Aquaponics Association 2019 Conference at Kentucky State University
Kentucky State University hosted the 2019 Aquaponics Association Conference at the H.R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. Over 250 participants from the U.S. and 10 countries convened in Frankfort, KY over the weekend to share information, network, and talk all things aquaponics. The three-day conference featured keynote talks on the state of global aquaculture and aquaponics (Dr. Jim Tidwell), aquaponics in prisons (Mac McLeon), an overview of the aquaponics industry and system evolution (Charlie Shultz), and a summary of an aquaponics industry survey (Allen Pattillo).
Three concurrent sessions were featured for STEM educators and the research community, Commercial Producers and Food Safety, and Community-based aquaponics and international opportunities. Participants were able to tour the organic research farm at KSU, FoodChain in Lexington, KY, and the KSU Aquaculture Research Center. By all accounts, the conference was a huge success! We would like to thank the Aquaponics Association for an inspiring weekend and the unparalleled opportunity to bring the aquaponics community together!
Kentucky State University's Aquaculture Research Center Harvest A Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) Feeding Trial
Kalvin Rucker has been working all Summer with his mentor Shawn Coyle on this feeding trial to determine the potential for Wet Brewers Grains (WBG) to be used as feed/fertilizer for pond production of freshwater prawns.
The trial was harvested this week with the help of Kentucky State University faculty, staff and students. Mr. Rucker plans to present this research at the Kentucky Academy of Science as well as the nineteenth annual Posters-at-the- Capitol program in Frankfort, Kentucky. His abstract is below:
Production Performance of Freshwater Prawn
(Macrobrachium rosenbergii) Reared at Two Stocking
Densities and Fed Only Wet Brewers Grains
Dr. Gomelsky and Dr. Novelo Mentor Another Frankfort High School Student
"My name is Bridges Hardin. I have been fishing since I could hold a rod, and have always been interested in hatchery work. I've also been on trips with my dad to the Elkhorn Creek hatchery multiple times. I'm good with new people, working with others, and problem-solving."
Bridges is the sixth Frankfort High School (FHS) senior to complete the internship requirement for FHS graduation with the fish reproduction and genetics laboratory at Kentucky State University's Aquaculture Research Center. He has been very punctual, and active; he works alongside David Fox, Jasmine Iniguez, and Jeffrey Warner.
Mr. Hardin has had hands-on experience in feeding fish and recirculating system husbandry. He also helped with fish handling in ponds and outside tanks. And, he assists in ultrasound imaging diagnostics of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. We are pleased to welcome him to the Aquaculture Research Center, and as part of Dr. Gomelsky and Dr. Novelo's laboratory team. Previous high school seniors that were part of the FHS Mentorship program and worked with Dr. Gomelsky and Dr. Novelo's laboratory team include Jacob McCowan (Fall 2016), Caroline Bramble (Fall 2017), Gage Miller (Fall 2017, and Spring 2018), Laken Rowland (Fall 2018), and Kaleb Thomas (Fall 2018).
Team Gomelsky Move Koi and Koi x Goldfish Hybrids To The Aquaculture Production And Technologies Laboratory
Koi and koi x goldfish hybrids were netted from the outdoor tanks located at the Aquaculture Research Center this week and transported to the Aquaculture Production and Technology Laboratory
Dr. Gomelsky's team is investigating inheritance and expression of some dominant koi color mutations in koi x goldfish hybrids. The purpose of this study is to development color variations of hybrids which could be used for weed controls in ponds and recreational water bodies.
One-hundred of the Koi will be used by Western Hills High School located in Franklin County. The koi were picked up by a teacher, J.R. Zinner who has been working with Ken Thompson. Ken has been collaborating with this particular school during the 2019-20 academic school year (STEM Education USDA Capacity Building Grant project). Western Hills is one of eight schools participating in the project this year.
Students are engaged in hands-on aquaponics project-based investigation (APBI) environments designed to develop a depth of learning the standard-based ecological concepts based on current Next Generations Science Standards (NGSS). Students will also gain a deeper conceptual understanding of the aquaculture content material.
Dr. Ken Semmens had students in his AQU 412/515 class conduct a lab on catfish morphology this week. The objective is to carefully observe and record the external and internal morphology of the animal.
Students made external observation, took appropriate measurements including total weight, total length, fork length, and density. They also dissected the fish to seek to document the following systems:
Integument, skeletal, muscle, circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, along with examination of fins, rays, spines, operculum, mouth, gills, and the lateral line.
Nathan Kring successfully defended his Thesis "The Effects of Stocking Density and Artificial Substrates on Production of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and Water Quality Dynamics in Greenhouse-Based Biofloc Systems." His Major Professor is Dr. Andrew Ray and Dr. Tidwell along with Dr. Rossi were also on his committee.
Identification of Biological Structures Using Ultrasound Imaging
The objective of this exercise is to provide a hands-on experience for each student to identify biological structures in live fish and interpret images obtained with ultrasound devices. The lab began with a presentation by Dr. Novelo on the principles of ultrasound and the two devices to be used in the lab. Following the presentation, the class moved to the hatchery and set up to examine Channel catfish. Students were divided into two groups corresponding to the two ultrasound units. Each student had the opportunity to operate the probe and the controls of each ultrasound machine. Dr. Noel demonstrated each unit as needed.
Ultrasound images were obtained with two ultrasound machine systems. The first images were taken by an older ultrasound unit (model: Aloka SSD-500V; Aloka Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) with a single
frequency 5 MHz probe (model: UST-5820-5; Aloka Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The second ultrasound system used was a more advanced ultrasound unit (model: Ibex® EVO™ Ultrasound; E.I. Medical
Imaging®, Loveland, Colorado, USA), with a multiple frequency probe (model L10X; E.I. Medical Imaging®, Loveland, Colorado, USA) and a goggle-style headset (model: InSite®2 Video Headset; E.I. Medical Imaging®, Loveland, Colorado, USA) that is very useful in bright sunlight and heavy reflective environments that may cause difficulty in viewing images on the display screen on the machine.
Examples of internal anatomy viewed:
· Skin
· Muscles - segmentation of muscles by the horizontal septum and vertical septum.
· Vertebrae (and other bone structures)
· Urinary Bladder
· Buccal cavity
· Brain
· Heart
· Swim Bladder
Dr. Bob Durborow's Team Performs Health Inspection In Midway, KY
Dr. Durborow did a health inspection of paddlefish with Extension Assistant Ashmita Poudel and graduate students Tifani Watson and Tyler McKay at Dr. Steve Mims' fish production facility in Midway, KY.
Dr. Bob Durborow's Team Visit A Future Aquaponics Facility in Windsor, KY
Dr. Bob Durborow took his graduate students Tifani Watson & Tyler McKay, and Extension Assistant Ashmita Poudel and grad student Anthony Adams to a southern Kentucky aquaponics operation being constructed by Rod Wolford and managed by Daniel Allen. The facility is located in Casey County, KY.
Performing DNA extraction on nine strains of Nile tilapia. Fin clips were taken from 171 individuals and stored in 95% ethanol. Following the mouse tail protocol, the Promega DNA extraction kit was used to extract DNA from tissue that weighed between 20-25mg. Once extracted, nine targeted microsatellite markers will be amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR product will then be separated by capillary electrophoresis using the Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzer 3500 to determine genetic heterogeneity of each strain and distances amongst strains.
Dr. Ray traveled to Fortaleza, Brazil to give a research seminar to students, staff, and faculty at the LABOMAR Research Facilities, part of the Federal University of Ceara. He then traveled to Natal, Brazil to present the first half of an all-day long workshop on intensive shrimp farming. The workshop attracted over 175 participants who were all highly engaged and gave highly positive reviews of the material. Dr. Ray also traveled across Northern Brazil, visiting a variety of shrimp farmers, all of which are intensifying their production and interested in learning about the research being conducted at KSU.
Dr. Semmens's Fish Morphology and Physiology Class Toured Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
On August 27, 2019 the Fish Morphology and Physiology class toured the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Food & the Environment, College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky. Diane Murphy gave the complete tour of an impressive facility. The histology lab was of particular interest. She demonstrated the use of
the microtome as she described the process of preparing a slide and featured each of the various automated devices.
This laboratory is a fine example of something our students cannot find on campus. It was very good for the students to hear of the way they identify each sample and recheck to see that records are in order in every step of the process. Perhaps some of the students will make better use of histology in their research.
Mr. Fleckenstein successfully defended his thesis research on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. His committee members were Dr. Ray, Dr. Rossi and Dr. Tidwell. His research was "The Effects of Substrate and Stocking Density on Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Performance and Water Quality Dynamics in High Tunnel-Based Biofloc System."
Scientific Breakthrough at the Florida Aquarium could save America's 'Great Barrier Reef'
(CNN)The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida, says they've made scientific history as a group of coral has successfully reproduced two days in a row for the first time in a lab setting.
The milestone could have broad implications for "America's Barrier Reef," which is the third largest coral reef in the world and is found just off the coast of the Florida Keys.
The successful result is part of what the aquarium calls "Project Coral" -- a program designed in part with the goal of ultimately repopulating the Florida Reef Tract. The project works in partnership with London's Horniman Museum and Gardens to create coral spawn, or large egg deposits, in a lab.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 
