Center for Aquaculture Research and Development
The mission of CARD is to develop new, innovative, and cost-effective systems and husbandry techniques to produce high-value marine and freshwater fishes and invertebrates. The goal of this research center is to advance the aquaculture industry and to support and expand stock enhancement research in Florida and worldwide. The Center is currently conducting research, development and commercial demonstration projects with a large number of marine and freshwater species. Marine research is focused on snook, red snapper, red drum, Florida pompano and hard corals. Several projects are underway to investigate the feasibility of growing snook and pompano in low salinity and in freshwater. New species under consideration for aquaculture research include spotted sea trout, long spined-sea urchins and sea horses. Freshwater research is focused on sturgeon aquaculture for caviar and meat production.