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FISH DIAGNOSTIC LAB OPENS IN LAKE VILLAGE

By Bobbie Crockett/Special to The Commercial
Friday, May 22, 2009 12:02 AM CDT

LAKE VILLAGE — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Fish Disease Diagnostic Lab in Lake Village is a valuable resource for area fish farmers, said Chancellor Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr.

Davis recently joined state and local officials in a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the lab in a newly renovated building near its former location.

“This facility is part of our commitment to being the Flagship of the Delta,” he said. “As a land grant institution, we are committed to assisting Arkansans to meet challenges. We want to keep the catfish industry viable.”

The new lab, which is part of UAPB’s Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, is the result of collaboration with the city of Lake Village, the state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The city provided the facility, the state and USDA provided funds to remodel the space and UAPB is providing skilled fish health experts, utility costs, supplies and equipment.

Located at 1652C Highways 65 in Lake Village, the new lab serves fish producers and recreational pond owners by providing fish disease diagnosis, fish health inspections, water testing and more.

“It’s definitely an asset to the state,” said catfish farmer Tim Sampolesi of Lake Village, explaining that the lab and the Cooperative Extension staff are crucial to diagnosing, treating and preventing fish diseases.

“(The lab) provides a great service to farmers in terms of diagnostics and checking our water quality,” said Jerry Williamson, a Lake Village city councilman and catfish farmer. “This facility also provides workshops and seminars.”

State Sen. Jimmy Jeffress, District 24, told a group gathered for the ceremony that “legislators are here to serve you.”

“This lab here is a wonderful thing,” he said. “We’ve tried to enhance it and I’m glad to see it happen.”

State Rep. Gregg Reep, District 8, said the completion of the project, which “truly does something good for people,” is an example of what state government should be about.

“Lake Village is right at the heart of the district that I represent and the catfish industry is the heart of the economy in this area,” said state Rep. Robert Moore, District 12. “This lab is going to help producers be more efficient in producing their product.”

Bobbie Crockett is an extension specialist-communications at the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

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