Dive into the vibrant world of ornamental aquaculture with Travis Knorr, as he discusses sustainable practices for the aquarium trade. Learn how captive breeding and innovative aquaculture techniques can protect ocean ecosystems while inspiring future conservationists.  Gabby Bradt and Michael Chambers explore the journey of ornamental fish from reef to home aquarium.

In This Episode:

Guest: Travis Knorr, Masters Student at University of Florida and Owner of Summerland Ocean Life

Host: Gabby Bradt, Ph.D. Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension State Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant/UNH Cooperative Extension, University of New Hampshire

Co-host: Mike Chambers, Ph.D. Aquaculture Research Professor at the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems 

Show Notes

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the impact of wild ornamental fish collection on coral reefs.
• Learn about ornamental aquaculture and its role in marine conservation.
• Explore career paths and education in aquaculture and marine science.
• Understand the potential for repurposing existing infrastructure for coral restoration.
• Consider the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable aquaculture practices.

Resources Mentioned:

• University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory 
• Summerland Ocean Life Ornamental Hatchery
• Florida Keys Community College (now College of the Florida Keys) 
• Dynasty Marine
• Reef Renewal USA
• IC2R3 (International Center for Coral Restoration and Research)
• AquaFort
• EE Blue Aquaculture Literacy Grant
• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
• North American Association for Environmental Education 
• College of the Florida Keys Marine Environmental Technology Program 

Connect With Us:

• Travis Knorr (UF/IFAS tropical Aquaculture Laboratory)
• Gabby Bradt (NH Sea Grant/University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension)
• Michael Chambers (University of New Hampshire/ Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems)

Subscribe to Get Aquacultured!

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Featured Quotes:

• Travis Knorr: “What I saw, I couldn’t ignore…these fish that were supporting my career were getting fewer and fewer. And so I started to feel pretty guilty about what I was doing.”
• Travis Knorr: “Aquaculture should be considered as a trade… If you work hard, if you’re willing to do stuff and learn that, you know, you can start building your skills that way.”

Behind the Story:

Travis Knorr’s evolution from a scuba-diving fish collector to a passionate advocate for ornamental aquaculture showcases a growing awareness within the aquarium trade. His firsthand experience with coral bleaching and biodiversity loss in the Florida Keys spurred a career change, leading him to explore sustainable alternatives that balance industry needs with environmental stewardship.

Take Action:

Explore aquaculture education programs in your region.

Share This Episode:

Learn about #ornamentalaquaculture and its potential to save our reefs! Listen to the Get Aquacultured! podcast episode with Travis Knorr. #aquaculture #marineconservation