Development of Organic Feeds and Production Techniques for Tilapia Fish Production in Ecologically Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Project Overview

FNE02-448
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $9,733.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Northeast
State: Vermont
Project Leader:
Eric Wells
Ocean Arks International

Commodities

  • Animals: fish

Practices

  • Animal Production: feed/forage, feed formulation, free-range
  • Crop Production: fertigation, nutrient cycling
  • Education and Training: demonstration, display, on-farm/ranch research
  • Farm Business Management: whole farm planning, agricultural finance, value added
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems, holistic management, permaculture
  • Soil Management: earthworms
  • Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, sustainability measures

    Proposal summary:

    Right now, there are no organic feed sources or production techniques for fish, and the farmer will work to develop standards and feed sources for tilapia fish. The overall goal is to get acceptable feed conversion ratios without using antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones, or ocean-harvested fish meal, and to work with certifying agencies to develop organic standards in this area. Outreach will be through a promotional fish fry at an annual public festival, and through handouts explaining aquaculture and organic standards.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.