Extension Educators
Aquaculture is typically considered as a specialty crop within agriculture, yet at the same time, aquaculture is incredibly diverse. Aquaculture is defined as the growing (farming) of aquatic animals or plants in a controlled environment for all or part of the life cycle. Culture species range from fish and molluscan shellfish to crustaceans and aquatic plants such as algae and seaweeds. Products from aquaculture are sold for food, sport, bait and feeders, ornamentals, conservation and restoration, and aquatic weed control. Ponds are the most common culture systems used for aquaculture, but other systems include raceways, recirculating systems, and cages or net pens.
While recognizing the challenges presented by the diversity of crops, markets, and culture systems, the eXtension Community of Practice for Freshwater Aquaculture is intended to provide essential research-based information for county Extension educators. Throughout the country, Extension educators field numerous calls and e-mail inquiries related to aquaculture and pond management on a daily basis. However, there is a limited number of Extension educators with aquaculture expertise, and the vast majority of county Extension educators have no formal training in aquaculture or pond management. The eXtension Freshwater Aquaculture Community of Practice will serve as a means to meet the information and resource needs of county Extension educators to enable them to address the needs of their stakeholders.
A good place to start to learn about aquaculture in your area is the Regional Aquaculture Centers.
Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center North Central Regional Aquaculture Center
North Central Regional Aquaculture Center
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center
Tropical and Subtropical Regional Aquaculture Center
Western Regional Aquaculture Center
Resources
Guidelines for Developing Aquaculture Research Verification (pdf)
Links
Constructing a Simple, Inexpensive Recirculating Aquaculture System
