Midwest Recirculating Aquaculture Workshop

According to Chris Hartleb, NADF co-director and professor of fisheries biology, the workshop will provide hands-on system demonstrations and practical operating knowledge enabling aquaculturists to better understand RAS capability.

“RAS aquaculture reuses up to 95 per cent of the water with fish raised in indoor tanks, utilizing both mechanical and biological filters,” said Hartleb. RAS represents sustainability and water conservation as part of the culture process.

Speakers from Europe and the United States will provide information on specific systems and species applicability. There will be sessions on overview/history, systems, economics, fish health and RAS, along with individual presentations on cold water, cool water and warm water species, and aquaponics. The agenda includes a panel discussion by all speakers, and hands-on instruction utilizing three RAS at NADF and a water quality lab. Participants will be able to talk directly with engineers, successful RAS farmers, and researchers about RAS practices.

The vendor fair will feature companies specializing in RAS aquaculture. The workshop will incorporate time for networking and an optional evening boat trip on Lake Superior through the Apostle Islands. On Friday the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association (WAA) and Wisconsin Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council (WAIAC) will have morning meetings followed by the annual WAA fish fry and a tour of the NADF.

Current and prospective fish farmers interested in RAS or aquaponics, researchers, state, federal and tribal hatchery technicians and veterinarians or anyone with an interest in aquaculture practices and technologies are encouraged to attend.

Registration for the two-day workshop is $75 for WAA members and $100 for nonmembers. An optional Thursday evening Lake Superior Cruise is $35 for adults, $25 for spouses, and $15 for children under 18. The cost for Friday’s picnic is $9 per person.