Warm water aquaculture champion honored
USA: Earlier this month Nathan Stone, Extension specialist-section leader for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, received a regional Excellence in Extension Award from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. Dr. Stone received the award for his tireless work to make Arkansas a leader in warm water aquaculture production in the United States.
According to Delta Farm Press online, Stone has worked as part of an integrated research and Extension team at UAPB that has helped Arkansas to be a leader in warm water aquaculture production in the United States since 1988. This diverse industry produces a variety of food fish, sport fish, bait and ornamental species. The vast majority of fish farms are family operations and small businesses. UAPB aquaculture/fisheries specialists and researchers provide support for those fish farmers and farm pond owners through its Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence.
Stone has been instrumental in developing innovative programs that have served as models for regional and national initiatives. These include leading the development of the first research verification program in aquaculture that led to subsequent regional efforts. He was instrumental in development of Best Management Practices for baitfish. These were the first developed for this industry and were adopted by the Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Fish Growers Association.
