Dr. Susan’s News: Aquaculture America 2025
I attended and presented a talk at Aquaculture America 2025 held March 6-10 in New Orleans. This year was the triennial, the largest aquaculture conference and tradeshow held in the world, with nearly 4,000 attendees representing over 90 countries. The Triennial combines the annual meetings of the National Shellfisheries Association, Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society, World Aquaculture Society, and the National Aquaculture Association. We had an increase in interest in probiotics from oyster and fin fish growers. I was glad that the oyster industry has become more interested in the positive effects of probiotics, as it has been a goal of mine to develop a product for the oyster industry to use in their nurseries. Our waste and sludge product has been successfully used in fin fish culture to digest sludge and improve water quality. Additionally, Keeton is working on developing additional products that will outcompete fish pathogens. I will have more info on that in the coming year.
In addition to manning the booth, I presented my talk “WHAT’S IN THE WATER?” Part II: A NEX-GEN STUDY OF SHRIMP POND MICROBIOMES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO SHRIMP HEALTH. To summarize the talk, we determined that the pond biome changes during White feces infection, with Proteobacteria replacing Actinobacteria (a.k.a. good bacteria). Additionally, treatment with our probiotics can help prevent the shift from beneficial bacteria in the gut biome.
This year, the Keeton party returned after a hiatus since before the pandemic. Good food, drink, and music helped the party mood. Round-table discussions with folks from the University of Arizona, GSLA, and Prilabsa were captured on camera.
Can’t wait for WAS 2025 in Las Vegas. Starting on my talk already. So stay tuned for the next event.