NFRDI (president: Mr. Kim Young Man) invited globally renowned fish nutrition scientists, Drs. Michael Rust and Ken Massee of NOAA for joint research on developing alternative feed compound of fish meal during the period of September 25^th through October 3^rd, 2010.

The two specialists are working on projects regarding fish nutrition and aquaculture at NOAA, the U.S.

This time of joint research was carried out as one of items which are included in the annual agreement by NFRDI and NOAA for Korea and the U.S. Research Cooperation Projects. The research on the alternative feed will be spanned for 2 years.

The increase in global aquaculture production resulted in a rapid surge in the fishmeal price since 2005. It is urgently needed to develop feed compound with greater inclusion of alternative feed of fishmeal. The research is expected to bring about benefits both to aquaculture farmers and feed producers and serve as a good opportunity to advance feed production technology for the Korean aquaculture.

During the stay, the American scientists delivered presentations at a seminar on September 28^th. Dr. Rust talked about research achievements of aquaculture feed in the U.S. and Dr. Massee delivered a presentation on seed production system of butterfish (Anoplopoma fimbria) using circular farming system.

They also discussed on current status of commercial feed consumption for olive flounder and rockfish farming in Korea.