SBIR-STTR Award

Direct to Phase II

Mahimahi have tremendous aquaculture potential with incredible growth rates well- established broodstock and hatchery procedures and ready acceptance by U.S. consumers. However two constraints currently prevent commercial mahimahi culture: male aggression and reduced growth performance in sexually mature females. We intend to resolve these two impediments through applying technologies already developed in other fish to produce sterile all-female mahimahi. Hormonal manipulation of first-generation larvae will allow their offspring to be 100% female eliminating male aggression. Gene knock-down can then suppress development of gonads in the fish destined for production to allow commercial grow-out to larger sizes beyond maturation. No fish for consumption will receive hormonal treatments or be genetically modified. Phase II research will adapt and refine these protocols for use in marine fish hatcheries and then grow the offspring out in land-based tanks. Sex maturation rate growth metrics (growth rate feed conversion ratio) and survival rate of the treated and control-group offspring will be compared. These data can then be integrated into an existing business plan model for large-scale offshore production. If these remaining impediments can be overcome mahimahi could catalyze expansion of U.S. offshore aquaculture expanding seafood supplies to domestic markets and for export. Offshore production of mahimahi could also benefit the national seafood trade deficit increase employment opportunities in coastal communities restore working waterfronts reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and improve nutrition for consumers. This work aligns with USDA aquaculture goals and the recent Executive Order to boost domestic seafood production particularly from offshore aquaculture.