By Alabama Public Radio
Black Belt counties of AL – Underground saltwater deposits found across the Black Belt region have long been a source of frustration for residents digging wells for drinking water. But a new research effort seeks to use those deposits to expand the region's fisheries industry. Black Belt fish farmers are already growing saltwater shrimp and catfish thrive in saltwater. Now, Auburn University researchers are trying to utilize the saltwater to also raise flounder, redfish, pompano and other saltwater species. A federal grant is being used by Auburn's fisheries sciences department further study the possibility of using Black Belt ponds in this manner. So far, the saltwater fish are being raised in big tanks and in cages within ponds filled with saltwater.