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Where Did It Go! I know it's common, but every time the holiday season is upon me, I marvel at the speed with which time is passing. Either 1994 was so packed full of events that I couldn't keep up, or I fell asleep and it passed me by. I think the former is true. Moving into a new home and becoming a father for the first time has certainly changed my perspective on life, especially when it comes to time management, (I now realize there will never be enough time to do everything I want, or am supposed to). If I get this newsletter out in time it will be a miracle, and my office looks like a storage room from a bad movie about bureaucracy gone amok. With that said, I'd like to take some time in this edition to thank all of the people who have consistently (or even periodically) leant their help in efforts to provide education and service to the aquaculture industry. I won't mention names, as these people know who they are. For those of you who serve on committees and boards of various associations and groups, I commend you for your commitment to the industry and your communities. Fish farming is not an easy task, and to add to your load these time commitments is truly respectable. As we face an uncertain future where regulatory issues and competition for natural resources becomes more and more complicated, it is important that we all learn to make commitments beyond what we currently are involved with. Without industry involvement in the local, state, and national communities, we are certainly going to have a hard road ahead. Baytex 24-C in Process As mentioned in the last newsletter, the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association and the University of Florida are working together in an attempt to get a special needs label for Baytex, a Fenthion product, for tropical fish ponds. Baytex, organophosphate insecticide is currently used in Florida by mosquito control agencies. To update all concerned parties, the process is well on its way, and the application should be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the near future. From there it will be determined what additional data, if any will be required. I will continue to provide you with information as it becomes available. Bayluscide Order to be Placed SOON In talking with Warren Savidge of the FTFFA Coop store, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission is anticipating placing their order for Bayluscide before the end of December. If you have not informed Warren of your needs, now is your last chance. In addition, there may be a possibility that a two year supply must be ordered to get the price down to a more reasonable level. Warren will be contacting everyone to let them know. Bayluscide has been issued a 24-C label for tropical fish ponds in Florida, and is effective in controlling snails in ponds prior to stocking fish. Restricted Use Pesticide Testing Bayluscide will only be available to fish farms possessing a restricted use pesticide applicators license. Currently the list also includes Rotenone, and if Baytex gets approved, it will also be a restricted use pesticide. Each farm should have at least one person with a restricted use pesticide license. The University of Florida's Cooperative Extension Service is responsible for administering the test for the license. Fish farms who will only be applying restricted use pesticides to their properties, must pass the core exam which allows them to purchase a private agriculture pesticide license. Each County has an extension office which can provide you with the order forms for the study materials and information about when they offer the test. In Hillsborough County the test is offered at 9:00 am on the second Tuesday of each month. Core Exam Training and Testing As a one-time offering, I will be providing a one hour training program followed immediately by the restricted use pesticide applicator core exam. This program is specifically designed to help those who may have had difficulty with the written study material or cannot make any of the scheduled, day time testing periods. While the information on the tests will be covered, it is still highly recommended that you study prior to this session. Important Survey on Next Page! Extension Programs for the Future The University of Florida is currently developing plans for September 1995 through August 1999. I will be meeting with my advisory committee in January to determine the needs of the aquaculture industry. Your input will greatly assist in this process. From the following list, please select and rank the top ten priorities for educational programs through my office. This is extremely important as it will establish our activities for the next 5 years. I assure you that your input will be included in our decisions. ____ Fish Health Management ____ Aquatic Weed Management ____ Fish Production Techniques ____ Marketing ____ Rules, Permitting, Regulations ____ Water Quality Management ____ Water Conservation and Recirculation ____ Aquatic Plant Production ____ Youth Education Programs ____ Computer Usage ____ Business and Financial Management ____ Labor Management ____ Farm Safety ____ Native Species Production (Gar, Mudfish, Sunfish, etc.) ____ Fish Handling and Shipping ____ Pesticide Handling and Application ____ Nutrition and Feeding ____ Technological Advances in Aquaculture ____ Genetics and Breeding Programs ____ Cold Water Fish (i.e. Goldfish, Koi) Craig Watson |