Part 10 of 13 from the Resource Guide to Aquaculture Information

SECTION IX: FEDERAL AGENCIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

This section lists descriptions of Federal agencies or organizations that provide services or support to aquaculture programs. An alphabetical index appears at the end of this publication. Please contact your local or regional representatives for information specific to your State or region.

Department: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Name: Agricultural Marketing Service Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program
Address: Transportation and Marketing Division
Agricultural Marketing Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 4006, South Building
P.O. Box 96456
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: (202) 720-2704
FAX: (202) 690-0338
Scope: The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides assistance to aquaculture through the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). This program seeks to improve the marketing of aquaculture commodities and to reduce marketing costs for the benefit of producers and consumers. Projects include work on innovative marketing techniques, testing study findings in the marketplace, and developing State expertise to provide service to marketers of agricultural products. FSMIP is a matching funds program exclusively available on a competitive basis through State Departments of Agriculture or other State agencies, who must submit proposals directly to the address above for projects aimed at improving marketing services in their States and/or regional projects.

Name: Agricultural Marketing Service Livestock and Seed Division
Contact: Chief, Commodity Procurement Branch
Address: Agricultural Marketing Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 2610, South Building
P.O. Box 96456
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: (202) 720-2650
FAX: (202) 720-9538
Scope: The Livestock and Seed Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is responsible for purchasing meat and fish products in order to stabilize market conditions and furnish nutritious food to meet the needs of the Department's domestic feeding programs. Under certain excess supply conditions, aquaculture products may qualify for this program.

Name: Agricultural Marketing Service Transportation and Marketing Division
Contact: Director, Transportation and Marketing Division
Address: Distribution Services Branch
Agricultural Marketing Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 2945, South Building
P.O. Box 96456
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: (202) 720-8357
FAX: (202) 690-4948
Scope: The Transportation and Marketing Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, conducts research on the market opportunities for aquaculture products. This research helps determine the economic feasibility of developing an aquaculture program based on the potential opportunities for marketing the product. This work applies to those already engaged in commercial production and to those planning new production and marketing organizations.

Name: Agricultural Research Service
Contact: National Program Leader, Animal Nutrition-Aquaculture
Address: National Program Staff
Agricultural Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 206, Building 005, BARC W.
Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: (301) 504-5925
FAX: (301) 504-5467
Scope: The Agricultural Research Service's aquaculture research program includes marine shrimp in the Pacific region; cold, freshwater species in the Northeast region; and warm, freshwater species in the Mid-South region of the United States. Research is conducted on genetics, breeding, nutrition, disease diagnostics and control, water quality and use, and production systems to increase production capacity and technology transfer. Improved product quality and marketing are supported with research on processing, off-flavors, food texture and taste, packaging, food safety, and value-added products. Research programs are conducted at Stoneville, Mississippi; Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana; Animal Parasite Research Laboratory, Auburn, Alabama; University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Lane, Oklahoma. Cooperative research programs are conducted at the Oceanic Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii; the Conservation Fund and Freshwater Institute, Shepherdstown, West Virginia; Mississippi State University, Mississippi State and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Stoneville, Mississippi; and Northern Crops Institute, Fargo, North Dakota.

Name: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Contact: Director, Policy and Program Development
Address: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 305E, Administration Building
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: (202) 720-5283
FAX: (202) 690-2251
Scope: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides a broad range of cooperative animal and plant health protection services to livestock and crop producers through a field force located in all 50 States and in foreign countries. APHIS provides several services to both plant and animal aquaculture and is currently considering expansion of services to animal aquaculture. Current services include import requirements for aquatic plants to prevent the importation and dissemination of plant pests and diseases and noxious aquatic weeds into and within the United States. APHIS also participates in joint State-Federal programs to control noxious aquatic weeds in the United States and helps develop control methodology, including use of biocontrol organisms. Aquaculture producers experiencing problems with facility damage and depredation by migratory birds and other animals receive on-site assistance from APHIS' Animal Damage Control Division. APHIS licenses veterinary biologics (vaccines, diagnostic kits, etc.) for prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of diseases of animals, including aquatic animals; several fish vaccines are presently licensed by APHIS. APHIS' National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, provide a limited amount of diagnostic assistance to aquaculture producers, mostly in problem cases. APHIS is working with the Fish and Wildlife Service and other members of the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture to delineate agency roles to best meet the aquaculture industry's aquatic animal health needs.

Name: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Contact:

Meryl Broussard
Principal Aquacultural Scientist
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Aerospace Building
901 Dst SW
Washington, DC 20250-2200
Phone: (202) 401-6438
FAX: (202) 401-1602
Email: mbroussard@reeusda.gov

Scope: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) works with the State agricultural experiment stations, forestry schools, 1890 land-grant colleges, Tuskegee Institute, and colleges of veterinary medicine. CSREES allocates formula funds to States for maintaining high-quality research programs in agriculture. CSREES awards grants in aquaculture on a competitive basis through the National Research Initiative. It also awards grants in aquaculture on research problems that Congress believes are important to the Nation through  the Aquaculture Special Grant Program. In cooperation with the Extension Service, CSREES administers five Regional Aquaculture Centers for the performance of aquacultural research, extension, and demonstration projects.

    The CSREES is also the primary educational arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Through the Cooperative Extension System's 74 land-grant universities located in all 50 States, 6 territories, and the District of Columbia, programs are implemented in partnership with Federal, State, and county levels of government. The system functions as a nationwide educational network and includes professional staff in nearly all of the Nation's 3,150 counties. It provides for the transfer of research, technology, and management information through educational programs and technical assistance to help people improve their lives where they reside and work. The Cooperative Extension System relies on information generated by research and helps interpret research results to speed the application and dissemination of this information to the public. Many States have developed extension educational and service programs in aquaculture. They provide programs such as workshops for new fish farmers, short courses in management and fish diseases, aquaculture demonstrations, farm visits, field days, inservice training programs, 4-H youth programs, and distribute written and videotape educational materials to assist with aquaculture development. Many educational programs include timely newsletters on a variety of aquaculture topics.

Email: gjensen@reeusda.gov

Name: Economic Research Service
Contact: Agricultural Economist-Aquaculture
Address: Economic Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1301 New York Avenue, NW, Room 834
Washington, DC 20005-4788
Phone: (202) 219-0085
FAX: (202) 219-0042
Scope: The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to provide economic and other social science information and analysis for improving the performance of agriculture and rural America. ERS produces such information as a service to the general public and to help Congress and the administration develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and rural policies and programs. The "Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report" is part of a series of reports that analyze the production and demand for agricultural commodities, food and fiber products, and production resources. The "Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report" provides information on the supply, demand, pricing, and trade for aquacultural and related wild-harvested fisheries products. Information is also provided on regulatory and public policy issues.

Name: Farmers Home Administration
Contact: your Farmers Home Administration County Office or
Legislative Affairs and Public Information Staff
Address: Farmers Home Administration
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rm. 5037, South Building
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: (202) 720-4323
FAX: (202) 690-0311
Scope: The Farmers Home Administration (FMHA) makes and guarantees farm ownership and operating loans and provides technical management assistance to family farmers and ranchers. Farm ownership loans may be used to buy, improve, or enlarge farms, including buildings, ponds,wells, and water systems. Farm operating loans may be used to pay for items needed for a successful operation such as farm and home equipment, feed, fuel, chemicals, and hired labor. Loan funds may be used to provide facilities and operational resources to produce fish under controlled conditions. Interest rates and repayment schedules will vary according to the type of loan made and the cost of borrowing to the Federal Government. Guaranteed loans are negotiated by the borrower and the lender.

Name: Foreign Agricultural Service
Address: Ag Export Services Division
Foreign Agricultural Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 4939, South Building
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-1052
Phone: (202) 720-7420
FAX: (202) 690-4374

Name: Foreign Agricultural Service
Contact: Trade Assistance and Promotions Office
Address: Trade Assistance and Promotions Office
Foreign Agricultural Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room  4939, South Building
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-1050
Phone: (202) 720-7420
FAX: (202) 690-4374
Scope: USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) operates numerous export assistance and market promotion programs to help U.S. exporters of food and agricultural products. The FAS Trade Assistance and Promotion Office (TAPO) is a good first point of contact for exproters who need foreign market information and assistance in accessing government programs. TAPO has country- and commodity-specific market reports which contain information on best market prospects and contact information of distributors and importers. TAPO can also help you find the correct USDA office to assist you with your technical questions on exporting. Contact (202) 720-7420. The AgExport Connections Office operates several low-cost services that can help U.S. exporters make direct contact with foreign buyers. Among the services offerted are: Trade Leads, Buyer Alert, Foreign Buyer Lists, and U.S. Supplier Lists. Information on these and other FAS export assistance programs is contained in the AgExport Action Kit, which can be ordered by contacting AgExport Connections at (202) 720-7103 or (202) 690-4374 (FAX). FAS also has a program of trade events. Contact the Trade Show Office at (202) 690-1182 for a calendar of upcoming international trade shows and sales missions and information on how to participate. For specific information on aquaculture programs, production and trade statistics, contact the Dairy, Livestock and Poultry Division of FAS at (202) 720-4799.

Name: National Agricultural Library
Contact: Aquaculture Information Center
Address: U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Boulevard., Room 304
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301) 504-5558
FAX: (301) 504-5472
Scope: The National Agricultural Library (NAL) has established an Aquaculture Information Center which was mandated by the National Aquaculture Improvement Act of 1985 to serve as a repository for national aquaculture information. The library acquires materials through purchase, gift, and exchange, including books and journals, microfiche collections, audiovisuals, and computer software in the field of aquaculture. It also provides document delivery service for many of these materials through the Document Delivery Services Branch.

Staff of the Aquaculture Information Center publish bibliographies of interest to potential and practicing aquaculturists, conduct online and CD-ROM (Compact Disc, Read-Only Memory) computerized searches of aquaculture-related databases, provide general information, and make referrals to aquaculture extension specialists or other contact sources. The Center networks with States, Regional Aquaculture Centers, libraries, and the public and private sectors to enhance information exchange in the Nation. The Aquaculture Information Center at NAL is represented on the Federal-wide Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture and supporting Aquaculture Information and Technology Transfer Task Force. Staff place emphasis on clearinghouse activities and explore and utilize new computer technologies to improve information collection and exchange in the field.

Name: National Agricultural Statistics Service
Address: Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Branch
National Agricultural Statistics Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 5906, South Building
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-2000
Phone: (202) 720-6147
FAX: 1-800-682-5418
Scope: The National Agricultural Statistics Service of theU.S. Department of Agriculture prepares and publishes processors' monthly reports on farm-raised catfish. Data include round weight processed, prices paid to producers, end-of-the-month inventories, quantities sold, prices received by method of sales, imports, and exports. The 15 major catfish-producing States collect and publish producer inventory and sales data. The four largest catfish-producing States (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) collect data quarterly while the other 11 States collect data twice a year. Trout producer sales and losses data are collected and published for the 15 major catfish-producing States annually. The survey uses a reference date of September 1.

Name: Office of International Cooperation and Development
Contact: Director
Address: Research and Scientific Exchange Division
Office of International Cooperation and Development
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 3222, South Building
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-4300
Phone: (202) 690-4872
FAX: (202) 690-0892
Scope: The Office of International Cooperation and Development (OICD) Research and Scientific Exchange Division seeks new knowledge and technology beneficial to the United States and cooperating countries through collaborative research in agriculture (including aquaculture) and forestry. Research programs are consistent with USDA's broad goals. They support the agricultural research system, increase net U.S. farm income, expand agricultural exports, conserve natural resources, and improve world agriculture. Program areas which have aquaculture components are: (1) Foreign Currency Research (P.L. 480); (2) Binational Collaborative Research; (3) U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD); (4) Scientific and Technical Exchange Program; and (5) AID Funded Egyptian Program.

Name: Soil Conservation Service
Contact: National Biologist-Aquaculture
Address: Ecological Sciences Division
Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 2890
Room 6150, South Building
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: (202) 720-5991
FAX: (202) 720-2646
Scope: Current Soil Conservation Service (SCS) policy recognizes that aquaculture (fish farming) is and will continue to be an important part of farming activities in some areas of the United States. Assistance for aquaculture may be a part of soil and water conservation activities in some areas as determined by soil conservation districts and reflected in their plans and priorities.

The primary objective of SCS assistance in fish farming is to ensure protection of the soil and water resource base. Careful resource assessment during conservation planning and application is a very important part of accomplishing this objective. SCS can assist with an initial resource assessment by furnishing data on (1) water quality, (2) water quantity, and (3) soils.

SCS may provide detailed assistance for planning an installation of projects with consideration for (1) water quality, (2) water quantity, (3) appropriate fish species, (4) soils investigation, (5) site limitations, and (6) facility design and layout. Contractors and consultants are encouraged to plan and install fish farming facilities, making use of guidelines developed by SCS such as standards and technical notes. Where the fish farming workload is heavy, training sessions and field demonstrations can be used to develop these other sources of assistance.

Department: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Name: Army Corps of Engineers
Contact: Director
Address: Research and Development Directorate (Civil Works)
U.S. Headquarters
Army Corps of Engineers (CERD-C)
U.S. Department of the Army
20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000
Phone: (202) 272-0257
FAX: (202) 272-0907
Scope: See Scope for Regulatory Branch below

Or
Address: Regulatory Branch
Operations and Readiness Division
Civil Works Directorate
Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of the Army
20 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20314-1000
Phone: (202) 272-1785
FAX: (202) 504-5096
Scope: Agriculture projects that involve the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States (includes marshes and other wetlands) or construction in the navigable waters of the United States must have a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404 of the 1972 Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act, respectively. The Corps makes its permit decisions based on a balancing of all the positive and negative impacts of the project. State and local approvals are frequently prerequisites to the Corps permit.

Department: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Name: Economic Development Administration
Contact: Director, Technical Assistance and Research Division
Address: U.S. Department of Commerce
14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 7315
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: (202) 482-4085
FAX: (202) 482-0995
Scope: The programs of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) are designed to help alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically distressed areas and regions of the Nation. While these programs do not expressly address efforts to generate new job opportunities and area income through aquaculture, EDA can, particularly under its Public Works and Development Facilities Program and its Technical Assistance Program, consider funding aquaculture projects that meet the Agency's regulations, applicant eligibility requirements, and project selection criteria. Policies and procedures that will be used to administer EDA programs during the fiscal year are published in an annual announcement in the Federal Register.

Name: National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Address: National Oceanographic Data Center
NOAA/NESDIS (E/OCx7)
User Services Division
U.S. Department of Commerce
1825 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20235
Phone: (202) 606-4549
FAX: (202) 606-4586
Scope: There are four informational programs sponsored by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that have applications to the field of aquaculture. These programs provide services and products to a wide range of clientele. They are briefly described below.

The Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) is a computer-oriented system operated and maintained by several United Nations agencies and a network of information centers in member countries. A principal module of ASFIS is the Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA) database. This database covers international aquaculture and other topics in the marine and freshwater environmental sciences. It is available commercially as an online file and on compact disc. ASFA contains over 350,000 literature citations with abstracts. The printed counterpart on aquaculture is "ASFA Aquaculture Abstracts." The National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES) is available commercially as an online database containing over 22,000 descriptions and locations of data files on the environmental sciences, held by people and organizations in the United States and Canada. The NOAA Earth System Data Directory (NESDD) is an online guide to about 700 environmental data sets held by NOAA. Two major functions are: (1) provide NOAA with a common system for documenting data held in NOAA data centers and other organizational components; and (2) provide the research community with the means to locate NOAA data sets. The NOAA Library and Information Network consists of a central library in Rockville, Maryland, major branches in Miami and Seattle, and laboratory and information centers throughout the United States. Their collections encompass more than 1 million volumes on marine and atmospheric sciences, aquaculture, and environmental disciplines.

Name: National Marine Fisheries Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Contact: Aquaculture Specialist
Address: Office of Research and Environmental Information
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Department of Commerce
1335 East West Highway, Room 6314
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-2363
FAX: (301) 588-4853
Scope: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) directs its aquaculture efforts toward managing common property resources and contributing to the restoration and protection of endangered species of stocks. It accomplishes this primarily through in-house research at several NMFS laboratories in the United States. In addition, NMFS disseminates aquaculture-related information and technological advances gained from its fisheries research. NMFS cooperates with Federal and State agencies, international bodies and foreign governments, and university and private interests, and promotes the development and expansion of domestic and international markets for products produced by the U.S. aquaculture industry.

Name: National Sea Grant College Program/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Address: National Sea Grant College Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
1315 East West Highway, Room 11829
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-2451
FAX: (301) 713-0799
Scope: The National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducts research, extension, and educational programs with universities in all coastal and Great Lakes States. Sea Grant aquaculture research is conducted in many areas: genetics, biotechnology, endocrinology, physiology, pathology, engineering, nutrition, policy, economics, and others. The Program chooses research projects on the basis of scientific merit, peer review, and the present needs of the aquaculture industry. It gives priority to projects that fit both the National Aquaculture and Sea Grant Aquaculture Development Plans. The extension aspect, called Marine Advisory Service, utilizes a corps of area agents and specialists to provide public education, technology transfer, and demonstration projects in aquaculture. The Program develops information generated by Sea Grant and other research for use by groups in the private sector to develop marine aquaculture. The Program is operated through 30 Sea Grant Programs in the coastal and Great Lakes States. Investigators interested in research support should contact the State Sea Grant Directors of their respective States.

Name: National Technical Information Service
Address: U.S. Department of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Phone: (703) 487-4650
FAX: (703) 321-8547
Scope: The National Technical Information Service (NTIS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the central source for the archive and public sale of U.S. government-sponsored research and development reports in all subjects, including those related to aquaculture, and for sales of foreign technical reports and other analyses prepared by national and local government agencies and their contractors or grantees. For a FREE copy of the NTIS Products and Services Catalog, please write or call (703) 487-4650 and ask for PR-827.

Department: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Name: Biofuels Systems Division
Address: EE-331
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20585
Phone: (202) 586-8072
FAX: (202) 586-9815
Scope: The U.S. Department of Energy supports aquatic species research as a part of the Biofuels Systems Division research program, which is one of the renewable energy options pursued by the Department. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Golden, Colorado), universities, and private industry conduct aquatic species research to develop the technology base for production of liquid fuels from outdoor mass culture of microalgae. Research currently focuses on the development of microalgae strains with improved lipid productivity for conversion to an ester fuel.

Department: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Name: Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Contact: Associate Director
Address: Office of Seafood
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 C Street, SW, HFF 503
Washington, DC 20204
Phone: (202) 254-3888
FAX: (202) 254-3984
Scope: The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is the primary Federal office with the responsibility for the assurance of seafood safety. The Center houses a wide range of programs devoted to the research and management of seafood, including aquaculture products. The FDA derives its authority for such programs primarily through two statutes: (1) the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA: 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), and (2) the Public Health Service Act (PHSA: 42 U.S.C. 262, 294 et seq.). Under the FFDCA, the FDA is assigned responsibility to ensure that seafood shipped or received in interstate commerce is "safe, wholesome, and not misbranded or deceptively packaged." Under the PHSA, FDA is empowered to control the spread of communicable disease from one State, territory, or possession to another.

Name: Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine
Address: Center for Veterinary Medicine
Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
7500 Standish Place
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: (301) 594-1761
FAX: (301) 594-1807
Scope: The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is responsible for the regulation of animal drugs, animal feeds, and veterinary medical devices. The Center's involvement in aquaculture consists of four main areas:

        1. Approval of animal Drugs and Feeds-Under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, animal drugs must ordinarily be approved before         distribution and use. Manufacture of medicated feeds may require separate approval. Nondrug feed additives also fall under FDA regulation and ordinarily          require approval prior to use. Additionally, CVM supports the IR-4 program relating to the development of new drugs for aquacultural uses.
       Approval of Animal Feeds-Division of Animal Feeds (HFV-220).
       Phone: (301) 594-1724
       FAX: (301) 594-1812
       New Animal Drug Approval-Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation (HFV-100).
       Phone: (301) 594-1620
       FAX: (301) 594-2297

       2. Oversight of Drug Distribution and Use-CVM conducts surveillance and compliance programs relating to animal drugs, animal feeds, and other veterinary         medical matters, and coordinates the veterinary medical aspects of FDA inspections.
       Oversight of Drug Use-Office of Surveillance and Compliance (HFV-200).
       Phone: (301) 594-1761
       FAX: (301) 594-1807

       3. Research-CVM conducts basic drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics research needed to support the development of analytical methods for detection of        drug residues in aquaculture species.
       Research-Office of Science (HFV-500).
       Phone: (301) 594-1702
       FAX: (301) 594-2298

       4. Educational Initiatives-CVM works with the industry to develop quality assurance programs and educational materials to assist producers in using drugs and        chemicals safely in aquaculture production systems.
       Educational Initiatives-Industry Programs Branch (HFV-244).
       Phone: (301) 594-1769
       FAX: (301) 594-1807

Department: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Name: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Contact: National Aquaculture Coordinator
Address: ARLSQ 820
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Mail Stop 820, Arlington Square
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 358-1715
FAX: (703) 358-2210
Scope: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S.Department of the Interior, has responsibilities for restoring depleted fish populations, preserving endangered species, mitigating the impacts of Federal water developments on fish populations, managing fish resources on Federal lands, and providing scientific leadership in fishery resource management. A nationwide system of fish hatcheries, fisheries assistance offices, fish health centers, fish technology centers, fisheries research centers, and a training facility is operated to carry out these responsibilities. The Service's fisheries activities involve research, management, and culture of freshwater, anadromous, estuarine, and exotic fishes of recreational, ecological, and commercial importance. The Service has established an aquaculture mission consisting of two broad functions: (1) encourage the development of private aquaculture in a manner that is compatible with responsible natural resource stewardship, and (2) make Service expertise, knowledge, and technical/scientific capabilities in fish culture and related disciplines available to the private aquaculture community.

Name: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Extension and Publications
Subject: Information About Extension Activities
Contact: Chief, Office of Extension and Publications
Address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Webb Building, Mail Stop 304
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (703) 358-1706
FAX: (703) 358-2283

Subject: Information About Publications
Address: Publications Unit
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Webb Bldg., Mail Stop 304
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (703) 358-1711
FAX: (703) 358-2314
Scope: Through its Office of Extension and Publications, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is committed to a continuing program of cooperation with the extension community in furthering mutual needs to inform and educate the public concerning fish and wildlife resources. This program addresses the field of aquaculture both from the standpoint of extension education and 4-H. Memoranda of Understanding with the USDA Extension Service and NOAA enable the FWS to produce suitable extension-type material in cooperation with the above agencies and to have them distributed effectively and efficiently through each agency's extensive communications network. The Publications Unit distributes upon request the scientific and technical publications of the research arm of FWS. It also provides general interest information about fish and wildlife resources to the public. Less technical informational products related to aquaculture are available through this Office.

Name: U.S. Geological Survey
Address: Hydrologic Information Unit
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 22092
Phone: (703) 648-6818
FAX: (703) 648-5295
or your District Office of USGS's Water Resources Division (WRD)
Scope: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects a large amount of information related to the availability and quality of ground-water and surface-water supplies as part of its mission to inventory the Nation's resources. Information such as pollutant levels, aquifer locations, lake levels, stream flows, and other data useful to aquaculture is available from the USGS in a variety of forms including maps, reports, and computer output.

Department: INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Name: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Subject: General Information on the NSF/SBIR Program or a Copy of the
Annual Solicitation
Address: SBIR Program
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 590
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: (703) 306-1390
FAX: (703) 306-0337

Subject: Information on Scientific Content of Marine/Estuarine Proposals
Address: Division of Ocean Sciences
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room. 725
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: (703) 306-1580
FAX: (703) 306-0390

Subject: Information on Scientific Content of Freshwater Proposals
Address: Division of Environmental Biology
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 635
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: (703) 306-1480
FAX: (703) 306-0367
Scope: (The following applies to all NSF offices listed above.) At the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program provides funding for aquaculture research.  This program annually solicits high-quality research proposals from small business firms on important scientific or engineering problems that could lead to significant public benefit. Aquaculture proposals submitted under this solicitation most generally fall under two major
suggested topic areas: Marine/Estuarine or Freshwater Aquaculture. However, certain topic areas in engineering could be appropriate, depending upon the nature of the proposed research.

Name: Small Business Administration
Address: Small Business Administration Answer Desk
409 Third Street, SW
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: (202) 205-6600
FAX: (202) 205-7064
Phone: Small Business Administration Answer Desk: (1-800) U-ASK-SBA
Scope: The U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent Federal agency created to assist, counsel, and champion America's small businesses, including aquaculture firms. The agency provides prospective, new, and established small businesses with financial assistance, management counseling, and training. The Small Business Administration also provides assistance to small firms interested in obtaining Federal Government contracts. The Office of Advocacy represents small business' interests before the U.S. Congress and other government agencies and promotes public awareness of the community's unique problems and needs.

Name: Tennessee Valley Authority
Contact: Leslie Behrends
Address: Tennessee Valley Authority
P.O. Box 1010
Muscle Shoals, AL 35660-1010
Phone: (205) 386-3485
FAX: (205) 386-2191
Scope: The Tennessee Valley Authority has several programs which relate to aquaculture. The National Environmental Research Center is developing a research and development facility to evaluate artificial wetlands as biological filters for removing fertilizer nutrients from industrial waste streams. Other research being implemented will also impact water quality. The Rural Development Department administers programs in cooperation with partners such as the university Extension Service, and a competitive grants program to encourage private sector adoption of new and emerging technologies in agriculture and aquaculture.

Name: U.S. Agency for International Development
Contact: Fisheries Advisor
Address: Bureau for Global Programs, Field Support and Research Office of Agriculture
Washington, DC 20523-1809
Phone: (703) 875-4016 or 4098
FAX: (703) 875-4186
Scope: The U.S. Agency for lnternational Development (USAID) supports aquacultural research and development projects where significant opportunities exist to utilize this form of food production to increase incomes and employment opportunities in developing countries. USAID supports applied research which addresses critical constraints to the expansion of economically viable and environmentally sustainable aquaculture in developing countries; assists in the education and training of aquaculturists, scientists, administrators, and extension specialists; and supports aquacultural development projects designed to introduce and demonstrate technically, economically, and environmentally sound aquacultural production methods and adapt them, where necessary, to local conditions.

Name: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Address: 401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Subject: Water Quality/Effluent Guidelines
Address: Office of Science and Technology
Engineering and Analysis Division (4303)
Phone: (202) 260-7137
FAX: (202) 250-7185

Subject: Discharge Permits
Address: Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance
Permits Division (4203)
Phone: (202) 260-9545
FAX: (202) 260-1460

Subject: Wastewater Treatment
Address: Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance
Municipal Support Division (4204)
Phone: (202) 260-7378
FAX: (202) 260-0116

Subject: Wetlands Issues
Address: Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Wetlands Division (4502F)
Phone: (202) 260-7791
FAX: (202) 260-8000

Subject: Pesticide Registration
Address: Office of Pesticide Programs
Registration Division (7505C)
Phone: (703) 305-5447
FAX: (703) 305-6920

Subject: Residual Wastes
Address: Office of Solid Waste
Municipal and Industrial Waste Division (5306)
Phone: (202) 260-4536
FAX: (202) 260-4196
Scope: (The following applies to all U.S. EPA offices listed above.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has several programs involved with aquaculture. The proper management of Effluents and Residual Wastes should be a major consideration of aquaculture systems in assuring the protection of the environment. EPA's Water Quality programs are concerned with setting water quality criteria and effluent discharge standards for assuring the protection of the Nation's waterways and water supplies. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) issues Permits for the discharge of wastewaters to surface waters, including discharges from aquaculture systems in many cases. Permits are also available from this program to use wastes as nutrients in public waters for aquaculture purposes. Wastewater Treatment in publicly owned treatment works is amenable to the use of aquaculture systems funded, in part, by EPA's State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program. In conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EPA also implements the Clean Water Act Section 404 Wetlands protection program aimed at protecting natural wetlands from the impacts of dredging and filling. Chemicals and other materials to be used in aquaculture are subject to Pesticide Registration by EPA prior to marketing to the user.