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For Immediate
Release: August 5, 2005
NR05 -12
AQUACULTURE PROGRAM
HIRES FISH DOCTOR
HONOLULU - After an exhaustive International search, the Hawaii
Department of Agriculture's Aquaculture Development Program (ADP),
announced the hiring of Allen C. Riggs, DVM, as its Veterinary Medical
Officer III (aquaculture veterinarian). Prior to joining ADP, Dr. Riggs
was in private practice in Florida as an aquatic animal veterinarian.
"We are extremely glad to have Dr. Riggs on board," said Sandra Lee
Kunimoto, Chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. "He brings to
the department a wealth of scientific, practical and private sector
experience in aquatic veterinary medicine."
Dr. Riggs was heavily involved in providing extension services through
the University of Florida to the Florida aquaculture industry and served
as Staff Veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine. He also
served as the Veterinary Consultant and Aquarist at the Key West
Aquarium. Dr. Riggs is an avid scuba diver and holds a Master Scuba
Diver Trainer rating.
"It is difficult to
find aquatic veterinarians of the caliber of Dr. Riggs," said John
Corbin, Manager of the HDOA's Aquaculture Development Division. "We are
very fortunate to have him on the ADP staff as he will be a valuable
resource in the promotion and expansion of the varied sectors of our
aquaculture industry."
"I think he understands the challenges we farmers face and he comes at a
key time for our industry," noted Ron Weidenbach, owner of Hawaii Fish
Company in Mokuleia and president of the Hawaii Aquaculture Association.
"The Hawaii aquaculture industry has seen record growth in recent years
and the disease diagnostic work by ADP's disease management program is
critical to our industry's continued success."
Commercial aquaculture has been one of Hawaii agriculture's fastest
growing commodities for the past two years (2002, 2003 published
statistics). The 2003 value of $27.7 million (farm-gate product value),
ranked number 6 in the top 10 diversified Ag commodities. Aquaculture
has three companies in the top 25 of all Hawaii exporters and was
awarded the Governors Exporter of the Year Award in 2003 and 2004.
Hawaii aquaculture companies are technology leaders in several areas,
including microalgae, marine shrimp broodstock, open ocean aquaculture
(submerged cages) and marine aquarium products.
###
Media contact:
Janelle Saneishi
Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone: (808) 973-9560
To E-mail, click here
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