Harbor Branch eyes pompano for the project

By Jay Meisel

Meisel@hometownnewsol.com

FORT PIERCE - In recent years, large areas of land west of Fort Pierce used for agriculture, have become vacant or are unused because of citrus disease.

Aquaculture, or fish farms, may be a way to replace some of that, said Megan Davis, associate executive director at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.

For the past five years, she said, scientists from Harbor Branch and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have researched whether pompano would be a suitable fish for aquaculture.

Now, the study has reached the point where scientists plan to create a demonstration project that could lead to full-scare pompano farms.

One of the advantages of pompano, Dr. Davis said, is that the fish only need slightly salty water.

"You can raise them near the coast or take them inland and raise them in almost fresh water. You just need a touch of salt," she said.

Dr. Davis said pompano are fast growing fish and in captivity. farmers could create conditions where the fish would spawn more often than in the wild.

The research has focused on creating conditions that would result in the most pompano.

Pompano also is attractive as an aquaculture product, because the fish is popular. It can go for $14 to $18 per pound at sea markets, she said.

To move ahead with the project, Dr. Davis said, Harbor Branch plans to create a demonstration system that would create 21,000 pounds of fish per year that would be sold retailers. She said she would also like to see a demonstration project at a farm.

Ultimately, she said, Harbor Branch is looking for farmers interested in creating pompano farms.

Harbor Branch will assist farmers in setting up the farms and with the technology involved, she said.

She estimates the demonstration project could begin in six to 12 months. Pompano farms may open in the next two to five years, she said.