Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Course



This four-day course on water recirculating aquaculture systems started in 1995 at Cornell University in cooperation with Freshwater Institute staff. The course was held at Cornell University until 1999, after which it was held at the Freshwater Institute as a combined Cornell University/Freshwater Institute course. Course participants were initially university extension associates, however current participants include representatives from commercial fish farms, government fish hatcheries, tribal fish hatcheries, government regulators, universities, research organizations, legislative offices, and fish and wildlife organizations. The combined course continued through 2006, after which the course was taught independently by both institutions until Cornell University stopped offering a classroom course. Current course content covers the fundamentals of water recirculating systems for fish culture including unit processes, fish health & biosecurity, system operations & maintenance, and water quality monitoring. New for 2024 are modules covering emergency response, AI technology, finishing & harvesting, and troubleshooting.

 

Course topics include the following:

 

  • RAS Overview
  • Fish Culture Environment
  • Oxygenation
  • CO2 Control
  • Solids Control & Management
  • Biofiltration
  • Ozone & UV Processes
  • Operations & Maintenance
  • Emergency Response
  • Fish Health & Biosecurity
  • Water Quality Monitoring
  • AI Technology
  • Finishing & Harvesting
  • Troubleshooting

 

Course materials provided to participants include a binder of all presentations and the latest edition of the book, Recirculating Aquaculture. The course includes a tour of the RAS facility at Freshwater Institute for hands-on explanation of the engineering and operation. Custom variations of the four-day course (e.g., two-day versions) are available upon request. Custom courses have been provided for a variety of organizations including Marine Harvest Canada, Marine Harvest Norway, Cooke Aquaculture, USFWS, Bonneville Power Administration, California Fish & Wildlife, and Alltech Brazil.

 

2024 RAS COURSE

The 2024 RAS Course is scheduled for the week of November 18–21 in Shepherdstown, WV at the National Conservation Training Center. The course includes a tour of the RAS facilities at the Freshwater Institute.

 

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

Freshwater Institute Staff

 

REGISTRATION

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

Course registration includes course materials, transport to/from the tour of the Freshwater Institute, all-day coffee and drinks; lodging and meals are not included in registration.

 

LODGING

National Conservation Training Center
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown, WV 25414

 

NCTC’s lodging and meals are a package cost based on current GSA guidelines. CLICK HERE for rates. Reservations to begin Summer 2024.

 

If you have questions about the RAS course please contact Kata Sharrer (ksharrer@conservationfund.org).