Marine Resource Bulletin Vol. 39, No. 3

IN THIS ISSUE Cobia Research Helps Aquaculture 2 Cobia (Rachycentron canadum, L.) have many characteristics that make them a promising species for aquaculture production. However, there are a few obstacles to be overcome before mass production takes off. Virginia Sea Grant is funding research on larval morphology in cobia that may help develop commercial feed and improve survivability of larval cobia. Reality Science 5 The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is a network of observing platforms that measure and collect data on the state of the oceans. The wealth of data collected by GOOS is available not only to scientists and researchers, but also the general public. Virginia Sea Gran t educator Chris Petrone introduces myriad uses of GOOS data in a three day teacher workshop. Sizing Up An Oyster Adversary 10 Much controversy surrounds the question of introducing the Asian oyster Crassostrea ariakensis to Virginia waters. Proponents of the introduction oftentout C. ariakensis as being disease resistant and thereby more hearty than our native oyster. Research funded by Virginia Sea Grant however, shows that C. ariakensis may not be as invulnerable as once thought. Tastes Like Chicken 14 Virginia crab potters have relied on menhaden bait for decades, if not longer. But with the commercial menhaden fishery under scrutiny, some crabbers worry their traditional bait may soon be unavailable. Lynn Haynie, daughter of a commercial crabber and commercial card holder herself, is doing more than worry what the future may hold. With funding from the Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program, Haynie is successfully developing and testing alternative bait products. A Marine Challenge for the Discovery Channel 18 Karl Sorensen of Blacksburg was recently selected to compete in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge - a spirited competition with rigorous judging. Working with Sea Grant staff at the Virginia Tech Aquaculture Center, Karl examined whether it was possible to put sick fish to sleep to make medication easier. The results of this young scientist\u27s project could have applications in commercial aquaculture. News from the Point 19 Current news and upcoming eventshttps://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsmrb/1088/thumbnail.jp