College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Mentoring Academic Growth in the Community
Mapping Concepts from the Classroom to the Computer
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Virginia Tech Expands Aquaculture Research Efforts
Nuts and Seeds May Help Lower Cholesterol
Virginia Tech Expands Aquaculture
Research Efforts
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| Congressman Bob Goodlatte speaks on the economic benefits of the new shrimp pilot plant and research facility under construction in Martinsville while Congressman Virgil Goode looks on (right). Congressional support is vital to the growth of new agricultural enterprises. . |
A pioneering partnership between Virginia Tech researchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Blue Ridge Aquaculture of Martinsville, Va., will determine the feasibility of expanding into land-based marine shrimp co-culture. Blue Ridge Aquaculture, which ships more than 70,000 pounds of tilapia per week, is already the world’s largest indoor aquaculture producer.
Its newest phase of expansion will include a $2.4 million pilot plant and research facility dedicated to shrimp production. The facility will enable a thorough evaluation of technology, management practices, and distribution channels for the country’s number one seafood product.
Once the facility is complete, Virginia Tech researchers Lori Marsh, Greg Boardman, and Peter Van Wyk will begin a USDA-funded study to fully explore the ramifications of adding shrimp culture to the existing operation. George Flick, University Distinguished Professor of Food Science, and Virginia Sea Grant leader at Virginia Tech, notes, “This particular project could yield substantial economic growth and new jobs for Martinsville and Henry County, and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
At the October 9 groundbreaking more than 100 local residents and community leaders were present to hear remarks from Congressmen Virgil Goode and Bob Goodlatte, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner J. Carlton Courter III, Blue Ridge Aquaculture President William Martin, and Flick. Construction will be completed by February 2007.
Just nine days later, on October 18, Blue Ridge Aquaculture announced another expansion. This one, to be located in Saltville, Va., will be a joint venture with the Maine-based aquaculture technology company MariCal. The Saltville facility will use the local area’s mineral reserves to enable indoor recirculating aquaculture of cobia, a fast growing marine fish. Virginia Tech researchers from the
colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Natural Resources, and Engineering will play vital roles in consulting and advising this new enterprise as well.
Years of substantial investment by Virginia legislators, Virginia Tech, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in the areas of recirculating aquaculture education, technology development, and management protocols are definitely having a significant impact in the region and beyond.