Florida Pompano and Low Salinity

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Paul Wills, Dr. Sahar Mejiri and Dr. Marty Riche

Pompano fish

Researchers

Elizabeth Allmon

Elizabeth Allmon, PhD
Purdue FNR

Dr. Paul Wills

Paul Wills, Research Professor and Associate Director of Research
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University

Sahar Mejri

Sahar Mejiri, Assistant Professor
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University

Marty Riche

Marty Riche, Professor
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University

David Bradshaw

David  Bradshaw, PhD
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University

Carlie Perricone

Carlie Perricone, Lab Manager
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University

Research Objectives

There is a need for the development and transfer of technology related to year-round availability of seedstocks for the culture of warmwater finfish. If this research and extension goals are not met, the U.S. will not be able to meet the domestic demand for seafood. This project focuses on Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus as model species for improvement. This collaborative project is being conducted in collaboration with  Florida Atlantic University (FAU) 9Dr. P. Wills, PI). Dr. Sepúlveda’s lab will be in charge of examining molecular responses of Florida Pompano larvae maintained under different salinity conditions. Fish exposures will be conducted at Harbor Branch FAU and samples collected for transcriptome analyses.

  • Florida Pompano are a commercially important marine fish
  • Raising them at lower than marine salinities would save resources
  • Using transcriptomics to evaluate the physiological responses of Florida pompano to low salinities
  • Focusing on effects on immune function
USDA Florida Atlantic University