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/
On February 10, 2019, the Newport Aquarium partnered with the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and the WAVE Foundation to host the 3rd annual "Off the Hook" sustainable seafood dinner. The event highlighted the importance of sustainability, conservation, and aquaculture as a means of providing high-quality seafood here in the United States. The event hosted over 20 local and national chefs who cooked up some savory seafood dishes while educating guests with how we should choose seafood that's fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean. KSU's division of aquaculture donated 25 lbs. of marine shrimp along with a variety of leafy greens for the event, and Tom Tierney attended the dinner to answer questions about KSU's program and Kentucky aquaculture. All proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Edible Ohio Valley Foundation, the Ohio River Valley Chefs Collaborative Local Group, Chefs Collaborative, La Soupe, and the WAVE Foundation. A good time was had by all, and KSU's aquaculture program hopes it can contribute again at future events.
Kentucky State University staff participated in an aquaponics field day at Uspiritus School in Louisville, KY. Upsiritus is a residence for children middle school to high school age that are in foster care. Stephen Lewis, a KSU Horticulture Extension Agent in Jefferson County, spearheaded the aquaponics field day as a way to introduce innovative agriculture practices through handson education in their on-site greenhouse. Stephen installed a home aquaponics system at the school that he built through participating in the "Build Your Own Aquaponics System" Workshop hosted by KSU in July 2018. Students learned the principles of aquaponics, got to put together a demonstration system (complete with fish and plants), practiced doing water quality, and learned about different aquaculture species raised in KY. Teachers and students hope that aquaponics can be a valuable tool to accomplish their mission of providing therapeutic foster care to Louisville youth. Janelle Hager, Ken Thompson, and Garrett Hamilton from KSU's Aquaculture Research Center assisted with field day activities.
Inside a repurposed Twin Cities brewery, a massive aquaponics operation is ready to provide a locavore's dream: fresh produce and fish, raised indoors every month of the year.
Aquaculture Makes Salmon a "Winning Protein" - SeaWestNews
Aquaculture has made salmon one of the world’s most popular seafood products contributing to the fish’s status as a “winning protein” around the world, says a new report from Rabobank.
But the industry needs to reposition farmed salmon from being a “luxury” food item to being the leading healthy, sustainable and affordable protein for sustained growth, said the report entitled “Keeping Salmon on the Top of the Menu”.
Largemouth Bass Aquaculture Book Will Be Available Soon!
Dr. James Tidwell, Shawn Coyle and Leigh Anne Bright teamed up on "Largemouth Bass Aquaculture" that will be publish in the near future. The fishsite.com features a new book on Largemouth bass on their website.
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.
Western Hills Student Assessing the Concentrations of Micro-Plastics in Kentucky River
Western Hills junior, Carley Bishop has been working with Shawn Coyle and Chelsea Walling on a project assessing the concentration of micro-plastics within the Frankfort pool of the Kentucky River. Water samples were collected on January 28, 2019. They will be filtered and examined under a microscope to determine if micro-plastics are present.
Micro-plastics can come from cosmetics, textiles, or degradation of larger plastic pollution fragments. These micro-plastics pollute the environment, clog wastewater treatment facilities and can accumulate in the digestive tract of organisms causing detrimental effects. Carley's father Keenan, a former KSU employee and now an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Franklin County and Garrett Hamilton also assisted while Paul Auberry was the boat captain.
Global Garden: How One Man's Vision To Feed His Family Blossomed Into An International Effort
Nine years ago, Dennis McClung had a rundown swimming pool and an ambitious goal — to plant a garden that would provide a self-sustaining food system for his family.
McClung and his wife transformed the empty cement pit behind their home in Mesa, Arizona, into a closed-loop ecosystem teeming with life, from vegetables to chickens, even a pond with tilapia. The innovative urban farm was soon producing enough food to feed the couple and their three young children, cutting their monthly grocery bill by almost half.
But what McClung accomplished after that is even more remarkable.
The world’s first commercial flight using a sustainable biofuel originating from a fish farm has been confirmed by the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC).
A non-profit entity established by Masdar Institute (part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology), SBRC said the Etihad Airways Boeing 787 flight from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam marked a major milestone in the development of a clean, alternative aviation fuel to reduce carbon emissions. It also highlighted that the initiative addresses food security in the United Arab Emirates, with seafood farming providing a core element of the process.
The SBRC partners have been working together to prove the concept of a comprehensive value chain that is centered around the Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS). This is an industrial platform that supports the aviation sector, the oil and gas industry, food production, and the creation of a new agricultural alternative in the United Arab Emirates.
Brittany Woodward Successfully Defends Her Master's Thesis
Ms. Brittany Woodward is Kentucky State University's Aquaculture Research Center's latest graduate student to successfully defend her Masters' Thesis. Brittany's thesis is titled "DETERMINING THE DIETARY LYSINE REQUIREMENT OF JUVENILE LARGEMOUTH BASS, Micropterus salmoides." Her Thesis Committee consists of Major Professor Dr. Waldemar Rossi, Dr. James Tidwell, and Dr. Kenneth Semmens.
Mr. Richard Hulefeld has done it! He defended his thesis and now has his Masters in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences. The title of Rick's thesis is "Nutritional Evaluation of an Improved Soybean Meal to Replace Fishmeal in the Diet of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei." Rick's Thesis Committee consists of Major Professor Dr. Waldemar Rossi, Dr. James Tidwell, and Dr. Kenneth Semmens.
Mr. Thomas (Cary) Mason successfully defended his Thesis on December 6, 2018. The title of Cary's thesis is "Evaluation of Salt Treatments for Holding Largemouth Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass as Live Fish." Cary's thesis committee consisted of major professor Dr. Kenneth Semmens, Dr. Waldemar Rossi Jr., Dr. Boris Gomelsky, and Dr. Bob Durborow.
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 
