​Frederic T. "Rick" Barrows, MSc, PhD, embarked on his distinguished journey in fish nutrition in 1982, pioneering the field with his groundbreaking dissertation on the nutrient requirements of walleye at Iowa State University—a first for the species. His career, spanning over three decades, includes a significant tenure of 15 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Bozeman, MT, where he developed specialized feeds for various Threatened and Endangered species, as well as recreational and food fish species.

    Rick's expertise was further amplified during his 13 years with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, where he led a team of four scientists in advancing feed development projects for a diverse range of freshwater and marine fish species and shrimp. His innovative contributions to the field are marked by several patents in feed processing and ingredient development.

    As an accomplished author, Rick has contributed to over 150 peer-reviewed publications, penned 9 book chapters, and written numerous articles for trade magazines, establishing him as a thought leader in fish nutrition. His lifetime of contributions was honored in 2016 with the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Aquaculture Society, U.S. Chapter.

    That same year, Rick channeled his expertise into founding Aquatic Feed Technologies, a consulting firm dedicated to the development of sustainable fish feeds. This venture collaborates with ingredient suppliers, feed companies, and fish farms across the globe. Additionally, as the Chief Scientific Officer for the Feed Innovation Network and the Future of Fish Feed (f3fin.org), Rick continues to influence the future of sustainable aquaculture.

    A lifelong angler with a history of fishing the Keys since his high school years, Rick made Islamorada his home in 2015. The establishment of Keys Feeds is a culmination of his 38-year career in fish nutrition, manufacturing, and culture, seamlessly blended with his fervor for saltwater fishing, showcasing his dedication to enhancing the industry he loves.