BALTIMORE, MD (January 23, 2015)

A local donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has made a generous philanthropic gift to support the sustainable aquaculture work of marine biologist Yonathan “Yoni” Zohar at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The contribution of $380,000 will support Dr. Zohar’s work as chair of the Department of Marine Biotechnology at UMBC. He also leads the Aquaculture Research Center at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) in Baltimore.

“I continue to be gratified and inspired by the tremendous outpouring of support from local and national funders who have demonstrated confidence in our efforts to advance sustainable aquaculture,” said Zohar. “Together, we are expanding the possibilities for providing long-term sources of food to sustainably feed the planet. As the oceans’ fisheries continue to show signs of dramatic depletion, solutions to provide a consistent supply of healthy seafood will become increasingly more important.”

IMET is a global leader in sustainable aquaculture research. Past support from individuals and foundations has catalyzed new and innovative research on a variety of species, including Mediterranean sea bream, sea bass (Bronzini) and bluefin tuna. Zohar’s research, well known worldwide, has discovered ways to close the life cycle of a variety of species in pristine, environmentally responsible ways. He and his team have developed efficient and sustainable hatchery and farming technologies for commercially and ecologically important marine fish. The most recent funding is supporting Dr. Zohar’s research on bluefin tuna, one of the most valuable marine commodities in the world.

“Tuna are a highly valuable across the globe, but unfortunately they are severely overfished,” said Zohar. “We have brought tuna eggs to IMET’s Aquaculture Research Center in an effort to grow these fish to juvenile stages, thus overcoming the main hurdle to their farming. Our efforts have made considerable progress, but more research is needed to ensure that we can sustain this important species for generations to come.”

IMET scientists are at the leading edge of efforts to manage commercial fishing, restore natural stocks and produce marine fish through sustainable aquaculture. In response to the decline in fisheries resources, Zohar notes that marine aquaculture has been steadily growing. However many current aquaculture practices are not environmentally responsible or optimal for fish.

“The generosity of many individuals, foundations and corporations is making a long-term, demonstrable impact to advance critical research in aquaculture,” said IMET Director Russell Hill. “We are grateful for their support and foresight in addressing this important environmental issue and we are proud of the excellent research being conducted by Dr. Zohar and his team.”