Chris Langdon's aquaculture research focuses primarily on molluscan shellfish, marine fish larval nutrition and sea vegetables such as dulse. Started in 1996, the Molluscan Broodstock Program (MBP) has had major impacts on oyster aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This program used genetic selection to create families of oysters that are larger and faster growing, leading to greater yields - most major oyster producers in the Pacific Northwest now use seed from MBP broodstock in their operations. Current shellfish research also involves breeding for disease-resistance and use of probiotics and phages to control disease. Research in Chris’s program also focuses on bivalve and finfish larval nutrition using microencapsulated nutrients.
Chris' research involving the sea vegetable dulse, a nutrient-dense, bright red marine algae, has been well documented due to the bacon-like flavor of one specific variety when fried. Oregon State University has patented this particular strain, which has a high content of protein (20%), vitamins, and minerals. Dulse also grows very quickly in recirculating aquaculture tanks, which means that it could be part of the solution to feeding our rapidly increasing global population.
Chris Langdon
Phone: 541-867-0231
Email
Professor, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences
Papers
Chris' Google Scholar
Chris' ResearchGate
Additional publications:
"Offshore Aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest", white paper submitted following the Offshore Aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest forum, 2008
"The Oyster Industry in Oregon: Its Challenges and Its Potential", a summary overview by Bruce Sorte, OSU Economist (2010)
In the News
Microplastics Research Project - OSU scientists take a closer look at how large-scale plastics break down in the environment - (2020) Oregon's Agricultural Progress
Farming the Waters (2020) - Terra
Adapting to a Changing Ocean (2019)
The Dream Of A Viable Bacon-Like Seaweed Is Still Alive In Oregon (2019) - Oregon Public Broadcasting
Officials Share Marine Resesarch (2019) - Newport News Times
OSU researchers aim to scale up production of nutritious red seaweeds (2018) - Oregon Sea Grant
OSU researchers aim to use probiotics to improve growth of oyster larvae (2018) - Oregon Sea Grant
Researchers aim to improve nutritional value of food for hatchery fish (2018) - Oregon Sea Grant
A Side of Seaweed, Please (2016) - Terra
The Next Big Thing: Sea Vegetables (2015)
Acidification Edification (2014)
"Best Option for Oregon Offshore Aquaculture" (PDF), interview with Chris Langdon, Molluscan Broodstock Program (2009)