Building capacity for captive rearing programs: A Collaboration between Roger Williams University and the

New England Aquarium

Andrew L. RhyneRoger Williams University New England Aquarium Michael Tlusty, Ph.D.

Andrew L. Rhyne, Ph.D.

Ever have a fish tank? Have one now?

PUBLIC AQUARIUM VISITORS HAVE FISH TANKS

PUBLIC AQUARIUMS CAN PLAY A UNIQUE ROLEWorld Class Fish Husbandry

Photo by J Levenson

Public Education and Outreach

ESTABLISHING A REARING PROGRAM THE NEAQ PERSPECTIVE:

RESOURCES ACCESSIBILITY

BROODSTOCK YES

HUSBANDRY KNOWLEDGE YES

REARING KNOWLEDGE SOME

PERSONNEL NO

FACILITIES LIMITED

FUNDING LIMITED

Why Collaborations to Rear Larvae FailTHE NEAq Experience

ATTEMPT #1 COLLABORATIONS WITH COMMERCIAL COMPANIES

-- No information sharing -- No desire to truly collaborate

-- Unwillingness to fund research

ATTEMPT #2 COLLABORATION WITH UNIVERSITIES -- Requires support at the highest levels

-- Lack of hard-dollar support staff -- Lack of support funding

-- No dedicated space

NEAQ & RWU COLLABORATION• Directly Supported by University President and Provost

• Full Time Hard-Dollar funded Joint Position

• Full Time Support Staff

• Dedicated Space

• Internal funding

• Program goals affirmed by publication and outreach efforts

NEAq & RWU Program Goals• Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Minor degree

• Develop rearing protocols for species spawning on exhibit

• Ornamental fishery issues

Roger Williams University

• Private Liberal Arts University

• Serves about 3800 undergraduates

• About 300 biology / marine biology undergraduates

• Research Based Program

Roger Williams University

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY AND THE NEW ENGLAND

AQUARIUM LEADS TO UNPRECEDENTED RESULTS

Andrew L Rhyne

NEAq & RWU Program OutcomesOrnamental Aquaculture and Fisheries

Develop rearing protocols for new speciesQueen TriggerfishMore species coming soon

Train the next generation of aquaristInternship and minor degree programCourses, curriculum, and developing a certification program

Analyze trends in ornamental fisheries Plos ONE paper on Florida Marine Life FisheriesPolicy brief on US market role in coral reef fisheriesCataloging marine species imported and exported from USDeveloping real time monitoring of trade activities

Field ResearchField course in Bahamas

Promote sustainable wild fisheries programs and aquacultureProject Piaba Market Based Initiatives

Public Aquariums

University Laboratories

Private Industry

Our Vision

Public Aquariums

University Laboratories

Private Industry

Long Term Program Goals

1. Research & Development2. Production for Public Aquariums3. Production of Aquarium Species

a) Technology Development & Transferb) Training workshops c) Specialized courses

Public Aquariums

University Laboratories

Industry

Long Term Program Goals

1. Research & Development2. Production for Public Aquariums3. Production of Aquarium Species

a) Technology Development & Transferb) Training workshops c) Specialized courses

Public aquariums must play out their unique roleand value skills and abilities