Mississippi State University Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security

Amount Appropriated?

$1.8M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

The Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory will provide diagnostic and research activities to improve the health of aquatic animals in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), including the Mississippi Sound. This will protect our commercial & recreational fisheries and support the growth of aquaculture. \n\nThe GoM has a robust fishery and is a vital contributor to U.S. seafood production. Gulf stocks account for 20% of the total annual domestic fisheries landings. The commercial landings in MS represented $45 million in dock sales, leading to a $107 million impact on the Mississippi economy. Recreational fishing is also important in Mississippi, generating an economic impact of more than $700 million in the state. \n\nIn addition to the fishery, the GoM is poised for aquaculture growth. Currently the GoM contributes 31% of the total U.S. marine aquaculture volume. Shellfish aquaculture is particularly important, contributing 54% of U.S. shellfish production. The GoM was recently designated as an Aquaculture Opportunity Area by NOAA due to its ideal ocean conditions, access to markets, established shore-based infrastructure, & other positive factors. \n\nDisease is a major obstacle- MSU College of Veterinary Medicine has one of the largest teams of aquatic animal health specialists among U.S. colleges of veterinary medicine. The MSU Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security has established relationships with MDMR, MDEQ, the Northern Gulf Institute, and the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center. MSU CVM and GCAHFS have a track record of marine animal health in the Mississippi Sound through the Marine Mammal/Sea Turtle Conservation, Recovery, & Monitoring Program (funded by the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation/ MDEQ). The proposed Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory would provide services and knowledge essential to protect the GoM fishery, particularly in the MS Sound, and help support growth of aquaculture in the GoM.