USSEC’s International Soy in Aquaculture Program has set up an aquaculture industry advisory council to contribute to the development of long-term strategies for the program’s support of sustainable aquaculture development. The council held its first meeting at GOAL 2015 in Vancouver in October 26.

“We are honored to have the participation of such visionary leaders in various aquaculture sectors, including feed, research and sustainability certification,” said Colby Sutter, USSEC marketing director of aquaculture/customer focus. “Their combined knowledge and insight of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today will help our program to best support the sustainable growth of global aquaculture.”

Dr. Michael Cremer, who recently retired after more than 30 years with USSEC’s aquaculture program, will serve on the council as an adviser. Other members include researchers Dr. Rick Barrows, USDA/ARS, and Dr Jesse Chappell, Auburn University, Dan Lee, Global Aquaculture Alliance’s (GAA) Best Aquaculture Practices program, Jose Villalon, Nutreco, Magdalena Wallhoff, Regal Springs, Jose Antonio Camposano, National Chamber of Aquaculture, Ecuador, Neil Sims, Kampachi Farms, and Sebastian Belle, Maine Aquaculture Association.

“The first Advisory Council meeting surpassed our expectations for valuable input from these aquaculture industry leaders,” said USSEC CEO Jim Sutter. “We very much appreciate their participation, and that of soybean grower leaders Ron Moore and Jacob Parker, and feel that it will have a significant impact on our efforts going forward.”