CEED Facilities
 
In addition to the research program, CEED is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the wet lab facilities (Rooms 108 and 109) in the Marine & Natural Sciences Building, the two marine biology research vessels (24’ Romarine and 19’ Lema Skiff), and the sampling nets and field equipment used in the marine biology and environmental science programs. CEED maintains the scientific collecting and experimental aquaculture permits required by the state, and has ten field sites in upper Narragansett Bay (chart).
 
In 2008, we break ground for a 4000 ft2 addition to the Marine and Natural Science Building that will expand the CEED Program and include the Luther Blount Shellfish Hatchery and Oyster Restoration Center and support a new effort in aquatic animal veterinary health
 

 

 
Aquatic Animal Veterinary Health Laboratory:
Disease testing and treatment in aquatic animals is an area of veterinary science that has traditionally been underserved. It’s rare for a Veterinarian to take an interest in this topic, and yet there is a large and growing need for disease screening, diagnostic services and treatment options. For example, any time live fish or shellfish are transported across state lines they must be certified as disease free in accordance with the appropriate state regulations. The need for environmental testing for the presence of fish and shellfish diseases is growing and regulations requiring such testing are becoming more common. Currently only ten USDA certified laboratories exist for this purpose in the US, with one located in Maine that serves all of New England.
 
We recently received USDA funding ($600,000) to establish an aquatic veterinary program within CEED. The funds will be used to outfit a lab, hire a full-time DVM and Technician to support research efforts and diagnostic testing on aquatic animal health. This program will be launched during 2009, and be based in the MNS Annex.
 
 
Center for Economic & Environmental Development, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809
(401) 254-3563 | fax (401) 254-3310 | tscott@rwu.edu