The Waddell Research and Development Center is one of the country's largest facilities for aquaculture research with several buildings for hatcheries, spawning facilities, and support labs. Its visitors center provides dorms and conference facilities. Its 35 ponds range in size from 0.5 to 1.25 acres for controlled research. The pond facilitates experimental replication is regulated as to salinity and water depth. Used by staff and researchers/students from the state's academic institutions.