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Dr. Kevan Main

Senior Scientist Emeritus

Emeritus Senior Scientists

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans
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Biography:

Dr. Kevan Main has led Mote’s aquaculture research programs since 2001. Before becoming a Mote Senior Scientist Emeritus in 2022, she served as Director of Mote’s 200-acre field station, Mote Aquaculture Research Park, in eastern Sarasota County. Dr. Main served as the Mote Eminent Scholar Chair in Fisheries and Aquaculture from 2013 through 2016. In 2012, Dr. Main was served as the President of the World Aquaculture Society. Her research interests are in developing sustainable aquaculture methods to produce marine fish, sturgeon, shrimp, abalone, and corals through aquaculture. Dr. Main received her Ph.D. from Florida State University and has more than 35 years of experience in the aquaculture of tropical and subtropical fish and invertebrates from around the world. She has published seven books and more than 98 peer-reviewed publications and has traveled to aquaculture facilities throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. In 2016, Dr. Main was recognized as a “White House Champion of Change for Sustainable Seafood.”

Education:

Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Florida State University
M.S. Biological Science, California State University, Northridge
B.A. Biological Science, California State University, Northridge

Featured Publications

Tarnecki, A. M., Nathan P. Brennan, N. P., Guttman, L., Main, K. L. (2025). Variability in prokaryotic and eukaryotic periphyton communities in marine recirculating integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems. Aquaculture, 600, 742210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.742210
Walsh, C. J., Sherwood, T. A., Tarnecki, A. M., Rhody, N. R., Main, K. L., & Restivo, J. (2025). Challenges in cellular agriculture: lessons from Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Animal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11626-024-01011-0
Walsh, Catherine J; Rhody, Nicole; Main, Kevan L; Restivo, Jessica; Tarnecki, Andrea M (2024). Advances in development of long-term embryonic stem cell-like cultures from a marine fish, Sciaenops ocellatus. Current Research in Food Science , 9, 100841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100841
Jacob Andrew Lasala, Melissa C. Macksey, Kristen T. Mazzarella, Kevan L. Main, Jerris J. Foote, Anton D. Tucker (2023). Forty years of monitoring increasing sea turtle relative abundance in the Gulf of Mexico. Scientific Reports, 2023(13), 17213. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-43651-4
Bell, A. N., Guttman, L., Main, K. L., Nystrom, M., Brennan, N. P., Ergas, S. J. (2023). Hydrodynamics of an integrated fish and periphyton recirculating aquaculture system. Algal Research, 71, 103028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2023.103028
Patricia M. Glibert , Wei-Jun Cai, Emily R. Hall, Ming Li, Kevan L. Main, Kenneth A. Rose, Jeremy M. Testa, and Nayani K. Vidyarathna (2022). Stressing over the Complexities of Multiple Stressors in Marine and Estuarine Systems. Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research, 2022, 9787258. https://doi.org/10.34133/2022/9787258
Weirich, C.R., Riley, K.L., Riche, M., Main, K.L., Wills, P.S., Illan, G., Cerino, D.S., Pfeiffer, T.J. (2021). The status of Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, as a commercially ready species for U.S. marine aquaculture. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 52(3.0). https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12809
He, Q., Dasi, E. A., Cheng, Z., Talla, E., Main, K., Feng, C., Ergas, S. J. (2021). Wood and sulfur-based cyclic denitrification filters for treatment of saline wastewaters. Bioresource Technology, 328, 124848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.124848
Tarnecki, A.M., Levi, N.J., Resley, M. (2021). Effect of copper sulfate on the external microbiota of adult common snook (Centropomus undecimalis). Animal Microbiome, 3, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-021-00085-5
He, Q., Cheng, Z., Zhang, D.-Q., Main, K., Feng, C., Ergas, S. (2020). A sulfur-based cyclic denitrification filter for marine recirculating aquaculture systems. Bioresource Technology, 310.0, 123465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123465
Main, K., Waldrop, T. (2020). Sea purslane research at Mote Aquaculture Research Park. Global Aquaculture Advocate. https://www.aquaculturealliance.org/advocate/sea-purslane-research-at-mote-aquaculture-research-park
Hans, R., Schloesser, R., Brennan, N., Ribeiro, F., Main, K.L. (2020). Effects of stocking density on cannibalism in juvenile common snook Centropomus undecimalis. Aquaculture Research, 51.0, 844-847. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.14353
Sherwood, T.A., Medvecky, R.L., Miller, C.A., et al. (2019). Nonlethal Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Oiled Sediment Exposed Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma): Utility for Field-Base Monitoring Exposure and Potential Recovery. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(24), 14083-14770. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b05930
Patrick, G., Tarnecki, A.M., Rhody, N., Schloesser, R., Main, K., Yanong, R., Francis-Floyd, R. (2019). Disinfection of almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana Valenciennes) eggs: Evaluation of three chemicals. Aquaculture Research, 50, 3793-3801. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.14342
Guttman, L., Neori, A., Boxman, S., Barkan, R., Shahar, B., Tarnecki, A., Brennan, N., Main, K.L., Shpigel, M. (2019). An integrated Ulva-periphyton biofilter for mariculture effluents: Multiple nitrogen removal kinetics. Algal Research, 42.0, 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101586
Waldrop, T., Main, K., Tarnecki, A., Brennan, N., Boggis, E. (2019). Mullet-based diets show promise as aquafeed ingredient. Global Aquaculture Advocate. https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/mullet-based-diets-show-promise-as-aquafeed-ingredient
Tarnecki, A.M., Wafapoor, M., Phillips, R.N., Rhody, N.R. (2019). Benefits of a Bacillus probiotic to larval fish survival and transport stress resistance. Scientific Reports, 9.0, 4892. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39316-w
Sherwood, T.A., Main, K.L., Wetzel, D.L. (2019). De novo assembly and transcriptome dataset of liver, testis, and head kidney from red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Data in Brief, 22.0, 934-939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2019.01.011
Main, K., Wetzel, D.L., Grams, R., Nystrom, M.J., Niebuhr, K., Lewis, J. (2018). Utilizing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems to Evaluate the Impact of Oil Toxicity on Marine Fishes: Design and Operation of a Large-Scale Experimental System. Marine Technology Society Journal, 52.0(6), 23-31. https://doi.org/10.4031/MTSJ.52.6.2
Boxman, S.E., Nystrom, M., Ergas, S.J., Main, K.L., Trotz, M.A. (2018). Evaluation of water treatment capacity, nutrient cycling, and biomass production in a marine aquaponic system. Ecological Engineering, 120, 299-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.06.003
He, Q., Zhang, D., Main, K., Feng, C., Ergas, S.J. (2018). Biological denitrification in marine aquaculture systems: A multiple electron donor microcosm study. Bioresource Technology, 263, 340-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.05.018
Yanes-Roca, C., Toledo-Cuevas, ME., Sanchez, LJ., Born-Torrijos, A., Rhody, N., Main, K.L. (2018). Digestive Enzyme Activity during Larval Development of Black Snook, Centropomus nigrescens. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 49.0(3), 612-624. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12466
Ma, Q., Seyoum, S., Tringali, M.D., Resley, M.J., Rhody, N.R., Main, K.L., & Leber, K.M. (2017). Evaluating spawning performance among captive Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus broodstock using microsatellite-based parentage assignment. Aquaculture Research, 48(11), 5506-5516. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.13369
Pulster, E.L., Main, K., Wetzel, D., & Murawski, S. (2017). Species-specific metabolism of naphthalene and phenanthrene in three species of marine teleosts exposed to Deepwater Horizon crude oil. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 36(11), 3168-3176. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.3898
Boxman, S.E., Nystrom, M., Capodice, J.C., Ergas, S.J., Main, K., & Trotz, M.A. (2016). Effect of support medium, hydraulic loading rate and plant density on water quality and growth of halophytes in marine aquaponic systems. Aquaculture Research, 48.0, 2463-2477. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.13083
Rhody, N. R., Davie, A., Zmora, N., Zohar, Y., Main, K. L., & Migaud, H. (2015). Influence of tidal cycles on the endocrine control of reproductive activity in common snook (Centropomus undecimalis). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 224, 247-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.08.007
Salze, G.P., Davis, D.A., Resley, M., Rhody, N., Main, K., Stuart, K., & Drawbridge, M. (2015). Advances in understanding of taurine functions in fishes across species and life stages. International Symposium on Aquaculture Nutrition, XIII International Symposium(Nutrici—n Acu’cola: Investigaci—n y Desarrollo), Hermosillo, SR, Mexico, November 11-13, 2015.
Boxman, S. E., Kruglick, A., McCarthy, B., Brennan, N. P., Nystrom, M., Ergas, S., Hanson, J., Main, K.L., & Trotz, M. A. (2015). Performance evaluation of a commercial land-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system using constructed wetlands and geotextile bags for solids treatment. Aquacultural Engineering, 69, 23-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaeng.2015.09.001
Hauville, M. R., Rhody, N. R., Resley, M. J., Bell, J. G., Main, K. L., & Migaud, H. (2015). Comparative study of lipids and fatty acids in the liver, muscle, and eggs of wild and captive common snook broodstock. Aquaculture, 446, 227-235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2015.04.004
Boxman, S. E., Main, K.L., Nystrom, M., Ergas, S. J., & Trotz, M. A. (2015). Aquaponic system produces red drum, saltwater vegetable species. Aquaculture Advocate, 58-60. https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/aquaponic-system-produces-red-drum-saltwater-vegetable-species/
Resley, M.J., Nystrom, M., Yanes-Roca, C., Leber, K.M., & Main, K.L. (2014). Controlled maturation and spawning of captive black snook. World Aquaculture, 45(3.0), 29Đ34. https://www.was.org/Magazine/Vol/45/3
Merz, C.R. & Main, K.L. (2014). Microalgae (Diatom) Production Đ The Aquaculture and Biofuel Nexus. IEEE Conference Proceedings, OCEANS '14 Conference. https://doi.org/10.1109/OCEANS.2014.7003242
Rhody, N.R., Puchulutegui, C., Taggart, J.B., Main, K.L., & Migaud, H. (2014). Parental contribution and spawning performance in captive common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) broodstock. Aquaculture, 432, 144Đ153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2014.04.022
Hauville, M.R.; Zambonino-Infante, J.L.; Bell, G.; Migaud, H.; Main, K.L. (2014). Impacts of three different microdiets on Florida Pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, weaning success, growth, fatty acid incorporation and enzyme activity. Aquaculture, 422-423, 268-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.12.006
Holzer, A.S.; Peckov‡, H.; Patra, S.; Brennan, N.P.; Yanes-Roca, C.; Main, K.L. (2013). Severe glomerular disease in juvenile grey snapper Lutjanus griseus L. in the Gulf of Mexico caused by the myxozoan Sphaerospora motemarini n. sp.. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 2, 124Đ130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2013.03.003
Rhody, N.R.; Neidig, C.L.; Grier, H.J.; Main, K.L.; Migaud, H. (2013). Assessing reproductive condition in captive and wild common snook stocks: a comparison between the wet mount technique and histological preparations. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, 142(4), 979Đ988. https://doi.org/10.1080/00028487.2013.788564

Additional Publications

He, Q., Z. Cheng, D. Zhang, K. Main, C. Feng, S.J. Ergas (2020). A sulfur-based cyclic denitrification filter for marine recirculating aquaculture systems. Bioresource Technology 310 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123465

Hans, R., R. Schloesser, N. Brennan, R. Ribeiro, K.L. Main (2019). Effects of stocking density on cannibalism in juvenile common snook Centropomus undecimalis. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.14353

Patrick, G., A.M. Tarnecki, N. Rhody, R. Schloesser, K. Main, R. Yanong, R. Francis-Floyd (2019). Disinfection of Almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana Valenciennes) eggs: Evaluation of three chemicals. Aquaculture Research https://doi.org/10.1111/are.14342

Boxman, S.E., Nystrom, M., Ergas, S.J., Main, K.L., Trotz, M.A. (2018). Evaluation of water treatment capacity, nutrient cycling, and biomass production in a marine aquaponic system. Ecol. Eng., 120, 299-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.06.003

He, Q., Zhang, D., Main, K., Feng, C., Ergas, S.J. (2018). Biological denitrification in marine aquaculture systems: A multiple electron donor microcosm study. Bioresour. Technol., 263, 340-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.05.018

Main, K., Wetzel, D.L., Grams, R., Nystrom, M.J., Niebuhr, K., Lewis, J. 2018. Utilizing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems to Evaluate the Impact of Oil Toxicity on Marine Fishes: Design and Operation of a Large-Scale Experimental System. Marine Technology Society Journal. 52(6), 23-31. doi: https://doi.org/10.4031/MTSJ.52.6.2

Yanes-Roca, C., Toledo-Cuevas, ME., Sanchez, LJ., Born-Torrijos, A., Rhody, N., Main, K.L. (2018). Digestive Enzyme Activity during Larval Development of Black Snook, Centropomus nigrescens. J. World Aquacult. Soc., 49(3), 612-624. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12466

Rhody, N.R., C. Puchulutegui, J.B. Taggart, K.L. Main, H. Migaud. (2014). Parental contribution and spawning performance in captive common snook Centropomus undecimalis broodstock. Aquaculture 432, 144-153. 

Yanes-Roca, C. and K.L. Main (2011) Improving larval culture and rearing techniques on common snook (Centropomus undecimalis). Aquaculture. Published by Intech, Croatia.

Rhody, N.R., N.A. Nassif, K.L. Main. (2010). Effects of salinity on growth and survival of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) larvae. Aquaculture Research 41: e357-e360.

Main, K.L., M. Resley, N. Rhody, M. Nystrom, T. Stevens and C. Adams. 2010. An overview of Florida Pompano research at Mote Aquaculture Research Park. Abstract – Aquaculture 2010, San Diego, California.

Nystrom, M., K.L. Main and T. Losordo. (2010) Development and evaluation of a zero-discharge fingerling production system to produce red drum Sciaenops ocellatus for stock enhancement. Abstract - Aquaculture 2010, San Diego, California.

Wittenrich, M.L., N.R. Rhody, R.G. Turingan, K.L. Main. 2009. Coupling osteological development of the feeding apparatus with feeding performance in larvae of common snook, Centropomus undecimalis: identifying morphological constraints to feeding. Aquaculture 294: 221-227.

Yanes-Roca, C., N. Rhody, M. Nystrom, K.L. Main. 2009. Effects of fatty acid composition and spawning season patterns on egg quality and larval survival in common snook (Centropomus undecimalis). Aquaculture 287 (3-4): 335-340.

Main, K.L., C. Yanes-Roca, N. Rhody. 2009. Status and challenges in larval rearing and fingerling aquaculture of Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) in Florida. Abstract - Second International Symposium on the Biology and Culture of Snooks. Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.

Resley, M., K.L. Main, J. Stubblefield. 2009. An overview of Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) broodstock maturation and spawning research in Florida. Abstract - SecondInternational Symposium on the Biology and Culture of Snooks. Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.

M.J. Resley, N. Rhody, K. Main. 2009. Assessment of Growth And Survival on Larval Common Snook, Centropomus Undecimalis, Fed Rotifers Enriched with Arachidonic Acid. Abstract - Aquaculture America 2009, Seattle, Washington.

Main, K.L., M. Nystrom, and T. Losordo. 2008. Performance evaluation of an intensive recirculating aquaculture system for production of juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Abstract - Aquaculture America 2008, Orlando, Florida.

Hamlin, H.J., B.C. Moore, T.M. Edwards, I.L.V. Larkin, A. Boggs, W.J. High, K.L. Main, L.J. Guillette. 2008. Nitrate-induced elevations in circulating sex steroid concentrations in female Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) in commercial aquaculture. Aquaculture 281:118-125.

Hamlin, H.J., J.T. Michaels, C.M. Beaulaton, W.F. Graham, W.Dutt, P. Steinbach, T.M. Losordo, K.K. Schrader, K.L. Main. 2008. Comparing denitrification rates and carbon sources in commercial scale upflow denitrification biological filters in aquaculture. Aquacultural Engineering 38: 79-92.

Hamlin, H.J., T.M. Edwards, B.C. Moore, K.L. Main, L.J. Guillette. 2007. Stress and its relation to endocrine function in Captive female Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri). Environmental Sciences 14(3): 129-139.

Main, K.L., N. Rhody, M. Nystrom, M. Resley. 2007. Species Profile – Florida Pompano. Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (SRAC), No. 7206. September 6pp.

Mote Eminent Scholar Chair in Fisheries and Aquaculture - June 2013 – present
President, World Aquaculture Society – 2012 – 2013
Chair of the Tampa Bay Regional Business Plan's Marine and Environmental Activities Sector, Tampa Bay Partnership Program – 2011 – present.
Recipient of the Eugenie Clark Scientific Explorers Award – October 2008
Secretary-Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of The Snook Foundation– 2001-2009
Vice-President, Secretary and Member of the Board of Directors, World Aquaculture Society – 1996-2004
Secretary-Treasurer, U.S. Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society - 1992-1993