Eric Cassiano

To expand knowledge of aquaculture research and production through employment with a public institution or private corporation.

Education

2007 to Present

University of Florida

Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Master of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Aquaculture

Master’s Thesis: Evaluation of the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus as a first feed for larval Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus)

1999 – 2002

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

Hawaii Pacific University

Experience

2007 – Present

University of Florida

Indian River Research and Education Center

Graduate Research Assistant

Research focused on developing culture techniques for the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus and the use of copepods to enhance larval marine fish survival, growth, and stress resistance. Finfish species evaluated: Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), and pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera). Also, I participated in establishing microalgae culture protocols for IRREC and contributed to experiments examining the development of culture methods for pinfish and pigfish.

Fish Health Diagnostics Lab:

Participated in the diagnosis of numerous fish health diseases; including pathogens, water quality problems, and system complications. Aided in assessment of spring viremia in carp virus (SVCV) in multiple koi (cyprinidae) farms in the north central region of Florida.

2006 – 2007

University of Florida

Levy County Extension Office

Shellfish Aquaculture Research Program

Program Assistant

Aided in projects focused on the triploidy aspects of the northern quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) and the development of culture techniques for a potential new marketable species; the sunray venus clam (Macrocalista nimbosa). Also I contributed to projects examining the hybridization potential of the northern quahog and southern quahog (Mercenaria campechiensis) as well as participating in numerous community events.

2003 – 2005

Oregon State University

Molluscan Broodstock Program

Biological Sciences Research Worker

Aided in ongoing projects involving the production, utilization, and study of the triploidy aspects of the Pacific Oyster (Crassastrea gigas). Also I helped develop the seawater maintenance and filtration systems.

2002 – 2003

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Marine Resources Program

Experimental Biology Aide

Aided in projects involved with assessing population distribution of the near shore, recreational rockfish fishery (Sebastes sp.) and participated in experiments addressing and comparing trawl net design.

2001 – 2002

Hawaii Pacific University

Student Research Aide

Aided in project evaluating benthic ecology of polychaetes along the southern california coast.

Publications

Websites:

Fajans, J., L. Sturmer, S. Baker, K. Hulen, and E. Cassiano. 2007. “What’s in the clam bag? A guide to marine organisms found in, on, and around a clam culture bag”. University of Florida. Florida Sea Grant. http://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu/clambag/index.html?entry=directAccess

Presentations:

Cassiano, E.J., Ohs C.L., Weirich C.R., Petty B.D., Hill, J.E., 2009. Evaluation of larval Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus fed the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus. Aquaculture America 2009. Seattle, WA.

Cassiano, E.J., Ohs C.L., Petty B.D., Hill, J.E., 2008. Evaluation of the effects of feeding the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus to larval marine finfish species. UF Graduate Student Symposium 2008. Gainesville, FL.

*Currently adapting Master's thesis into one peer reviewed journal article and two University of Florida EDIS factsheet publications.