Setting Sail: 91传媒 launches Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory
Contact: Alaina Dismukes
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擬ississippi State is launching a new Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory to further enhance the university鈥檚 efforts to improve the health of aquatic animals and environments in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in the Mississippi Sound.
The new lab is under the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security or GCAHFS, which is affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine, and is made possible by $1.8 million in funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.聽The three-year project is led by Stephen Reichley, GCAHFS associate director and assistant professor in CVM鈥檚 Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine.
鈥淎t 91传媒, we are taking care of what matters and setting the standard for aquatic medicine. Establishing the 91传媒 Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory complements our many existing programs that support the state of Mississippi, the Southeastern U.S., and the global community,鈥 said Reichley. 鈥淲ith this lab, we will enhance Mississippi by protecting our commercial and recreational fisheries, supporting the growth of aquaculture, and protecting our natural resources.鈥
Commercial and recreational fisheries have a tremendous impact on Mississippi鈥檚 economy. In 2020, commercial fisheries landings in Mississippi showed $45 million in dock sales, leading to a $107 million impact on the state鈥檚 economy. Recreational fishing has an estimated economic impact of more than $650 million in the Magnolia State. Mississippi also has a robust aquaculture industry, and the Gulf of Mexico was recently recognized as an Aquaculture Opportunity Area by NOAA.
These factors make the Mississippi coast the perfect setting for a project aiming to improve aquatic health, but moreover, 91传媒鈥攂eing the state鈥檚 leading research university with vast knowledge on aquaculture and aquatic health鈥斺渕akes this a valuable endeavor to the state and research communities alike,鈥 Reichley said.
鈥淭he need for research, diagnostic and other testing related to aquatic health is steadily increasing,鈥 he added.
The project鈥檚 goal is to establish a high-quality laboratory used to conduct research and provide cutting-edge diagnostic services for animal and environmental health. The lab will assist in activities related to monitoring wild, marine animal populations and their habitat, supporting the GCAHFS鈥檚 existing programs on evaluating and monitoring marine mammals and sea turtles.
鈥淲e are excited to be launching this new lab. We will be conducting a national search for a faculty member as well as seeking highly qualified technical staff in the coming months,鈥 Reichley said. 鈥淲e will work with NOAA, Mississippi state agencies, the aquaculture and fisheries industries, and other stakeholders to identify research and diagnostic needs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.鈥
Between 91传媒鈥檚 excellent, long-standing track in aquatic and food security and NOAA鈥檚 mission of stewarding the nation鈥檚 ocean resources and their habitat, this lab will build a team to lead scientific endeavors and to benefit numerous stakeholders.
鈥淲ith the establishment of the new Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, 91传媒 will have strong, long-term capacity to support health of marine animals, which are a critical resource for the state of Mississippi,鈥 said Mark Lawrence, GCAHFS director and William L. Giles Distinguished Professor in 91传媒鈥檚 College of Veterinary Medicine and its Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences.
To learn more about GCAHFS, visit . Visit the project website at .
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