CGRU

farm-raised-catfish industry struggling in the face of cheaper foreign imports and rising production and feed costs, the scientist--based at the Catfish Genetics Research Unit of the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center at Mississippi State University (MSU), in Stoneville--is focusing on new field research he thinks could provide some help.

Researchers at the Catfish Genetics Research Unit bred the new line, NWAC103, which was scheduled for release to catfish producers in February 2001.

Scientists at the Catfish Genetics Research Unit in Stoneville, Mississippi, and at the National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture in Leetown, West Virginia, are engaged in genomic research and genetic-improvement efforts for channel catfish and rainbow trout.

Researchers in ARS's Catfish Genetics Research Unit (CGRU) at Stoneville, Mississippi--a state that produces around $245 million worth of catfish each year--are intent on selecting catfish broodstock with superior genetic potential.

Brian Scheffler is in the Catfish Genetics Research Unit, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, 141 Experiment Station Rd., Stoneville, MS 38776-0038; phone (662) 686-5454, fax (662) 686-5372, e-mail bscheffler@msa-stoneville.ars.usda.gov.

Brian Scheffler is in the USDA-ARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit, 141 Experiment Station Rd., Stoneville, MS 38776-0038; phone (662) 686-5454, fax (662) 686-5372, e-mail bscheffler@ars.usda.gov.

Thomson and Paul Zimba of the Catfish Genetics Research Unit in Stoneville are studying a way to detect harmful algal species in catfish production ponds before the problem gets out of hand.

Les Torrans is with the Catfish Genetics Research Unit, 141 Experiment Station Rd., P.O.

Zimba is with the USDA-ARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit, 141 Experiment Station Rd., P.O.

Zimba, USDA-ARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit, Stoneville, Mississippi; phone (662) 686-3588, e-mail pzimba@ars.usda.gov.

Bosworth are in the USDA-ARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit, P.O.

Cheryl Goudie is in the USDAARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit, Jamie Whirten Delta States Research Center, Stonerifle, MS 38776; phone (601) 686-5460, fax (601) 686-9406.