Dr. Yonathan Zohar appointed director of Center of Marine Biotechnology

August 11, 1997 --- Dr. Yonathan Zohar has been appointed director of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center of Marine Biotechnology in Baltimore, effective September 1. Dr. Zohar joined the COMB faculty in 1990 as an associate professor, becoming aquaculture coordinator and full professor in 1993. He succeeds Dr. Frank Robb, who has served as acting director since 1996 and is returning to his position as professor at COMB.

An internationally recognized authority in the field of fish reproductive endocrinology, Dr. Zohar has developed several methods to induce farmed fish to spawn in captivity. He holds three patents, for both hormonal and gene-based methods of manipulating ovulation and spawning in fish, and for using ultrasound as a method of administering vaccines and antibiotics to mass populations of farmed fish.

"Dr. Zohar is an outstanding scientist and educator. He is committed to excellence in his research and also to raising the level of financial support for COMB from both existing and new sources," says UMBI President Rita R. Colwell. "Since joining COMB, Dr. Zohar has established an outstanding track record in collaborating with industry. Therefore, we look forward to COMB continuing and thriving as an international leader in the emerging field of marine biotechnology under his direction."

Dr. Zohar specializes in both basic and applied aspects of fish reproductive physiology and endocrinology. Since fish do not reproduce predictably when raised in captivity, he has developed technologies to promote fish spawning through hormonal manipulation and environmental controls. Much of this work takes place at COMB's Aquaculture Research Center in Baltimore's Fells Point. An ultimate goal of this research is to develop approaches to promote on-demand spawning of farmed fish all year round. Another goal is the development of delivery systems for the controlled and efficient administration to fish of compounds of interest to the aquaculture industry, such as vaccines and hormones.

While his own research focuses on technologies related to aquaculture, in his new position Dr. Zohar will oversee research and training, manage the budget, and seek grants for all programs at COMB. "I want COMB to continue to thrive as a leader in excellent research in marine and aquacultural biotechnology," he says. "My goals include expanding COMB's role as a biotechnology resource for the state and for local governments and industry both at home and overseas. We emphasize not only research and education, but also economic development and industrial relevance."

Dr. Zohar's plans call for closer interaction with the USDA and the European Community, as well as developing urban fish farming for Baltimore's Empowerment Zone. The proposed project would be environmentally protective and will provide a boost to small companies involved in aquaculture production.

Author of more than 100 published scientific papers, Dr. Zohar has extensive experience as a consultant to industry both worldwide and in Maryland. He has organized several scientific symposia and meetings.

Dr. Zohar obtained degrees in biology and oceanography from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. He received a doctor of philosophy degree in comparative endocrinology from the University of Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris. In addition to his appointment with UMBI, he is an adjunct professor in the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before joining UMBI, he was an associate professor and senior scientist at the National Center for Mariculture, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute.