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Aquaculture Resources

Fish health Inspection at UWSP NADF

RESOURCES FOR FARMERS, CONSUMERS AND EDUCATORS

A compilation of websites, documents, publications and other outreach materials created by various groups. Looking for something specific? Please Contact Us.

Introduction to Aquaculture in the North Central Region

A factsheet document describing aquaculture status, systems, species and business and marketing considerations in the North Central Region.

Is Aquaculture For You?

A checklist created by the Ohio Aquaculture Association addressing the most important considerations before investing capital and labor into aquaculture.

Getting Started in Aquaculture 

The construction of ponds and other types of aquaculture structures must be carefully planned to take advantage of the natural site conditions and to minimize the environmental impacts of the project. This document is provided by the WI DNR to review environmental concerns and regulations when getting started in aquaculture. 

Business Planning for Aquaculture

The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) is one of the five Regional Aquaculture Centers established by Congress that are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. NCRAC is an administrative unit that serves the twelve states in the North Central Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

AgPlan Business Planning Tool

This free resource created by the University of Minnesota will assist and develop an individual business plan. The resource includes tips, samples, and important concepts as well as features to convert your business plan into various documents for printing and sharing. This resource is highly recommended by Aquaculture Economist, Carole Engle, who has over 40 years working with aquaculture businesses.

Registration, Permits and Requirements

From getting started as a fish farmer to bringing your finished product to market, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has resources to assist the Wisconsin’s aqua-culturists with each step of the process.

Environmental Permits for Wisconsin Fish Farms

Although Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is responsible for the annual registration of fish farms, fish import permits for live fish and eggs and all matters related to fish health, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remains an important contact for new and established fish farmers.

Fish Farming in Wisconsin: What You Need To Know

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Division of Animal Health. A summary of the requirements for fish farms in Wisconsin. 

Natural Water Body Permits for Fish Farms

Fish farms that operate in natural water bodies are required under a 1997 law to get a “Natural Water Body Permit” from the DNR as well as register with the DATCP…

Equipment and Feeds

At the UW-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, we are always testing new equipment and technology. This link provides a list of the facility’s providers for various equipment and commercial feeds along with any contact information. Please Contact Us for more information on your individual facility’s needs.

UWSP NADF How to Series

The facility provides a variety of Best Management Practices and techniques in various fish culture topics. If you are looking for something specific or requesting additional assistance, please reach out to us.

For more visit: UWSP NADF Library Records– Articles, Publications, Presentations, Fact Sheets

 

Aquaculture Boot Camp – PowerPoint Video Sessions

UWSP NADF and partners provided a yearlong training program to provide an overview of various topics to those interested in pursuing aquaculture or aquaponics. The PowerPoints from each session were recorded and available on YouTube.

 

Online Fish Health for Producers

This program provides producers with relevant risk assessment and management principles and practices to reduce losses due to fish diseases. The program includes six web-based learning modules. The amount of information provided is equivalent to an online teaching course generally several hundred dollars to take. This project was originally funded by the North Central Region Aquaculture Center and produced by UW Stevens Point and WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The course also includes this Fish Health Resources document, with resources linked to each module.
The training includes a six-module web-based learning program on the following:
  • Introductory Principles and Practices
  • Risk Management and Biosecurity
  • Water Quality Management and Monitoring
  • Fish Health Inspections
  • Veterinary Health Assessments
  • Case Studies

 

Fish Health & Water Quality Videos 

Six, short and concise videos providing information on fish disease, diagnostics, biosecurity, water quality and more. The development and production of these modules was funded USDA NIFA through NCRAC and lead by a team at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, with the support from the University of Minnesota College of Fisheries, Agricultural and Natural Sciences, and The Ohio State University.

 

Walleye Culture Guide 

Based on nearly 10 years of research, UWSP NADF has created a manual and technical video series to raise walleye and hybrid walleye from egg to market size in indoor intensive systems. The videos showcase the basic protocols and management practices at the facility and are accompanied by a user manual with further detail in the future.

 

Economic Modeling of Walleye and Hybrid Walleye Production Protocols

The purpose if this study was to develop flexible economic models that can be used to determine the cost of production for walleye and hybrid fingerling production as well as grow-out costs for walleye destined for stocking and hybrid walleye as a food fish. See report and economic models from the project:

 

Four PowerPoint video modules created by UWSP NADF and Lac du Flambeau Tribal Hatchery providing an overview of various topics regarding raising fish in ponds, highlighting walleye as the example species.

 

Geographic Information Systems for Aquaculture Site Suitability Models

UW-Stevens Point students, staff and faculty have created two suitability models publicly accessible through an online database. Users can select individual model parameters or combine factors that they deem relevant and observe whether the location they are interested in is identified as suitable for an aquaculture facility. Pond and Raceway suitability models have been completed through this project. 

 

UWSP NADF Resource Sharing

To stay up to date on the latest aquaculture opportunities such as workshops and trainings, conferences, project deliverables, live fish donations, and more please follow and subscribe to our media channels.

Wisconsin Aquaculture Association, Inc.

Industry led and producer centered. Goals of the WAA: To promote, educate & advocate for economic vitality and environmental sustainability. To organize for opportunity, representation and responsibility of each diverse and active aspect of honorable Aquacultural practice, for all species, issues, activities and sizes of operation. To interact with government agencies, related associations, industries, and other groups. To meet on a regular basis to conduct association business, network and socialize.

The Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC)

The Great Lakes Sea Grant programs created the Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC) to support an environmentally responsible, science-based, competitive, and sustainable aquaculture industry in the Great Lakes region. GLAC members include Sea Grant staff and aquaculture producer-partners and collaborators who work together to identify, understand, and address the environmental, financial, and social impacts of aquaculture in the Great Lakes region. GLAC seeks to identify and share best management practices with regional producers and increase consumers’ understanding of aquaculture. GLAC is grant funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Sea Grant Office.

North Central Regional Aquaculture Center

The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) is one of the five Regional Aquaculture Centers established by Congress that are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. NCRAC is an administrative unit that serves the twelve states in the North Central Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Resources on this site include various aquaculture publications on a variety of species, aquatic management, videos, presentations and more. 

The National Aquaculture Association

The NAA’s mission is to provide a unified national voice for aquaculture that ensures its sustainability and protects its profitability. As a voice for the industry, the NAA works to ensure that industry is represented on the issues that are affecting businesses the most. In addition to coordinating action within the industry, the NAA is a strong national representation to outreach to media and policy makers. The NAA also provides valuable resources to the industry, organizes workshops and conferences and promotes aquaculture education and advocacy.

World Aquaculture Society

The World Aquaculture Society, through this commitment to excellence in science, technology, education, and information exchange, will endeavor to contribute to the progressive and sustainable development of aquaculture throughout the world.  The Annual Meetings of the World Aquaculture Society are recognized as the premier aquaculture conferences and exhibitions bringing together a wide variety of aquaculturists from the commercial, academic and government sectors.

The Conservation Fund- Freshwater Institute

The Freshwater Institute specializes in the production technology and design of aquaculture systems; and in solutions to the water quality constraints and impacts presented by our farms and communities.  We share what we learn through science publication and targeted workshops.  We partner with clients to achieve the complementary goals of environmental sustainability, human health and economic vitality. The Freshwater Institute also hosts the annual Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (AIW) which is dedicated to the discussion and presentation of the latest developments in aquaculture technology. Check out the list of past workshops which features attendee list, presentations and program documents HERE…

USFWS Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership

The Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership (AADAP) program is part of the Fish and Aquatic Conservation fish health work. It is the only program in the United States singularly dedicated to obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of new medications needed for use in fish culture and fisheries management. Since the late 1990’s, AADAP has contributed to virtually every new fish medication approved by the FDA. Check out their Quick Reference Guide for Approved Drugs for Use in Aquaculture.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has developed specific pages on aquaculture where users can consult relevant material on aquaculture at international, regional and national level. The link above gives a list of various aquaculture species providing information on the biology, densities and growth rates for use in aquaculture.

Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society 

An organization concerned with advancing the cultivation technology of aquatic organisms for food, commercial and recreational fisheries enhancement, ornamental purposes, and conservation. The Section represents fish culturists and those involved in allied fields such as nutrition, physiology, toxicology, drug development, genetics and breeding, bioengineering economics, fish ecology and everything in between. Fish Culture section also provides a Guide to Using Aquaculture Drugs Excel Spreadsheet for calculating approved treatments.

The American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV)

Find a fish vet in your area, become a member, or discover additional resources on fish health. The mission of AAFV is to further the art and science of fish veterinary medicine by enhancing and promoting knowledge, proficiency, professional standards and viability of fish medicine for veterinarians, increase the value, visibility, and acceptance of fish veterinary medicine for stakeholders, and ultimately to improve fish, human and environmental health.

Sustainable Aquaculture Systems: Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS2)

The SAS² project is part of a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program. This project is leading research and development of Atlantic salmon land-based aquaculture in the United States. Land-based aquaculture uses self-contained recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) technology to grow fish, but the RAS industry faces several hurdles that present challenges in scaling up production. The project is working on 17 objectives, each addressing a challenge identified by industry leaders. Together, industry and academic institutes are collaborating on innovative solutions with help and support from government agencies.

 

Pond Boss Magazine

Managing Wisconsin Fish Ponds

This publication was written by various credible pond experts in response to the growing interest in managing ponds for both recreational and commercial fishing in Wisconsin. Its purpose is to provide a source of reliable, up-to-date information for those interested in building new ponds or managing existing ones. The reference section is designed to serve as a guide to the vast body of information that deals with fish pond management. 

Best Management Practices for Aquaculture. J. Malison and C. Hartleb.

Free Download PDF Version. This book gives an overview of aquaculture with chapters in importance of aquaculture, management and use of effluent, various aquaculture systems, fish health, genetics and biology of various aquaculture fish species.

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems 2nd Edition by Timmons, Ebeling, Wheaton, Summerfelt, Vinci.

A complete reference book on the sustainable and advanced techology in aquaculture known as recirculating aquaculture systems or RAS. This book also includes basic material on fish health management, fluid mechanics, economics, monitoring & control systems, waste management, ozonation, fish nutrition, and building heat transfer and moisture control. The 2nd edition has added a 40 page chapter on aquaponics. Extensive software is provided on a CD that performs most of the critical calculations used in aquaculture.

Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.

The School of Aquaculture and Aquatics Sciences at Kentucky State University released this 75-page comprehensive manual that covers the biological concepts of aquaponics, types of systems, suitable fish and plant species, systems management, water quality, disease of plants and fish, controlled environments KSU Aquaponics Manual (greenhouse and indoors), marketing and economics, as well information on certification and regulations.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Small-scale aquaponic food production; Integrated fish and plant farming

This technical paper showcases current wisdom in aquaponics, focusing on small-scale production. The publication is divided into nine chapters and nine appendixes, with each chapter dedicated to a specific facet of an aquaponic system.

Aquaponics Food Production Systems

This open access book, written by world experts in aquaponics and related technologies, provides the authoritative and comprehensive overview of the key aquaculture and hydroponic and other integrated systems, socio-economic and environmental aspects.

Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Aquaculture

Many consumers have questions and concerns about farm raised fish. The National Aquaculture Association provides a list of these common questions, misconceptions and answers for farmed seafood in the U.S.

A Consumers Guide to Wisconsin Farm-Raised Fish 

This guide is currently being redone, follow our newsletter for an update on completion!
The Consumer’s Guide for Wisconsin Farm-Raised Fish is an overview of Wisconsin’s Aquaculture Industry providing the public with resources so they can make informed choices and answer questions on why they should buy healthy, locally grown fish. The guide references existing articles, websites or studies that provide detailed information on nutritional benefits and safety issues for consumers, along with how to purchase fish for food.

Making Smart Choices | SEAFOOD HEALTH FACTS

Seafood Health Facts is designed to provide information and resources on risks, benefits and product choices that can help consumers make informed decisions and help healthcare providers give balanced objective information to their patients.

Fish For Your Health

Charles Santerre Ph. D., a former professor of food toxicology at Purdue University in the Department of Foods and Nutrition, has worked with experts across the country to develop sound scientific advice for pregnant or nursing individuals, so that they can make informed decisions when consuming seafood.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium shares information on sustainable and healthy seafood choices, both farmed and wild-caught for consumers. Seafood Watch provides brochures for individual states sharing recommendations on which seafood items are “Best Choices” or “Good Alternatives,” and which ones you should “Avoid.” 

University of Wisconsin Sea Grant: Aquaculture Site

The UW Sea Grant Institute supports outreach, education and research activities that nurture the growth of this industry in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

Eat Wisconsin Fish 

University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute’s site for educating and informing the public on the benefits of eating local, Wisconsin fish, both farm raised and wild caught. 

Eat Midwest Fish

Eat Midwest Fish is an online resource hub that educates consumers about sustainable aquaculture in the Midwest. Consumers have a lot of questions about water farming and farm-raised fish products. Eat Midwest Fish provides resources to inform and inspire consumers to eat more fish and shellfish, including resources focused on where to find locally grown products, what types of products are available, how to source and cook these products, and how farmers are growing both freshwater and marine animals in the Midwest.

Aquaculture Podcasts

University of Wisconsin Sea Grant. Aquaculture and You Podcasts: A comprehensive guide to an intriguing subject, this series provides an in-depth primer for anyone interested in aquaculture.

USDA Economic Research Service (USDA ERS)

During the last two decades, the value of U.S. aquacultural production rose to nearly $1 billion. USDA ERS provides background, data, and analysis on the domestic aquaculture industry and U.S. trade in aquacultural products. See recent data on US imports and exports of aquaculture species. Do you know where your fish is coming from?

US Food and Drug Administration’s Aquacultured Seafood

FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Safety, and Division of Seafood Safety works to ensure the safety of aquacultured seafood. This page provides access to content about aquacultured seafood including consumer information, guidance documents, and education and outreach.

Wisconsin Aquaculture Coloring & Sticker Activity Book

Learn fun facts about aquaculture in Wisconsin, including the species of fish that are raised in the state and what conditions they require, how fish are hatched from eggs, and about careers in fish farming. Use the colorful fish stickers (or printable illustrations in the downloadable version) to “stock” different systems, and color the illustrations of fish and fish farmers in action.

Aquaponics Curriculum- Educator’s Guide

This is an Educator’s Guide for teaching aquaponics in grades 7-12th. This guide was created by UW-Stevens Point, Lake Superior State University and Nelson and Pade, Inc. as part of a grant funded project to Educate a Workforce for the Aquaculture Industry. This guide works together with the Nelson and Pade, Inc. student manual.

NOAA’s Educational Resources

Find lesson plans, educational tools, opportunities, grants and more regarding fisheries, aquaculture, environmental science.

A.Q.U.A. – A Quest to Understand Aquaculture

An easy-to-follow informal aquaculture curriculum for teachers of all grade levels. This was a collaborative effort between multiple organizations and is managed by the Center for Tropical and Sub-tropical Aquaculture (CTSA). Although the project was aimed to educate residents in Hawaii and U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands about aquaculture, there are many activities and concepts that can be used for various regions.

NCRAC-YEA

North Central Regional Aquaculture Center- Youth in Aquaculture goal is to strengthen career pathways from high school to the aquaculture industry. The intention of YEA is to identify and inter-connect high schools that have aquaculture programs throughout Michigan and Wisconsin to support current programs and also where new activities are needed, this interactive map of schools is provided on thier website. YEA also helps to sponsor the Aquaculture Challenge, where students create small scale systems, monitoring systems, and business planning.

Fish-o-pedia Pack: A Grab-and-Go Teaching Tool

An educational pack filled with materials to help teach students about Great Lakes fish. Each pack includes life size vinyl cutouts of twelve native and non-native Great Lakes Fish. Also includes cards filled with facts and figures about each species. Lesson plans are available to compliment the pack.

DNR’s Teaching Materials: All About Fish

Classroom and field day materials related to fish and fishing. Mix and match to suit your students’ needs abilities and interests. Lesson plans for the Junior Angler materials support the new Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. 

UW Sea Grant Institute Fish Identification Website and Mobile App

This fish identification tool was developed by the University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. Plug in snout shape, fins, body shape and other features about your fish to identify your species. Great for students, educators and kids!

Aquaculture Science Second Edition by Rick Parker

Good beginning textbook for high school level learning providing an introduction into aquaculture. It covers many aspects including history, potential, descriptions, management, feeding, marketing, and diseases of aquatic animals and plants in aquaculture. Also addressed are the water requirements and chemistry necessary for successful aquaculture. 

Build a Mini Aquaponics System!

Raise fish and plants together in the same system using stackable Tupperware containers. 

Aquaculture Family Coloring Book

This print-your-own coloring book provides a fun and active way for children and adults to learn about the many kinds of aquatic animals that are raised on farms for aquaculture. Each spread highlights one species, pairing a beautifully illustrated coloring page with accompanying text for both advanced and beginning readers with information about aquaculture, fisheries, recreational fishing and cooking tips. Created by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and Purdue University.