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| Dr. Daniel Benetti and Drew Davis, University of Miami, Inspect newly hatched Yellowfin Tuna Larvae |
Aquaculture is a truly international field which is experiencing tremendous growth abroad. With so much progress in the field being made in all corners of the globe, it would only be appropriate to have an Tuna workshop that is represented by diverse and international members. As students of the UMiami Aquaculture program participating at the Inter-America Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)- University of Miami Tuna Workshop we have felt privileged to have the opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with some of the world’s leaders in mariculture. Participating in this year’s workshop is a unique group with a variety of research interests:
Dr. Benetti, Director of Aquaculture at University of Miami has experience with a plethora of marine species including blackfin tuna and yellowfin tuna, in addition, to being a key member and organizer of the workshop for over 10 years. Dr. Scholey, the Laboratory manager at Achotines Lab may be one of the most experienced scientists with yellowfin tuna in the world. Dr. German Merino and his team of Roberto Guzman and Mario Gutierrez from Universidad Catolica Norte in Chile, specialize in Aquaculture Engineering and are currently working with several potentially fruitful aquaculture species including "Corvina." Dr. Paul Olin, of the California Sea Grant Cooperative Extension Program, has worked with shrimp and salmonids and has served as Director of California Sea Grant Extension Program. Lindsey Woolley is a PhD student at Flinders University and a researcher at Clean Seas Farm, a global leader in bluefin tuna aquaculture. Dr. Terry Bradley is faculty member at the University of Rhode Island Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science Program and also has a successful private venture at Mt. Cook King Salmon Farm. Richard Kniffin, the University of Miami Director of Marine Operations, has offered insight from a perspective outside of fisheries and aquaculture science, having years of experience on the water as a captain, commercial diver, and fisherman.
It’s already been great sharing ideas and brainstorming about how to demystify the secrets of yellowfin tuna larval rearing with this diverse group and extremely knowledgeable group!
