Benjamin Reading

Bio

Dr. Reading has research expertise in aquaculture (fish farming) and physiology and genetics of fishes. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food animal agriculture sector in the world, yet 90% of the seafood consumed in the US is imported and this has created an annual $17 billion trade deficit. This deficit has been elevated from being an economic concern to being a food supply and national security concern. Dr. Reading served as Chair (2023-2024) and Aquaculture Coordinator (2018-2024) for USDA NRSP-8 National Animal Genome Research Program. He also is Coordinator of NOAA/Sea Grant National Aquaculture Collaborative StriperHub (2020-present) & USDA National Breeding Program for the US Hybrid Striped Bass Industry (2013-present), and member of the USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (2017-present). These are examples of government, academic, and private sector national partnerships that promote the expansion of US aquaculture. Dr. Reading was Brevetted 2nd Lieutenant US Army, was a former researcher for USAID AquaFish Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa and is an FFAR New Innovator in Food and Agriculture. He also is a subject matter expert for the US federal government regarding seafood supply security, seafood importation, and aquaculture production (US DHS, Threats to Food and Agricultural Resources).