The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval today for the Ruskin Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory to receive $300,000, Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced.

Castor requested the money for the lab, which is a partnership between Hillsborough 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. 

“The Ruskin Tropical Aquaculture Lab is a gem in our community,” Castor said. “The research under way in Ruskin supports a multimillion-dollar industry and many jobs in our area. I am pleased to support this worthy endeavor.”

The funding was included in the FY 2010 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act.