Leah Tucker Works With Janelle Hager At The Aquaculture Research Center
Leah Tucker, an upcoming junior at West Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, has been working with Janelle Hager this week. She is the vice-president of her local FFA chapter and is enrolled in Environmental Management, which is part of the Career and Technical Education program (CTE). Her focus was to learn about aquaponics by working in a practical environment and to apply the knowledge acquired to her school program of Environmental Management. Her home program currently has a greenhouse, aquarium system, and an aquaponics system set to be built this year.
She has worked in the greenhouse, where she did tasks such as harvesting plants, planting seeds, feeding fish, and testing water quality. She also worked at the Aquaculture Production and Technologies Center, where she did tasks such as measuring fish, increasing salinity, transferring fish, dissecting fish, and performing water quality tests. She helped harvest lettuce from rock wool cubes in the aquaponics greenhouse. She also helped measure the nitrite in the water of the main aquaponics system by using the Nitrate Reagent Powder. She has learned different things, such as the importance of alkalinity and pH in a system. She has also learned all the steps for a successful aquaponics system and the best way to grow sustainably.
Alexander Kramer defended his thesis research on July 11, 2019 and now has a Master of Sciences in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences. His major professor was Dr. Boris Gomelsky and also had Dr. Kirk Pomper as well as James Tidwell on his thesis committee.
Kramer is moving to Columbus, Ohio to begin working as a research assistant for Dr. Konrad Dabrowski. Kramer will be performing flow cytometry in order to determine ploidy, as well as histology in walleye, bighead carp, and cichlids. Kramer will start the Environment and Natural Resources, Doctor of Philosophy program at The Ohio State University in the spring semester.
Dr. Andrew Ray was promoted to Associate Professor and awarded tenure. His application was recommended by the Chair of the School, a committee in the College, the Dean, a University committee, the Provost, the President, and finally the Board of Regents. Dr. Ray began as an Assistant Professor at
KSU in September of 2014 and his promotion to Associate Professor was effective as of July 1, 2019.
Saltwater Shrimp From A Landlocked State? How This Kentucky Farm Is Making It Happen.
At first glance, the Faul Family Riverside Farm in Sulphur, Kentucky, resembles any other, with long stretches of grass where cows, chicken and pigs graze. But beyond its barn and the idyllic country farmhouse is a building with two above-ground swimming pools, each holding about 5,000 saltwater shrimp.
Kentucky is a landlocked state far from any saltwater, yet the Faul farm is one of three that raise shrimp in the state — the others in Lexington and a small operation in Lawrenceburg.
The farm, co-managed by father-son pair Andre Faul Sr. and Andre Faul Jr., practices non-conventional farming, with shrimp being just one of its newest ventures. And even though it's a new part of their small 100-acre farm, they have already seen tons of success, with regular customers at both the La Grange and Bardstown Road farmers' markets and two Louisville restaurants, Harvest and Buck's Restaurant, that consistently buy and serve their product.
Dr. Ken Semmens and James Brown Harvest Catfish Eggs
Dr. Semmens has been utilizing the large pond at the Kentucky State University Research Farm for a few projects. His graduate student, James Brown, will be starting his thesis research using this pond in the near future. They also have small plastic containers in the pond for catfish to reproduce.
During the Third Thursday event, Semmens and Brown checked the containers for fish eggs. Two of the containers had eggs for everyone to see. The eggs were removed and brought back to the hatchery where they will be hatched out. These fish will be used in research projects next year.
Dr. Ray's team harvested an experiment aimed at examining some home-made, low-cost salt formulations for growing marine shrimp. The team's research in this area indicates that the low-cost formulations can be just as effective, and less than half the price of brand name sea salt formulas. In the current study, the team was exploring whether trace amounts of full sea salt formulas are required for adequate shrimp production. This study resulted in consistently high shrimp biomass across all replicate tanks, and indicated that low-cost salt formulations can reduce production costs
significantly for shrimp farmers.
Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky Collaborate on a USDA/NIFA Grant
Dr. Ken Semmens is working on a USDA/NIFA grant collaborating with engineering investigators at the University of Kentucky to evaluate and back-up power sources to move water through an in-pond raceway. The research will be conducted at the Kentucky State University Farm on Mills Lane. They are researching three different methods to move water through the raceways. One method uses a one horsepower blower that uses air to move water. There is also a 3/4 horsepower motor and propeller in a separate raceway. And also a slow rotation paddlewheel that uses 0.07 horsepower to move water will be evaluated.
The research will also evaluate power consumption, water flow, and back-up power supplies. This research will be James Brown's, from Kentucky State University, and Bo Smith from the University of Kentucky thesis research projects.
Dr. Ray traveled to South Korea as part of a project funded by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Korean Ministry of Fisheries Joint Project Agreement Program. This project funds travel expenses for researchers from Korea and the US to visit the respective partner institutions to form collaborative relationships, and funds some research initiatives at the partner institutions. On his trip, Dr. Ray met with members of the Ministry of Fisheries, toured their research facilities, toured shrimp and flounder farms, and learned about the robust Korean aquaculture industry.
AgDiscovery Students Visit the Aquaculture Research Center and Gain Hands on Experiences
AgDiscovery is a summer outreach program designed to help teenagers explore careers in plant and animal science, wildlife management, agribusiness, and much more! The program allows students to live on a college campus and learn about agriculture from university professors, scientists, and administrative professionals who work for the United States Government in a variety of fields.
They study the life cycles and habits of insects (entomologists); research microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses (biotechnologists); examine cells and tissues under a microscope to identify diseases (plant pathologists); work to conserve and manage wild animals and their habitats (wildlife biologists); carry out animal health programs (veterinarians); provide education on the humane care and treatment of animals (veterinarians and animal care inspectors); and manage the business aspects of protecting plants and animals (agribusiness).
Dr. Dasgupta and Richard Bryant Publish Marketing Research in the Journal of the NACAA
Restaurants are increasingly featuring locally grown food. While locally grown vegetables and meat seem to be popular, locally grown fish could be another product option. This paper presents data related to the marketing of locally grown fish to independent restaurants in Kentucky and Ohio. The results show that restaurants are interested in several types of locally-grown fish; however, their top choices were trout, hybrid striped bass, and catfish. Using the restaurants' stated willingness to pay as a guide, the sales of whole trout and catfish fillets could be profitable for local, small-scale farmers.
Team Ray Attends The 2019 RASTech Conference In Washington, DC
Andrew Ray, Leo Fleckenstein, and Tom Tierney attended the 2019 RASTech Conference in Washington DC. The conference focused exclusively on issues relating to recirculating aquaculture systems.
Dr. Ray chaired the Shrimp Production in RAS Session and gave a presentation in that session, Mr. Fleckenstein and Mr. Tierney also gave presentations in the session.
Ready to Open the World's "Most Advanced" Salmon Facility
After just over 12 months of construction, Benchmark's new facility, SalmoBreed Salten, will open its doors to visitors. The site has the capacity to produce 150 million eggs annually – which are capable of growing into approximately half a million tonnes of harvested salmon. Located in northern Norway, it is designed to hold stock from egg to broodfish, resulting in the highest standards of biosecurity in the industry.
Jan-Emil Johannessen, head of Benchmark Genetics, commented: "The opening of our new facility in Salten is a very important milestone for Benchmark which will allow us to capitalise on our leading market position in salmon genetics and the favourable long-term market trends in the industry". "Producing on land means that we are in complete control of the spawning season and thereby able to supply our customers with high-quality salmon eggs every week of the year, produced in an environment with the highest standards of biosecurity."
Demand for seafood is increasing across the globe, and the United States is no exception. Aquaculture, or aquatic farming, is increasingly meeting this demand and now supplies just over 50 percent of all seafood globally. In fact, it has been one of the world’s fastest growing food sectors for years.
The U.S. is the largest importer of seafood in the world, and some of Americans’ favorites—including shrimp, salmon and tilapia—are predominantly farmed these days. Yet, we contribute less than 1 percentof the world’s total aquaculture production. This means we rely heavily on other countries to satisfy our appetites for seafood.
The World's Rivers are Contaminated with Antibiotics, New Study Shows - CNN
(CNN)The world's rivers are widely contaminated with antibiotics, according to a new global study, the first of its kind.
Researchers from the University of York in the UK analyzed samples from rivers in 72 countries and found that antibiotics were present in 65% of them.
Dangerous levels of contamination were most frequently found in Asia and Africa, the team said, with sites in Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Pakistan and Nigeria exceeding safe levels by the greatest degree.
The worst case was found at a site in Bangladesh, where concentrations of the drug Metronidazole -- which is used to treat bacterial infections, including skin and mouth infections -- exceeded safe levels by up to 300 times.
Safe levels can range from 20,000 to 32,000 nanograms per liter (ng/l), depending on the antibiotic, according to new guidelines established by the AMR Industry Alliance,a coalition of biotech, diagnostics and pharmaceutical companiesset up to provide sustainable solutions to curb antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. James Tidwell Addresses the United Nations Association
Dr. James Tidwell addresses the United Nations Association on Monday, May 20, 2019 at the Paul Sawyier Public Library. His talk will focus attention on the important role of aquaculture in providing future food supplies. The Frankfort Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA will sponsor a program on Monday, May 20, at the Paul Sawyier Public Library's Community Room at 6:30 p.m. in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Dr. Jim Tidwell, Chair of the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Kentucky State University, will discuss " Aquaculture: Feeding the Future." The program is free, and the public is invited to attend.
"Given that most wild fish populations have been fully exploited or even depleted, while human populations continue to grow, aquaculture is becoming increasingly important in providing healthy protein to an ever-increasing world population," said Dr. Jim Tidwell. "Additionally, fish are inherently more efficient than land-animals, allowing better utilization of finite resources.
Dr. Noel D. Novelo Joins Faculty of KSU's Aquaculture Program of Distinction
Dr. Noel Novelo is a Kentucky State University alumni. He completed the KSU Master's Degree in the School of Public Administration (2001), and the KSU Master of Science Degree in Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences (2008). Dr. Boris Gomelsky was his mentor and major advisor during his graduate studies at KSU's Aquaculture Program of Distinction. He became a doctoral candidate at Louisiana State University under the mentorship of Dr. Terrence R. Tiersch after his studies at KSU; he completed Louisiana State University's PhD. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, specializing in Aquaculture Reproduction and Genetics (2014); and, he continued as a post-doctoral researcher at LSU in channel catfish reproduction.
Dr. Novelo was employed at KSU as a Research Associate in 2016 with 100% research responsibilities. This research was on the use of crossbreeding and genetic sex regulation for identification and development of a fast-growing Nile Tilapia cross. The genetic gains in growth performance identified through this tilapia research, and the use of Nile tilapia as an alternative species, contribute to diversification efforts in Kentucky aquaculture and improvement of tilapia production in the USA.
Dr. Novelo currently holds a new position at KSU as Assistant Professor of Aquaculture with Extension and Research responsibilities. He will serve as a State Extension Specialist in Aquaculture, and he will conduct research in fish genetics with a range of fish species.
Mr. Sujan Bhattarai successfully defended his thesis work titled, "Evaluation of Density for Holding Live Food Fish in Small Recirculating Aquaculture Systems." Dr. Ken Semmens, Dr. Jim Tidwell, and Dr. Waldemar Rossi were part of Sujan's thesis committee.
Spawning season at Kentucky State University's Aquaculture Research Center has come to an end. This spring Team Gomelsky spawned Koi, Koi Hybrids and Paddlefish. The broodstock have been returned to the ponds and the fry are in hoppers or tanks. Most of the offspring will be used for research projects.
U.S. Kids Aren't Eating Enough Seafood, Study Says; Here's How To Add More
(CNN) The humble tuna sandwich, once a lunchbox staple, is making less frequent appearances in school cafeterias across the nation. American children are eating relatively little fish and shellfish in comparison to meat, according to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The report, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, explores both the health benefits and the risks associated with eating what once swam in the sea while informing parents of the safest, most sustainable choices for their children.
On May 3, 2019, Ashmita Poudel gave an interesting presentation of her thesis research "Variability in
Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Bacteria from each of 35 Bacterial Isolates from Kentucky State University
Fish Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Cases." Results of her study helped to improve Diagnostic Lab
protocols to increase accuracy in recommending the most effective medicated feed to help fish recover
from bacterial infection. The KSU FDDL recommends to private veterinarians the best antibiotic
treatment for treating a fish disease, and the veterinarian has the option of issuing a Veterinary Feed
Directive (VFD; similar to a prescription) so the fish owner can legally feed medicated feed to their fish.
After Ms. Poudel's research presentation, she successfully defended her thesis and was awarded
a M.S. degree from the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.
Ashmita's committee members were major professor Dr. Robert Durborow, Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta,
and Dr. Boris Gomelsky.
Chelsea Walling successfully defended her Masters thesis research titled "Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly, (Hermetia illucens) as a Fish Meal Replacement in Practical Diets for Largemouth Bass, (Micropterus salmoides).
Chelsea's thesis committee included Dr. Jim Tidwell, Dr. Bob Durborow and Dr. Waldemar Rossi.
Team Gomelsky Begins Koi Spawning at the Aquaculture Research Center
Dr. Boris Gomelsky, Dr. Noel Novelo, graduate students Alexander Kramer and Brandylynn Thomas will be spawning koi this week in the hatchery. They seined the ponds with the help of Ken Thompson and Paul Auberry, looking for the best males and females to serve as broodstock.
The selected fish were moved into raceway tanks and held until spawning is finished. Dr. Gomelsky is
investigating the transmission and expression of the trait "metallic" in Koi x Goldfish hybrids. These koi will also be crossed to provide fish for local schools to raise up in classrooms.
Lawrenceburg Kentucky Farmer Is Growing Shrimp Indoors
On April 22, Brandon Yocum stocked shrimp in his tanks for the first time. Mr. Yocum is a local farmer from Lawrenceburg, KY, and has spent the last several months setting up his indoor shrimp systems with the help of Dr. Andrew Ray's lab from the KSU Aquaculture program.
Mr. Yocum is also the recipient of a KSU Small Farm Grant and used the funding to purchase the materials to build his shrimp tanks. Mr. Yocum's initial production goals are 100 pounds of shrimp produced per month with plans to expand to 400 pounds a month.
Jim Tidwell, author of the book Largemouth Bass Aquaculture, which is published by 5m books in April, explains the appeal of a species whose growth is taking off both in China and the US.
Amit Sharma Receives Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Amit Sharma received the Division of Aquaculture's Outstanding Graduate Student Award at the Academic Honors Convocation April 11, 2019. Sharma's major professor is Dr. Ken Semmens. Amit's academic excellence and leadership skills reflect greatly upon himself, the Division of Aquaculture and Kentucky State University.
Dr. James Tidwell Received A Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. James Tidwell received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Aquaculture 2019 Triennial meeting held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Triennial meeting is the largest aquaculture conference and trade show in the world with nearly 4,000 attendees from more than 90 countries.
Dr. Tidwell started his career at Kentucky State University on August 1, 1987. He was instrumental in starting the Aquaculture Graduate Program in 1999 and making the program one of the top-five aquaculture programs in the United States.
His leadership and knowledge have helped the growth of aquaculture in Kentucky, the United States and beyond. Congratulations Dr. James Tidwell!
Dr. Andrew Ray Publishes Article in the February-March Issue of Aquaculture Magazine
"Small-Scale, Year-Round Shrimp Farming In Temperate Climates," was published by Dr. Andrew Ray and Mr. Robert Rode in this month's issue of Aquaculture Magazine.
Washington State University's School of Food Science Center for Advanced Food Technology is Offering a Series of Online Seafood Science Courses
The Washington State University's School of Food Science Center for Advanced Food Technology is conducting a series of online seafood science courses available to the public.
Graduate Assistanceships for Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences
A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available for qualified, full-time, thesis-track Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences students. Assistantships are typically funded through grants from state and federal agencies and are awarded only after a student has been academically accepted into the program. Additionally, a student should be able to verify that academic aid is essential to engage in graduate studies and that they are academically deserving. Academic acceptance does not guarantee an assistantship will be available. Students granted graduate assistantships are required to assist with activities relevant to the grant objectives for 20 hours per week while attending classes and full-time during the summer term. Compensation package includes a competitive stipend, opportunities to travel to and present research at professional meetings, and engage in a range of hands-on learning opportunities. Research areas include: Production Systems, Extension Activities, Recirculating Systems, Aquatic Diseases, Aquaponics, Nutrition, Genetics, Economics, and Marketing
You can find out much of what you need to know about our research and academic programs by visiting our website at: http://www.ksuaquaculture.org/
Dr. Andrew Ray, Leo Fleckenstein, and Thomas Tierney Publish Paper in the Journal Aquaculture
The Ray Lab published a new paper in the Journal Aquaculture, with Leo Fleckenstein as the lead author. The paper describes a study that examined the effects of LED lights on recirculating shrimp aquaculture systems. The team found that shrimp grew significantly faster when systems were exposed to 24 hours of light per day.
Dr. Jim Tidwell Discusses the Role Aquaculture Will Play in the Future on Global Connection Television
Dr. Jim Tidwell, Kentucky State University's Division of Aquaculture Chair, discusses the role that aquaculture will play in the future in providing food supplies, given that the oceans are overfished and the population is expanding dramatically. October 27, 2018
Presentations (Video and pdf.) from the Indoor Shrimp Farming Workshop held on September 14-15, 2018 for Download
Below are video and pdf. presentations from the September Indoor Shrimp Farming Workshop held at Kentucky State University. These presentations are available for download. Audio versions of the presentations are linked to our YouTube channel. The links for each presentation are listed below their title and the link listed below goes to the main Kentucky State Universtity Aquaculture YouTube channel. All Indoor Shrimp Farming Workshop Audio presentation can be found by selecting the playlist.
Dr. Andrew Ray and Mr. Leo Fleckenstein Help Co-Author Publication
This paper examined two methods of stunning in three model crustaceans. Stunning is used to reduce sensory perception prior to euthanizing animals. This is especially important in places such as Europe where some markets require that animals are electrocuted prior to slaughter to prevent pain in the animal. However, this paper found that electrocution only paralyzed the three species (blue crab, red swamp crayfish, and Pacific white shrimp); the heart rate was decreased temporarily, then increased but was irregular. Immersion in an ice slurry below 4 degrees C resulted in sedation within seconds for shrimp and crayfish, but not crabs. The ice slurry stopped the shrimp heart the quickest, indicating that an ice slurry may be the most humane method of stunning these animals.
Team Ray Publishes Two Part Series in the Journal of Aquaculture Engineering
Tom Tierney and Leo Fleckenstein published a two part series in the Journal of Aquacultual Engineering. Both papers looked at the effect of various RAS filtration systems on water quality and animal production metrics. Tom's paper examined those effects on shrimp and included a survey of stable isotope dynamics among the animals, while Leo's paper examined the impacts of the filtration techniques on juvenile tilapia. Both papers explore ways that farmers can produce fresh seafood year-round without much water use, thereby helping to facilitate sustainable food production.
'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018' is the title of a report released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which found that "... global fish production will continue to expand over the next decade even though the amount of fish being captured in the wild has leveled off and aquaculture's previously explosive growth is now slowing ... [The] report projects that by 2030 combined production from capture fisheries and aquaculture will grow to 201 million tonnes ... That's an 18 percent increase over the current production level of 171 million tonnes ... In 2016, production from aquaculture reached 80 million tonnes, ... providing 53 percent of all fish consumed by humans as food ... Some 59.9 percent of the major commercial fish species that FAO monitors are now being fished at biologically sustainable levels, while 33.1 percent are being fished at biologically unsustainable levels ... The other 7 percent are underfished ..."
The title of the July 9, 2018 FAO News Article is "Is the planet approaching "peak fish"? Not so fast, study says; Significant production increases foreseen over coming decade - Sector faces major challenges"
July 9, 2018 FAO News Article
Web site: The July 9, 2018 FAO News Article is posted at
U.S. Farm-Raised Fish and Shellfish Publications Available for Education and Promotion
U.S. Farm-Raised Fish and Shellfish Publications
Available for Education and Promotion
The National Aquaculture Association (NAA) has developed a variety of fact-based, high-quality, full-color and reader-friendly brochures. These publications communicate to consumers, buyers, chefs or health care professionals the quality, value and wholesomeness of U.S. farm-raised fish and shellfish as well as the federal and state regulations that govern production, handling and processing.
Locally Farmed Seafood: Safe & Sustainable encourages consumers to buy locally farmed fish and shellfish for their safe, wholesome and nutritious benefits, environmental sustainability, and the positive impact on local economies.
U.S. Farm-Raised Seafood and Food Safety describes non-voluntary and voluntary federal and state food inspection and safety programs and the incredible nutritional values of farm-raised fish and shellfish.
U.S. Farm-Raised Fish and Shellfish Q&A answers commonly asked water quality, sustainability, drug and chemical use, diet and food safety questions with science and regulatory facts.
U.S. Farm-Raised Fish and Shellfish for a Healthier & Happier Life provides in-depth nutritional information for children, teens and adults as well as the health benefits of consuming fish and shellfish during pregnancy. The facts concerning Omega-3 fatty acids, mercury and PCBs are also presented.
United States Aquaculture: Fact & Fiction corrects erroneous perceptions concerning fishmeal, food safety, drug and chemical use, Omega-3 fatty acids, mercury, environmental effects, sustainability, PCBs, and eco-labels.
Farm-Raised in the USA is a poster 34 fish and shellfish farmed in the United States. Each species is depicted in full-color and identified by market, scientific and common name.
Each of these attractive, educational publications can be previewed at: http://thenaa.net/publications. Call or email the NAA office at 850-216-2400 or naa@thenaa.net to order copies for public or promotional events, buyer meetings, or mail-outs.
The U.S. Aquaculture Society (USAS), North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) and National Aquaculture Association (NAA) produced an aquaculture webinar series during 2016 that features 14 current and timely aquaculture topics presented by knowledgeable speakers. The webinars were:
Aquaponics - How to do it yourself!
Mandatory Inspection of Fish of the Order Siluriformes
Labeling Requirements for Siluriformes Fish and Fish Products
What You Need to Know About Biosecurity
How to Design Your Biosecurity Plan
Recreational Fish Pond Management
The HACCP Approach to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species by Aquaculture and Baitfish Operations
U.S. Farm-Raised Finfish and Shellfish 101
Regulatory Costs of U.S. Aquaculture Businesses
Branding Opportunities for Oyster Farmers
Seafood in the Diet: Benefits and Risks - Farm-Raised and Wild
Use of Veterinary Feed Directive Drugs in Aquaculture
Social Media: An Introduction for Successful Use
Fish Health: What You Need to Know as an Aquaculture Producer
To access these webinars, visit http://thenaa.net via your desktop computer or mobile device and select "Webinars" from the menu.
The NAA website is packed with information. Please explore NAA's webpages to find downloadable publications, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Kids Corner, recipes, video interviews describing aquaculture sustainability and the value and benefits of seafood to human health, and a wealth of additional information. If there is a topic that is missing, please contact the NAA office at 850-216-2400 or naa@thenaa.net.
Certificate Degree in Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences
Certificate Degree in Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences
In the United States over 90% of the seafood consumed is imported. Aquaculture is now the world's leading provider of seafood and the fastest growing segment of world agriculture. The Division of Aquaculture is KSU's Program of Distinction and is highly regarded in both research and academics. KSU offers more online aquaculture courses than any university in the U.S. A Certificate Degree in Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences can be earned by completing 12 hrs of Aquaculture (AQU) courses, with a grade of "C" or better, within five years of beginning the initial course work. Courses can be online, classroom, or any combination. To enroll, students must first be admitted to the University on either a degree seeking or non-degree seeking basis. Work completed for the Certificate Degree may later be applied toward the Bachelor of Agriculture, Food, and Environment (AFE) degree.
Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences Certificate Program
The Certificate Degree in Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences will require a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work chosen by the student from the Division of Aquaculture offerings (AQU prefix). These can either be classroom or online classes. Only classes in which students receive a "C" or better will count toward the Certificate Degree. These classes can also count toward the Aquaculture Systems option for the B.S. in Aquaculture, Food, and Environment (AFE) and/or the Aquaculture Minor should the student pursue a high degree.
Available Online Courses
To earn the Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences Certificate entirely online, you must complete four (Students choice) of the following online courses:
Constructing Fish Tanks in High Tunnel Greenhouses
This video was shot at the Kentucky State University High Tunnel Complex. High tunnels are relatively simple greenhouse structures commonly used to extend the growing season of crops. In this video Dr. Andrew Ray describes some large fish tanks that have been constructed with wooden frames and rubber liners. The fish tanks are being used to grow tilapia, with the goal of getting market-sized fish in one growing season in Kentucky. Time-lapse and underwater video footage help to illustrate Dr. Ray's points.
Dr. Boris Gomelsky Publishes Video On Koi Breeding
Dr. Boris Gomelsky and KSU Aquaculture graduate students spawned koi in the hatchery this Spring. Video was recorded, edited and posted onto YouTube. This video demonstrates the process of koi artificial breeding and includes stripping of eggs and sperm from koi broodstock, and artificial fertilization of eggs. In order to remove adhesiveness, after fertilization eggs are placed in McDonald incubation jars where they are vigorously moved in water/milk suspension by air bubbles for 50-60 minutes. Then air flow is substituted with water flow for further incubation of eggs.
Video edited by Charles Weibel
_____________________________________________
Scale-Transparency and Red-Eye Mutations in Koi
Dr. Boris Gomelsky, KSU Aquaculture Professor, describes two mutations in koi and demonstrates mutant fish from experimental progenies.
Video edited by Charles Weibel
_____________________________________________
Growing Marine Shrimp in a Biofloc System
This video was shot during a harvest of the indoor marine shrimp production system at Kentucky State University's Aquaculture Research Center. Dr. Andrew Ray describes some of the benefits and concepts behind biofloc-based aquaculture. The video serves as an introduction to this relatively new and exciting topic which can be used to grow marine shrimp in practically any building, allowing fresh, whole, jumbo shrimp to be grown near and sold to a variety of inland markets.
_____________________________________________
Dr. Jim Tidwell on GCTV with Bill Miller
Dr. Jim Tidwell, Chair of Kentucky State University's Division of Aquaculture and past-president of both the US Aquaculture Society and the World Aquaculture Society, discusses how to deal with dwindling fish supplies and overfishing.
_____________________________________________
Aquaponics - An Integrated Fish and Plant Production System
Alltech-KSU Research Alliance Focus on Aquaculture Sustainability
To learn more about aquaculture & agriculture sustainability and the research alliance between Alltech and Kentucky State University, click on the link below.
Fish Genetics 
Principles of Aquaculture 
