Add a news item to AquaNIC.  If your item relates to a conference or other scheduled educational activity, then we suggest you check out our calendar.

December

• Migratory Bird Permits - Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and National Management Plan for the Double-Crested Cormorant - may interest persons in cormorant populations and their interactions with commercial aquaculture operations and wish to provide input into planned FWS cormorant-related activities.

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - Carrying Out the Inclusion of All Species of the Order Acipenseriformes (Sturgeon and Paddlefish) in the Appendices to CITES - may interest persons working with sturgeon or paddlefish in the US.

November

• Atlantic Salmon in the Gulf of Maine - NMFS and FWS Announce Completion of a Status Review of U.S. Atlantic salmon populations and have determined that a distinct population segment (DPS) of Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine is in danger of extinction.

• Service will Prepare Nationwide Cormorant Management Plan - Responding to increasing concerns about the possible effect of double-crested cormorant populations on recreational fishing, habitat and other migratory birds, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that it will develop a comprehensive national cormorant management plan.

• Draft CPG on Use of Medicated Feeds for Minor Species Available - reminder on request for public comments on FDA-CVM's Draft Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) on use of medicated feeds for minor species. This issue is of particular importance to aquaculture industry as oral administration of antibiotics is normal route of administration.  Please share this notice with others and note deadline for comments by November 23, 1999. 

October

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - Carrying Out the Inclusion of all Species of the Order Acipenseriformes (Sturgeon and Paddlefish) in the Appendices to CITES
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approves Chorulon for Finfish - FDA announced its final ruling in a Federal Register notice dated September 7, 1999 amending the animal drug regulations to reflect approval of a supplemental new animal drug application (NADA) filed by Intervet, Inc.
• USIA Invites Applications for Exchange Projects - announcement for international activities
• Secondary School Aquaculture Competition - associated in any way with a high school or vo-ag school (grades 9-12) that uses aquaculture in their curriculum or learning activities, please share the following notice with appropriate teachers. This is a great opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers and students who are using aquaculture as an effective complement in their secondary school teaching programs.

September

• Invasive Species Advisory Committee - requests nominations to be considered for membership in the Invasive Species Advisory Committee.  Note the reference to preferred areas of expertise and practical experience and reference to aquaculture and pet trade industry. Please share this important notice with others as it provides an opportunity for representation and participation in an important federal interagency public policy process.
• Extension Session - Aquaculture America 2000 - Announcing a special extension session planned for Aquaculture America 2000 entitled "Update and Extension Involvement with the Development of a Federal Crop Insurance Program for Hard Clams".
• Autogenous Virus Vaccines for Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus - The purpose of this notice is to inform interested parties that, in the event of an outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus in the United States, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will allow the preparation of Autogenous Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus Vaccines for use in commercial United States salmon production facilities.
• Inner Bay Salmon Declared Endangered - What's your position?
• Implantation or Injectable Dosage Form New Animal Drugs; Chorionic Gonadotropin - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the animal drug regulations to reflect approval of a supplemental new animal drug application (NADA) filed by Intervet, Inc

• Black Sea Bass Fishery and Aquaculture - NMFS announces that the Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), is considering approval of two EFPs to conduct experimental fishing activities.

August

• Draft CPG on Use of Medicated Feeds for Minor Species Available - notice from FDA-CVM about use of medicated feeds for minor species, such as, aquaculture species. One topic of importance is the extra-label use of medicated feeds for aquaculture (minor species). Note that public comments for this draft Compliance Policy Guide(CPG) are requested by November 23, 1999.
• Program Description for FY 2000 - The USDA CSREES National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRI) is pleased to announce that its Program Description for FY 2000 is now available on the NRI home page at http://www.reeusda.gov/nri.
• Permit for Aquaculture Facilities and Associated, On-Site Fish Processing Facilities Operating in Idaho - The Director, Office of Water, EPA Region 10, is publishing notice of the availability of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit (number ID-G13-0000) for coverage of aquaculture facilities and associated, on-site fish processing facilities operating in Idaho, pursuant to the provisions of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.
• Control of Wastewater Discharges from Aquaculture Facilities and associated, on-site Fish Processing Facilities Operating in Idaho - EPA Issues a Final NPDES General Permit - Authorizes wastewater discharges from these facilities to surface waters of the United States throughout Idaho, once a notification of coverage by the permit is received by the facilities from the Agency.
• Injurious Species Alert - Article concerning efforts to import Chinese mitten crab into the U.S. for aquaculture purposes. This invader is prohibited for import by the Lacey Act. Please be sure to pass this along to any ANS or aquaculture colleagues, particularly those states named below.

July

• Senate Bill - Rename Stuttgart Research Center - To redesignate the `Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center' as the `Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center'.      
• Shrimp Virus Peer Review/Risk Assessment Workshop Report - This notice announces the availability of a final report of a peer review and risk assessment workshop on nonindigenous pathogenic shrimp viruses, which was held January 7-8, 1998.
• Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Salmon Fishery Management Plan (FMP) - Final regulations establish a framework process to implement, add to or adjust Atlantic salmon management measures to allow for Atlantic salmon aquaculture projects in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Amendment 1 to the FMP also includes an overfishing definition for Atlantic salmon.
• SBGA Accepting Entries for Landry Award - Awarded to a student for outstanding achievements in research on any of the species in the Morone genus and/or Morone hybrids
• Americans Eat More Seafood In 1998 - Seafood consumption in the United States increased 3.7 percent, with Americans consuming 4.01 billion pounds of domestic and imported seafood in 1998

June

• Azores and Cape Verde School Partnership Program - FR notice on an exchange program between schools in US and those in Azores and Cape Verde (off coast of Spain) with one area of interest being aquaculture.
• Financial Assistance for Research and Development Projects to Strengthen and Develop the U.S. Fishing Industry - Partial Federal Register notice about marine aquaculture for possible funding opportunities. For all details on this notice refer to the Federal Register or request a copy of this announcement and application package from the designated contact person.
• NASS Aquaculture Survey - USDA-NASS data collection on aquaculture. Your comments are
  requested on a proposed change in their Aquaculture Survey.
• Notice of Solicitation for Membership to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board - Please note the following vacancies that require nominations for new members of this national USDA advisory board.  Note the vacancy for national aquaculture associations and others. Deadline is June 25.
• 1999 Secretary of Agriculture's Honor Awards - Congratulations to the Seafood Education Alliance formerly known as Seafood HACCP Alliance for Education and Training that received a group award for public service at the USDA Secretary's Honor Awards ceremony in Washington, DC on June 9.   The following is the citation and listing of awardees.
• APHIS Press Release-Farm Raised Fin Fish - USDA, APHIS has released in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Request for Information. Comments are due July 6, 1999. For more information contact Otis Miller at 301 734-6954.  

May   

• Minor use of Animal Drugs - description of a joint USDA-CSREES/FDA-CVM program that facilitates approvals of new animal drugs for minor species which includes the diversity of aquaculture species. Note the regional coordinator contacts who can provide additional information about the program in addition to other efforts being spearheaded by the National Aquaculture New Animal Drug Application Coordinator. There are numerous ongoing aquaculture projects. I thank Larry Miller and John Babish who both contributed to this Aquaculture Brief.
• 1999-2000 American Association for the Advancement of Science - Call for Nominations
• New Animal Drug Approvals for Aquaculture in the U.S. - Dr. Thomas Bell has left the Food and Drug Administration's Center
• Oceans Act of 1999 - A Bill To establish a National Ocean Council, a Commission on Ocean Policy, and for other purposes
• Aquaculture Study Announcement Summary - EPA is conducting a preliminary study of the aquaculture industry to evaluate the current state of wastewater controls and the opportunity for environmental gain.
• Public Health Impact of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in Molluscan Shellfish - a public meeting to discuss issues related to risk assessment models being developed to examine the relationship between Vibrio parahaemolyticus and human health
• NMFS S-K Aquaculture Grants for FY 1999 - The FY 1999 Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program was concluded in December 1998
• Pinckneyville Prison Fish Processing Center -The processing center is currently in the design stages. We hope to break ground this summer, and have the facility open for business during winter/early spring next year.
• Illinois Fish Farmers Co-op - The Illinois General Assembly is considering legislation (HB 1900/SB 725) to provide $1 million dollars per year for ten years to develop the Illinois Fish Farmers Co-op.
• Double-Crested Cormorant Depredation Order - The following is Interim Guidance used by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services in response to managing the cormorant depredation order for aquaculture facilities in selected states.
• NCRAC Strategic Plan Update - Submitted by Dr. Ted Batterson, NCRAC Director Over the last several months the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) has devoted a significant amount of time and energy in developing a Strategic Plan.
• RFP Announcement - Announcement to those who have an interest in food safety related research. For a copy of the complete notice refer to the Federal Register. Note deadline of June 4 and contact information for requesting proposal application materials.
• Public Comments Requested on Proposed National Aquaculture Program by USDA-APHIS - Please share and distribute the following Federal Register notice to others who may wish to provide comments and recommendations on programs and regulations pertaining to aquaculture in the U.S. under consideration by USDA-APHIS.

April

• FWS/FDA Personnel Change - Tom Bell who currently works with FDA-CVM but will be assuming a new position with USFWS at their headquarter’s office next month.
• The federal Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture’s (JSA) Working Group on Quality Assurance in Aquaculture Production - has served as a national forum to address issues associated with new animal drug approvals, biologics licensing, producer quality assurance programs, international harmonization and much more since 1990.
• Reauthorization/Amendment of CZMA - Aquaculture Related Amendment
• Bill 684 - The following is the language for a bill recently introduced in Congress. Of particular interest is section 2. Family Fishermen under definitions. Note (7A) ‘commercial fishing operation’ includes—(B) aquaculture activities consisting of raising for market any species or product described in subparagraph (A)
• RFP for Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Bloom Project - The following is a partial Federal Register notice for grant award opportunities. Please refer the the Federal Register for complete details.

March

• EPA Preliminary Study on Aquaculture Effluents - The following Federal Register notice provides some additional information on the scope of the EPA preliminary study of the aquaculture industry. More information is anticipated in the near future on specific questions to be answered and on procedures to gather data and information from stakeholders.
• RFP Released for Hispanic-Serving Institutions Grants - The CSREES Office of Higher Education Programs announces the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) and the availability of the official Application Kit for the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program for the FY 1999 competition
• Inland Fisheries are under increasing threat - Freshwater fish, a major source of food and protein, is increasingly threatened worldwide by environmental degradation
• Special Grants Program Rulemaking Proposal - land grant university system and those involved in food safety educational programs
• Aquaculture Economics and Marketing Reports - Wholesale market reports for selected aquaculture species, the following website may be a good source of information and is maintained by Ben Posadas at Mississippi State University. The market data are collected and provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and are then analyzed and reported at the below website for public Internet access. The address is: http://www.msstate.edu/dept/crec/awmr.html
• Governments Support New International Commitments to Reduce Overfishing and Overcapacity  - Ministers and Senior Representatives from some 120 countries expressed their concern about "overfishing of the world's major marine fishery resources, destructive and wasteful fishing practices and excess capacity" during an international conference in Rome held by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• R& D Bond Funds Available for Aquaculture Research
• Sea Grant Technology Program - PARTIAL Federal Register notice about DOC RFP announcement.  For complete details on this announcement please refer to the Federal Register or Agency contact person.
• National Oyster Disease Research Program and Gulf Oyster Industry Initiative - PARTIAL Federal Register notice about oyster disease research
• Aquaculture Outlook March 1999 - published twice a year by the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20036-5831
• Aquaculture Study Announcement - EPA is conducting a preliminary study of the aquaculture industry to evaluate the current state of wastewater controls and the opportunity for environmental gain.
• List of Tribal Universities - list of 1994 tribal colleges which are members of our land grant community. There are federal extension funds earmarked to support extension-related programs at these institutions through a competitive grants program. Several do have aquaculture projects and you may find some common programmatic interests if any exist in your state.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture - Food Safety and Quality National Initiative Request for Papers -For those involved in areas of food safety, the following RFP may be of  interest. For complete details visit the website: http://www.reeusda.gov/pas/programs/foodsafety/rfp99.htm There is also a component to support state plans of work in food safety

February

• USDA-CSREES Fellow's Program - fellowship program in summer working on aquaculture-related extension projects or activities. There is plenty of work and you may also have a special interest project.
• CSREES Seeks Nominations for National Awards Program - Those institutions with undergraduate teaching programs in aquaculture and fisheries may wish to nominate faculty for consideration in the below awards program. This is a great opportunity to showcase the great instructional efforts associated with aquatic sciences and to recognize outstanding teaching faculty.
• Federal Aquaculture Briefs - USDA/CSREES No. 99-1 February 1, 1999

January

• Where To Buy Bowfin Caviar - The Collins Caviar Company of Chicago is the only major caviar company in the world to specialize in producing caviar made exclusively from American fresh water fish, primarily utilizing fish from Midwestern waters.
• The Open Ocean Aquaculture Demonstration Project - FY 99 Request for Proposals
• Federal Register Publishes USDA-CSREES RFP's - A number of Request For Proposals (RFP)  have recently been released.