Developed with the assistance of renowned expert Dr Claude Boyd, the free courses are the first in a new series of RAF courses on water quality.
The courses will help users learn how to measure pH and total suspended solids, and keep these important water quality parameters within optimum ranges for efficient production.
For example, course lessons identify and address sources of turbidity caused by excessive suspended solids. They also recommend water treatment and aeration practices that will help farms maintain pH between 7 and 8.5 to avoid negative effects on animal growth and survival.
For each course, users who complete all lessons and score a passing grade on the optional quiz can earn a certificate of completion.
"The new courses on water quality are designed to help producers identify and manage problems that can greatly affect the health and growth of their fish and shrimp," RAF President George Chamberlain said. "We are working on several more related courses to complete a full curriculum on water quality."
Additional courses in the water quality series will be posted over the next several weeks. Course material on social responsibility and compliance with the United States' Food Safety Modernization Act is also under development.
To access these and other RAF courses, register and log in at http://edu.responsibleaqua.org. All courses are currently free, but fees will be charged for some titles and certificates in 2017.
