56 JUNE 2022 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WA S .ORG trout are estimated to survive a sea lamprey parasitism event. Sub-lethal physiological effects of sea lamprey parasitism on their hosts are likely to have significant population and management implications, yet there is a lack of knowledge about how fish respond to sub-lethal parasitism events or how these events alter growth, body condition or reproduction. Because of this gap in knowledge, it is likely the damage caused by sea lamprey parasitism on lake trout populations is underestimated. With funding from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and in collaboration withMichigan State University, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, andMichigan Department of Natural Resources, the facility and partners assessed the effects of sub-lethal sea lamprey parasitism on two different lake trout morphotypes (siscowet and lean). Using lake trout broodstock reared at the UWSP NADF in a common environment for 11 years, project partners assessed long-term alterations in lake trout physiology after a parasitism event. Results from this research will be used to refine current physiological and bioenergetics models to better predict how sub-lethal sea lamprey parasitism affects growth, reproduction and population structure. The data from this project will be most important for understanding and preserving lake trout populations in the Great Lakes. As part of this project, a workshop was also conducted where experienced professionals examined lake trout with known sea lamprey wounds. Sea lamprey control in the Laurentian Great Lakes relies on records of sea lamprey wounds on lake trout to assess whether control efforts are supporting fisheries management targets. Wounding records have been maintained for 70 years with the assumption that they are a reliable and accurate reflection of sea lamprey damage inflicted on fish populations. However, two key assumptions underpinning the use of these data need thorough evaluation: sea lamprey wounds follow a predictable healing progression and individuals classify wounds accurately and reliably. Results from this workshop have been published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research (Firkus et al. 2020). AModel for Aquaculture Education Programs inWisconsin and the Nation Availability of a skilled and experienced workforce is currently a major bottleneck to the advancement of aquaculture. UWSP is the first accredited university inWisconsin to offer an aquaculture minor and the first in the nation to offer full-semester aquaponic courses and an aquaponic certificate program. Furthermore, UWSP connects undergraduates from the UWSP Aquaculture/Aquaponics program with additional hands-on experience through a 12-wk summer internship program. This paid program enables interns to be placed at UWSP NADF and partnering aquaculture entities such as private, state, federal and tribal facilities. Throughout the program, interns are exposed to a variety of species and systems at commercial or semicommercial scale research and demonstration applications. For increased training and skill development, UWSP NADF offers paid apprenticeships for 12 to 18 mo geared for past interns or graduates in aquaculture or related programs. Apprenticeships are classified as technical positions with three tiers of training, up to 18 mo. Hands-on training is geared for important skill development to raise a variety of cold- and coolwater fish at the facility. Students (Fig. 8) directly work with highly experienced facility staff to learn best management practices and techniques for rearing various freshwater fish at all stages of development. Due to the unique skillset achieved, commercial-level application of knowledge and building relationships with industry, job placement for these students has historically been nearly 100 percent immediately following this training program. Regarding technology transfer, each research or demonstration project consists of a strong outreach and education component and deliverables through various avenues including farm site visits, facility workshops, trainings, and tours, technical and educational videos and presentations at both industry and public events. Another strong part of the facility’s mission is to promote public education of aquaculture that includes providing public, hands-on, interactive tours of the facility for all ages. Yearly, the facility provides direct outreach to thousands of people through interactive tours, K-12 classroom visits and public presentations. Future Initiatives Future goals and objectives in research will be driven by environmental and economical sustainability with direct industry applicability. To advance foodfish aquaculture in the Midwest as well as the nation, species and systems of high interest, including Atlantic salmon and walleye, will need to be raised in intensive RAS. With continual technological advancements for indoor systems, there will also be continued research and demonstration projects around these systems. Broader research initiatives over the next decade include broodstock research to develop year-round egg availability, feed and nutrition and economic analysis of various aquaculture systems and species. Into the future, the facility will strive to maintain high-quality and commercially applied research, biological results and effective technology transfer, outreach and education efforts. Notes Greg Fischer, Chris Hartleb and Kendall Holmes, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, Bayfield, Wisconsin, USA EmmaWiermaa, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, Bayfield, Wisconsin, USA& Wisconsin Sea Grant. For further information regarding the facility’s projects as well as additional project deliverables, resources, and educational opportunities, please visit aquaculture.uwsp.edu. FIGURE 8. Recent students who have received aquaculture skill development and training from UWSP NADF and who now hold positions at commercial aquaculture facilities.
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