MBL Conference Call

This afternoon, took a conference call with aquaculture go-to guys Scott Lindell and Bill Mebane at Marine Biology Laboratories. 

I was interested in doing a piece for Hatchery International on their Sustainable Aquaculture Initiative that brings methods and technologies for fish farming developed in the Woods Hole labs to fish farmers down in Haiti. Found out most of the work now is being done down on the island.

Marine Resources Manager and Director of the Scientific Aquaculture Program at MBL, Lindell said lack of foundation funds during the current economic downturn has taken a hit on the project as well.

“We’re at a stasis point right now,” said Lindell. “There is a lack of funding as part of the overall economy.”

Most of their current work is being done in the shellfish aquaculture sector, including disease resistance research and the black mussel farming project on Martha’s Vineyard.

I did get a heads up on some upcoming fin-fish stuff coming up in the summer that I pitched to the editors at the mag.

May be an interesting story to see what other impacts the down economy has had on the industry. Stay tuned.