NEW JERSEY ACADEMY FOR AQUATIC SCIENCES

Research Application: Spawning control and broodstock management
Scientific Interest: Gonad and gamete physiology; general reproductive biology including behaviour, embryology and growth.
Description of research: The New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences promotes the understanding, appreciation and protection of aquatic life and habitats through research, education and youth development programs. The Academy is active in species survival and conservation efforts. Research focuses on the study of the reproductive processes of aquatic animals to provide alternative means for breeding, or aquaculture. Currently a comprehensive study is being undertaken on the reproductive biology of Apogonidae, a large family of marine and mostly coral reef associated fishes. Research is in progress on the origin and direct development (lack of a planktonic dispersing larval stage) within this group and its phylogenetic significance. Other species the Academy studies are jellyfish, sea ravens, gobies, and the Bangaii cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni).
Lead researcher(s): Dr Alejandro A. Vagelli
Contact details: Director of Science & Conservation, New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103. Tel:(856) 361-1026; Fax:(856) 365-3318
Website: NJAAS

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

Research Group: Environmental physiology of fish & genetics
Research Application: Effects of stress on fish performance in the hatchery
Scientific Interest: Stress / reproduction interactions
Description of research: Research interests include the environmental physiology and reproductive physiology of fish, in particular the determination of the effects of stress on fish performance in the wild and in the hatchery. Areas of interest include fish health, migration and development. Studies include synecology, endocrinology, immunology, molecular genetics, behaviour and toxicology.
Lead researcher(s): Carl SCHRECK
Contact details: Oregon Stae University, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, Corvalis, Oregon 97331-3803
Website: http://fw.oregonstate.edu/

NOAA, NORTHWEST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER

Research Group: Physiology Team (integrative fish biology program)
Research Application: Puberty control, spawning control, broodstock management
Scientific Interest: Neuroendocrinology, growth / reproduction interactions
Description of research: Research projects include both basic and applied studies on the endocrine control of reproduction in fish, primarily salmon. Main interests are the physiology of gonadotropins, mechanisms of puberty in fish, and how growth and environmental factors influence the age of sexual maturity. Under the captive broodstock research project, research is conducted on how growth at various points in the life cycle influences the age of sexual maturation, fecundity, egg size and gamete viability. The goal of this research is to develop diets and growth regimes that allow for better control of the age of maturation in captively-reared fish. How rearing temperature influences the seasonal timing of spawning is also being investigated, in order to develop methods to advance spawning time in captively reared fish, which are delayed from wild fish. Molecular studies are also being conducted to better understand regulation of hormone receptors, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin receptors.
Lead researcher(s): Penny SWANSON
Contact details: NOAA, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Blvd East, Seattle, WA, USA.
Website: http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/index.cfm