Contact: Maridith Geuder
An aquaculture scientist at Mississippi State University recently received the highest honor bestowed by the World Aquaculture Society, the largest professional aquaculture society in the world.
Louis R. D'Abramo, professor in the wildlife and fisheries department, recently was honored by the international nonprofit organization headquartered in Baton rouge, La. He was presented the Exemplary Service Award, one of only eight that have been awarded by WAS since its 1970 founding.
The society, which has more than 4,000 members in 94 countries, presented D'Abramo a three-ounce solid gold medallion honoring his outstanding research and service contributions to the development of aquaculture throughout the world.
A faculty member whose specialty is crustacean and fish aquaculture and ecology, D'Abramo also is a scientist in the Mississippi Agriculture, Forestry and Experiment Station at MSU.
His 19-year career at Mississippi State has focused primarily on the development of efficient and environmentally friendly management strategies for alternative species, including freshwater prawns, crayfish and hybrid striped bass. Several dietary regimens for shellfish and finfish that lower feed costs are among the outcomes of his work.
D'Abramo also has conducted breakthrough research in the use of formulated feeds to substitute for high-cost, labor-intensive live feeds in the culture of larval fish and shrimp. His work in this area is regarded by peers as a significant step in efforts to overcome a major limitation to the growth of a global aquaculture industry.
A much-in-demand speaker on sustainable aquaculture and feeding practices, D'Abramo is a John Grisham Master Teacher and a former two-term vice chair of the Robert Holland Faculty Senate. He holds bachelor's and master's degree from Assumption College in Worcester, Mass., and a doctorate from Yale University.