Josh Patterson: Corals and Restoration Aquaculture
Most people think of aquaculture as farming fish for food. Some may even realize that many aquarium fish are cultured for the hobby. So what is ‘restoration aquaculture’ and what role does it play in conservation efforts?
My guest today is Josh Patterson, Assistant Professor of Restoration Aquaculture at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, based at the Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation, in Apollo Beach. Josh studies the use of aquacultured species, ranging from fish to corals to seagrass, as a tool for restoring threatened populations and habitat. Join us, as we discuss his work in this fascinating area.
BIO:
Josh grew up in the mountains of southwestern Virginia running around in the woods, fishing, and water skiing. He always enjoyed being outside and thinking about how living systems work. By the time high school was over, Josh was sure he wanted to pursue a career in the natural or life sciences but wasn’t sure exactly how to go about that. So away he went to college as a Biology major, certain that within six months of graduation he would be getting interviewed for Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. After applying for a few jobs post-graduation, Josh realized he would need to earn a graduate degree to do the type of work he was interested in. Not far into an aquaculture Master’s program, Josh had seen enough of his advisor’s job duties to realize that a PhD and work in academia were what he had been looking for all along.
Currently, Josh is an Assistant Professor of Restoration Aquaculture at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He has built upon his graduate work in fish physiology and now also studies corals, bay scallops, oysters, and seagrass; all of which are cultured in one way or another for restoration of natural populations. Josh is affiliated with The Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation and works closely with a variety of non-profit, agency, and industry clients to support restoration aquaculture practice through best available science.