USF, Mote get boost

The University of South Florida received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop its USF CONNECT program. The funding will help extend the program to the Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota.

Research at Mote focuses on the cost-effective, environmentally sound growth of freshwater fish and invertebrates for commercial purposes.

“This collaboration makes excellent use of USF's strengths in marine science and business development,” said Judy Genshaft, president at USF.

Rod Casto, executive director of the USF Research Foundation, said that Mote has already invested $23 million into programs at the research facility. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association estimates that the aquaculture industry is collectively worth $70 billion in annual revenues.