University of North Texas Marine Conservation and Aquatic Physiology Laboratory (MCAPL)

UNT’s Mission: 

To preserve global marine biodiversity.

Grant Project Goal(s):

To conduct research to compare the effectiveness of probiotics (live microorganisms that benefit their host) to antibiotics, in order to increase growth rates and reduce mortality in commercially important marine fish.

Background:

Trials are presently being conducted for yellowtail amberjack and red drum, but the findings, and the methods developed will certainly be applicable to other species of marine finfish important to aquaculture. Current mortality rates in some marine fish species can be as high as 90% at the early stages, and use of antibiotics to reduce mortality can lead to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and public health concerns.

Key Learnings:

Learn more at University of North Texas Marine Conservation and Aquatic Physiology Laboratory (MCAPL)