Hatchery, Virginia Tech study shrimp aquaculture

VIRGINIA - All aspects of shrimp farming will be scrutinized in a joint project of Blue Ridge Aquaculture and Virginia Tech.

Construction of a $2.4 million building is scheduled to begin early next week in the Martinsville Industrial Park south of the city, according to Blue Ridge president Bill Martin. The 25,000-square-foot building should be finished in about four months.

Once construction is complete, researchers from Virginia Tech will begin a USDA-funded study to evaluate technology, management practices and distribution channels for shrimp, according to a news release.

Martin said the research will delve into every aspect of shrimp aquaculture, from nutrition to efficiency of production.

Source: Daily Press