FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ann Bailey Berry, WVU Extension Communications
Phone: (304) 293-4221, ext. 3416; e-mail: Ann.Berry@mail.wvu.edu
To be archived after January 20, 2007
You can dive in to aquaculture at the annual 2007 Aquaculture Forum Saturday, Jan. 20, in Jackson Hall at Cedar Lakes, near Ripley.
Participants will mingle with aquaculture experts and beginners and learn how to grow fish for catching, eating, watching or selling. The annual event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is open to aquaculture enthusiasts from West Virginia and adjacent states. Sponsors are the West Virginia University Extension Service, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Aquaculture Association.
Aquaculture is the farming of plants and animals that live in water—such as trout, catfish and bass. Generally raised in controlled areas like ponds, cages and tanks, farm-raised fish are used for recreation and harvested as nutritious food.
The forum will showcase West Virginia’s aquaculture products and research. Participants may learn where to get fish, feed and supplies and how to grow aquaculture products. The West Virginia Aquaculture Association will hold a business meeting during the forum.
The general session will open with the annual industry update covering advances in aquaculture research, what to do about too many geese and how to control predatory birds. The session will end with a presentation about the health benefits from eating fish.
The afternoon session for pond owners will feature presentations on controlling aquatic weeds, handling sick fish and growing fish for home consumption. The session will end with a panel addressing specific pond management questions.
A concurrent afternoon session for commercial growers will feature a proposal to purchase fish from state farmers to stock trout in public waters, which should enhance tourism. A panel of representatives from various state agencies will discuss regulations affecting the aquaculture industry.
The early-registration fee of $10 per person must be received by Jan. 14. On-site registration is $20 per person and will be collected at the door beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The registration fee covers lunch and an afternoon break showcasing West Virginia aquaculture products.
For more information, visit the WVU Extension Service aquaculture Web site ( www.wvu.edu/~agexten/aquaculture/index.htm) or contact your WVU Extension Service county office.
Information about the Aquaculture Forum may also be obtained from Becky Casteel at
(304) 293-6131, ext. 4231 (e-mail: Becky.Casteel@mail.wvu.edu) or Ken Semmens at (304) 293-6131, ext. 4211 (e-mail: Ken.Semmens@mail.wvu.edu).
—WVU-ES—
Hkh - 12/27/06
Last modified
December 27, 2006
Comments to: Extension Service Web
