of the contributions that Auburn University is making to
the management of the fisheries resource in Alabama, the United States, and the
World through research, training, and extension.
Sincerely,
t.S. S wingle
Director, International
Center for Aquaculture
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WVe at Auburn University feel especially honoi ed by the world- wide recognition
accorded our fisheries program. The Land Grant University system in the United
States was an outgrowth of the idea of service to people, and we feel our fisheries
program has fulfilled every charge placed on it by that idea. With the awarding
of the A.I.D. Institutional Grant for support of the International Center for Aqua-
culture and the elevation of the fisheries program to the Department of Fisheries
and Allied Aquaeultures, we are now able to offer more of the benefits of the
Land Grant system to the rest of the world. Through this brochure we hope to
make that offer known to those who would take advantage of it.
Sincerely,
President
Auburn University has gained a worldwide reputation
for its warmwater fisheries research and teaching pro-
gram. This brochure describes briefly the programs
Auburn supports through the Department of Fisheries
and Allied Aquacultures and the International Center for
Aquaculture. Also described are the various services
available to fisheries agencies of foreign countries, U.S.
Missions, and other organizations supporting interna-
tional aquacultural activities.
The formal program in fisheries research and manage-
ment at Auburn University was started in 1933 by Dr.
H. S. Swingle. Since then pond and laboratory research
facilities have been continually expanded and modern-
ized, creating what is now the largest pond research sta-
tion in the world. Current replacement value of field
facilities is approximately $2 million.'
Courses in fisheries were established in 1946, and the
first graduate degree was awarded in 1948. Fisheries stu-
dents have come to Auburn from throughout the United
States and from many foreign countries.
On July 1, 1970, the fisheries program, which had been
conducted as part of the Department of Zoology-En-
tomology, was accorded full departmental status. At the
same time, the International Center for Aquaculture was
established as an associated entity. Both the Department
and the Center are part of the University's Agricultural
Experiment Station System.
RESEARCH AND TRAINING
Auburn University gained worldwide recognition for
its fisheries activities through the efforts of a competent
and dedicated staff. No small part of their accomplish-
ments was the development of the research program,
physical facilities, and training program described in this
section.
Research Program
From the beginning, efforts in fisheries research at
Auburn have been unique in a number of respects-the
water fisheries management, and related subjects.
\It a k ll l t i hu 1 llta a- m ill 'A l (I i lli
part 11010 rcscarch at Aub)urni mx crsits include:
a wide i ange ot conditions and make application of'i
agemciit practices less complicated for the non-r
sional. As an example, dcepm( Ii 1 r' (1It r, i
thos.e slioxswa inl this partilix (I
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\l eth()ds of control of'sulbmerscd pond we eds.
-. I1au ponds s h t te fl"llm
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M Iethods of commer-cial bait minnows productioll
antec- ini fish al i ln I . Ij-i ll yml Iil l it
call Collect
Some of thel Cur rent i eseai eb in thle D~epairtmnit of
Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures concerns:
ad introduiced1 species, methods for fertili~'ationl, LIS('
iish f'eeds, and methods of management to provide high
y ields to hook- an d-line fishing.
Commercial Fish Production. From this research has
come methods for producing channel catfish commelr
ciallv in ponds in the Southern States. As an indication of'
the success of' this research, total production reached :30
million p~ound~s in 1969 and is expected to double in 1970.
Research is nowx in progress xwith the channel catfish and
wxhite catfish onl spaxwnmug, raising fingerlings for stock-
ing, feeding, and producing marketable fish. Cultural
mecthods being tested are( covered in oither sections.
from a ponld xx hiCe fish arfe feI d, is fi lteired thiough gi ax\T
covxered wxith lixing microscopic organisms then returned
through itgrav ity flowx sstei. The photo showxs it filtei
iii the backgirouid, some of' the pondls it serves, and tl;
wxater return system iii the foregroundi. WVith this syst,.
productioin of' 10,000 pound,., of' catfish per acre inl
pr oximately 6 months hats been oibtained. Practical
Iplicatioiis of the systemn are now lbeiing studied.
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Pondculture in Still W~ater. \laxiinm production oh)
tained by feeding wvas slightly over 2,500 pounds per acre
inl 10 months. The addition of' air released f-rm pipes in
thle pond bottom doubled production. An evaluation of'
tile ecolnmics of, aeration is being mnade.
Suspended Cage Culture. Catfish are fed in wxire cages
-LCh ats thle one seen heire. Witater circulates through thle
* aiges, wxhich are suspended in the top wxater of' ponds,
ti d solidl wxastes f'all through the wxire floori \laximuml
'Ioductioii, part of wvhich is shoxwn, hats been about 400
''iids of' catfish per cubic meter of' cage in 180 days.
culture is leemnd refinedl fhr uISe ill ponds, Strecams,
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Fish Feeds and Feeding. Iiin addition to testing con-
ventional feeds, scientists are studying aquatic plants as
possible sources of protein, minerals, or growth factors
for supplemental fish feeding. Basic studies in mineral
and fiber requirements and nutrient digestibility are be-
ing conducted with catfish. Experimental diets are
formulated under exacting standards and fed to fish
maintained in stainless steel troughs equipped with con-
tinuously flowing filtered water. Practical feed mixtures
and feeding rates for other species of fish are also being
studied.
Biological Waste Disposal in Ponds. Wastes from fish
and other biota limit the amount of fish that can 
be pro-
duced in ponds by feeding. Various 
species of fish, mus-
sels, and aquatic plants are being evaluated 
for their
effectiveness in maintaining clean water in ponds 
where
heavy daily feeding is used.
Biological Control of Aquatic Weeds. Because few
herbicides have been cleared for use in water, herbi-
vorous fishes are being tested as control agents for sub-
mersed aquatic weeds. The Chinese grass carp and Con-
go tilapia have proved most effective, giving better con-
trol than is usually obtained by chemical treatment. The
effects of these species on natural fish populations are
under study to determine if their use is feasible in ponds
and lakes. Work on control 
of emergent aquatic weeds,
which includes sampling such as that shown, 
is another
main part of this research.
Hybridization. Crosses are being made between 
var-
ious species of sunfish and between species of tilapia 
in
an effort to produce more desirable individuals.
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Fish Taxonomy. A key to the fishes of Alabama, pre-
pared by William F. Smith-Vaniz, 
is now in print as a re-
sult of research conducted here. The Cooperative Fish-
cries Research Unit is currently specializing in taxonomy
and ecology of fishes in the Chattahoochee River System.
There is a 500,000-specimen fish collection maintained
at Auburn. Most specimens are from eastern U.S. waters
but many are from other parts of the world.
Fish Population Dynamics. Results of 16 years of sur-
veys on fish populations in Alabama rivers and impound-
ments have been summarized.
Control of Phytoplankton Blooms in Ponds. Enrich-
ment of the pond environment through heavy fertiliza-
tion or feeding normally results in dense phytoplankton
blooms that occasionally cause severe fish kills. The use
of plankton-feeding fishes and certain aquatic plants to
control these blooms is being investigated.
Ecology of Aquatic Insects. Since aquatic insects are
the principal food of many fish species, investigations 
in-
to the ecological requirements of various insect groups
are carried out.
40
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4
Fish Parasites and Diseases. A regional project at Au-
burn is supported by eight Southern States. Causes of fish
kills in cooperating states are determined and the or-
ganisms responsible are cultured and identified. Typical
of this work is the removal of gills from a channel catfish
for parasitological examination. The fish parasitologist
examines and draws the parasites with the aid of a camera
lucida. In this manner research is conducted on taxon-
omy, life cycles, development, control methods, and re-
lated problems.
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Large Pond Research Area
Fish Processing Technology. A broad-based program
concerned with various aspects of fish processing has
been implemented. Many processing techniques are
tested and the end products are subjected to trained
taste panels to determine desirability.
Nutrient Balance in River Impoundment. Cations,
anions, phosphates, chlorides, sulfates, and carbonates
entering Eufaula Reservoir from the polluted Chatta-
hoochee River and from unpolluted creeks are being de-
termined. Their distribution within the water, plankton,
higher plants, fishes, and bottom muds of the impound-
ment is being monitored, as is the amount lost down-
stream. This is providing new insight into the role of
major and minor elements in fish production.
Biology and Ecology of Stream Fish. The biology and
ecology of stream fishes native to the area are being
ture.
Genetics and Selective Breeding. A program in genetic
selection and selective breeding of channel catfish to
produce superior strains has been initiated. Variation
within and among family groups is being measured so
that selection criteria can be more firmly established.
Production of Other Aquatic Animals. Studies involv-
ing other aquatic food species are being conducted on a
limited scale at Auburn. Researchers are shown here
weighing freshwater shrimp grown in ponds. This female
shrimp, Macrobrachiumn sp., weighs approximately 80
grams.
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Physical Facilities
Field facilities of the Fisheries Research Unit of the
Agricultural Experiment Station are located on a 1,300-
acre tract approximately 5 miles north of the campus.
Over the past 36 years, a field research facility consisting
of 228 earthen ponds with a surface area of 170 acres,
plus approximately 92 concrete ponds and 366 plastic
pools, has been constructed. Several different types of ex-
perimental ponds can be seen in photographs in this
brochure.
In addition to the experimental ponds, there are build-
ings housing laboratories, offices, and service facilities.
Included in the facilities are 1/10-acre ponds constructed
with concrete sides and with electrically operated feeders
programed to deliver specific quantities of fish feed at
specific times; mechanical hatching units capable of
handling 100,000 channel catfish eggs per week; concrete
and fiberglass tanks for holding and overwintering fish,
and plastic and glass aquaria for conducting experiments
under controlled conditions.
Because of the continued growth of the program, the
present complex of fisheries buildings on campus has be-
come overcrowded. A new building, the first of a pro-
posed Fisheries-Wildlife complex, is scheduled for 1972
occupancy. This building is illustrated on the back cover.
Completion of the complex should relieve the crowding
and provide adequate housing for the expanded pro-
grams and responsibilities in research and teaching.
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Of the 174 Auburn fisheries students graduated firom
regular courses and special training programs, 56 wvere
from foreign countries. Twenty-four Ph.1) degrees and
approximately 70 M\.S. degrees have been awarded to
students studying in fisheries and aquaculture. These
graduates are employed in 30 states in the 
United States
and in 23 countries throughout the world. 
Many of them
hold high administrative and research positions 
in the
fisheries organization of their respective 
state or country.
Auburn University offers one of the strongest curricula
in fisheries and allied aquacultures 
to be found anywhere
in the United States. Fourteen professional 
scientists of-
fer 17 regularly scheduled courses 
in various aspects of
fisheries. These courses are in addition to 
the courses in
basic biological sciences offered by the University. 
The
formal courses taught by the fisheries 
staff which are
available to undergraduate and graduate students are
listed with a brief description of each.
Limnology. Biological, chemical, and physical 
factors
affecting aquatic life.
Advanced Limnology. Principles and methods 
em-
ployed in modern limnological research.
Biological Productivity and Water Quality. Biological
and chemical measures of water quality ill streams and
impoundments as related to fisheries. Effects of pollution,
fertilization, and feeding of fish upon water quality.
Marine Biology. Introduction to 
the physical, chemical,
and biological characteristics of the marine environment.
Fisheries Biology. An introduction to the study 
of vital
statistics of fish populations.
Advanced Fisheries Biology. The concepts of popula-
tion dynamics and of' the interaction of reproduction,
growth, and mortality in fish populations, 
and the use of'
these concepts in fish population management.
Aquaculture. Principles underlying aquatic produc-
tivity and levels of management as demonstrated by
domestic and foreign lotic and lentic cultures of fish and
other aquatic crops.
Management of Streams and Large Impoundments.
Fish populations of streams and large impoundments and
a consideration of methods for managing those popula-
tions.
Management of Small Impoundments. Consideration of
species of fish used in management of small impound-
ments, species balance, population balance analysis,
methods of correcting unbalanced conditions, renovation
of old impoundments, and related problems of water
n anagement.
Hatchery Management. Operation of hatcheries for
production of cold- and warm-water game fish and b)ait
minnows; care of brood fish; methods of stocking, fertiliz-
ing, supplementary feeding, and controlling weeds;
transportation of fish; control of parasites, and related
hatchery problems.
General Ichthyology. Morphological, functional, geo-
graphical, and behavioral survey of fishes. Classification
of fishes using monographs and keys. Field trips and
laboratory work emphasize local species.
Systematic Ichthyology. Fishes of the world, emplia-
sizing morphology, distribution, and 
life history. lReview
of world literature on fish systematics.
Fish Parasites. The external and internal parasites of
fishes, their identification and control; laboratory studies
on life histories and epidemiology of parasite populations
in ponds and impoundments.
Fish Diseases. Bacterial and viral diseases 
of fishes,
their isolation, culture, identification, and control.
Aquatic Communities. Environmental relationships of
tile biota of freshwater habitats.
Fish Culture. Construction and management of ponds,
and the principles underlying fish production; also fish-
ing methods, bait production, and the identification of
of the more common sport fish.
Fish Processing Technology. Chemical and biological
aspects of fishery products as related to their use as hiu-
man food, principles of preservation, unit operations in
processing fishery products, product evaluation, and
packaging.
Fish Nutrition. Basic and applied aspects of warm-
water fish nutrition: includes nutrient requirements and
metabolism; nutrient sources; diet formulation; feeding
practices.
Marine Invertebrate Zoology. A general study of the
anatolny, life histories, distrilbutions, and phylogenetic
relationships of all marine phyla below the chordates.
Laboratory and field work included. Offered only at the
Gulf' Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Missis-
sippi.
Marine Vertebrate Zoology and Ichthyology. A general
study of the marine chordata, including lower groups
and the mammals and birds, with most emphasis on the
fishes. Offered only at the Gulf Coast Research Labora-
tory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
The fisheries staff is a highly qualified assemblage of'
specialists. Of the 15 staff members, 13 hold doctorates
and the academic rank of assistant professor or higher.
Many of these have achieved international its well itas
national recognition in their fields of specialization, and
over half the staff has considerable experience in foreign
fisheries work. An annotated list of the staff follows.
1t. S. S\\ iNG LE (D.Sc.). Hlead, Department of Fisheries
and Allied Aquacultures and Director, International
Center for Aquaculture. Fish population dynamics and
methods of intensive aquacultural management.
RAy AI.LisON (Ph.D.). Fish parasitology and parasite-
induced immunity in fishes.
W. D. DA.IES (Ph.D.). Population dynamics of reser-
voir fishes and analysis of fishery statistics. (At present
serving assignment with Auburn University-U.S.A.I.D.
cooperative fisheries program in Northeast Brazil.)
J. S. DENDm (Ph.D.). Limnology of impounded waters
and ecology of fish food organisms.
N. B. JEFFREY (Ph.D.). Intensive aquacultural methods.
(At present serving assignment with Auburn niversity-
U.S.A.I.D. cooperative fisheries program in Northeast
Brazil.)
J. MI. LAWRIEN(CE ('h.l).). \Mineral infloW and outflow
relationships in impounded w\aters and aquatic weed
control.
11. T. Lo iit.. (Ph.D.). Technology and biochemistry of
fish and shellfish and general aspects of fish nutrition.
1). 1). M\oss (Ph.D.). Aquaculture and factors affecting
production of fish in impounded waters.
(. 13. PARDm E (Ph.D.). Aquaculture and genetic im-
provement and hybridization 
of fishes.
J. A. PLC Mi (Candidate for Ph.D.). Bacterial and viral
disease of warmwater fishes.
E. E. PATHIIER (M.S.). Intensive management of cat-
fish ponds for sport fishing and commercial production,
and commercial production of minnows for bait.
J. S. RAxiSE) (Ph.D.). Systematic ichthyology and
zoogeography of fishes.
\W. A. ROCEls (Ph.D.). Taxonomy and ecology of fish
parasites.
E. W. SliEki (Ph.D.). Fish population dynamics.
lR. 0. Sx MITilEixiAN (Ph.D).). Aquacultures and sport-
fish management.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR
AQUACULTURE
Advisory assistance fiom Auburn University to foreign
countries began in 1958 in Thailand and Israel and in
1961 in India under direct contract with the countries or
through the Rockefeller Foundation.
U.S.A.I.D. Worldwide Contract
In 1967, a formal worldwide project for technical as-
sistance in fisheries to developing countries was initiated
between Auburn University and the U.S. Agency for In-
ternational Development. This international project has
as its principal function assistance to developing coun-
tries in increasing their capabilities to produce adequate
amounts of high-quality protein through cultures of fish,
shrimp, and other aquatic organisms.
Auburn University assists in planning the necessary
experimental facilities and in training host-country per-
sonnel in modern testing and management methods for
developing highly productive aquacultures.
Services available under this program include:
1. Services to evaluate the problems and to develop
plans of operation to increase fish production in develop-
ing countries.
2. Planning of pondcultural research stations, includ-
ing soil examination, details of pond construction, acces-
sory research facilities, and cost estimates.
3. Providing assistance to the cooperating fisheries
departments in host countries in developing research
programs and experimental procedures for various phases
of aquacultures.
4. Conducting short courses both at the Center and in
host countries to inform fisheries research and extension
personnel of newest advances in aquacultures and to
help develop their competence in areas of particular
need.
5. Training of personnel at B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. levels
in academic subjects and research methods at Auburn
University under U.S.A.I.D. and foundation scholarships.
6. Providing assistance to personnel in the cooperating
fisheries departments of host countries in preparation of
research results for publication and in producing more
effective extension leaflets on improved methods of
aquaculture.
7. Providing experts in various phases of aquaculture
from Auburn University and other institutions for short-
term visits to developing countries to help solve special
problems as they arise. These may include one or more
of the following subjects:
Water chemistry problems
in aquacultures
Inventory of species-fish
taxonomy
Fish feeds and feeding
Fish parasites and diseases
Shrimp culture
Fish cultures
Aquatic weed control-
chemical and biological
Fish technology-process-
ing and preservation
Limnological surveys
Reservoir fisheries manage-
ment
Riverine fish populations
8. Providing a limited number of staff trained in aqua-
cultures for 2-year tours of duty in host countries.
Under the U.S.A.I.D. worldwide contract, fisheries
surveys have been conducted in Africa (Senegal, Ivory
Coast, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Central
African Republic); Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam,
Malaysia, India, and Pakistan); and Central and South
America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay,
and Peru).
Cooperative programs in aquacultures and other areas
of fisheries are in progress in Brazil, Thailand, and the
Philippines under sponsorship of the respective A.I.D.
Missions and host governments.
Additional programs of cooperation are being devel-
oped and surveys will be conducted in various other
developing countries as requested by the U.S. Missions.
Requests for surveys and other consultation services from
foreign governments and other organizations must have
the appropriate support of the U.S. Mission and U.S. De-
partment of State, Washington. Hence, foreign govern-
ments desiring services available under the International
Center for Aquaculture should submit a formal request
to the Director of the U.S. Mission within the host coun-
try.
Institutional Grant Program
In July 1970, the U.S. Agency for International De-
velopment awarded Auburn University an Institutional
Grant for the purpose of improving its International
Center principally by supporting personnel in various
specialties relating to aquaculture. This, in turn, will re-
sult in increased competence and capability for providing
expertise in various phases of aquaculture to better serve
the needs of U.S.A.I.D. and other organizations, under
appropriate contractual agreements, in intensifying efforts
to promote more rapid development of aquaculture in
programs of technical assistance to developing countries.
Information
For information concerning any of the programs men-
tioned in this brochure contact:
Director
International Center for Aquaculture
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama 36830
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Architects' drawing of Auburn University's new Fisheries Building. The building, the first of a 
proposed three-building Fisheries-Wildlife Complex, is scheduled
for 1972 occupancy. Laboratories, classrooms, and offices will be in the 26,000 sq. ft. facility.
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