United States Marine Shrimp Farming Program
The U.S. marine shrimp farming consortium was formed in 1984 as a congressional initiative to identify and solve problems which constrain the profitability and expansion of the U.S. marine shrimp farming industry. The Consortium oversees the USDA/NIFA-sponsored U.S. Marine Shrimp Farming Program (USMSFP). This program allows leading investigators and their institutions, working in partnership with industry, to engage in focused, results-oriented projects directed at developing profitable and environmentally sustainable shrimp farming in the US. Member institutions include the University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL); Oceanic Institute (OI); Tufts University (Tufts); the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Waddell Mariculture Center (SCDNR); Texas AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory, Texas A&M System, (TALR); the University of Arizona (UAZ); and Nicholls State University (NSU).
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The USMSFP, through the work of the seven Consortium institutions, has
provided U.S. shrimp producers with direct access to high health,
genetically improved shrimp, and well as advanced disease diagnostic and
treatment methods. OI has primary responsibility for shrimp genetic
improvement, including selection for fast growth and viral resistance.
Tufts conducts research on molecular immunology, including the
characterization of shrimp hemocytes. UAZ and GCRL are involved in
disease research, including developing diagnostic tools, conducting
disease challenges, and providing disease diagnostic services. SCDNR and
TAES work on a variety of issues directly relevant to shrimp
production, such as Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) management
and feeds development, and NSU focuses on solid waste disposal issues
and on characterization/control of pathogenic bacteria.
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