Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today that Hillsborough County is in line to receive $300,000 for the Ruskin Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, a partnership between the county and the University of Florida.

Launched in 1996, the laboratory researches tropical ornamental aquaculture, which provides science-based technologies in nutrition, reproduction, health and water quality issues. The aquaculture industry is significant in Hillsborough County and the state of Florida, where aquaculture producers have reported sales topping $60 million annually. Seventeen people work at the Ruskin lab.

“With this money, Ruskin Tropical Aquaculture will be able to continue its important work, which supports a multimillion-dollar industry and jobs in our community,” Castor said. “As this industry faces increased competition from other nations, our Tampa Bay area and the state of Florida must remain innovative in its tropical aquaculture research.”

The funding was approved by the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee and is expected to be approved by the full House.