The Kentucky State University (KSU) Aquaculture Program started in 1983 with Extension work to support Kentucky (KY) fish farmers producing catfish and trout. Early research activities focused on topics that included catfish, paddlefish, nutrition, and feed development.
The Aquaculture Research Center is located on the campus of Kentucky State University and is equipped for all aspects of aquaculture research & production. This 14-acre aquaculture campus includes 33 research ponds, a hatchery and multiple laboratories including genetics, shrimp production, aquaponics, nutrition, and disease diagnostics. A 14,400 square foot Indoor Aquaculture Production & Technologies Building houses state of the art marine freshwater RAS systems. In addition, a floating raceway facility is located at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.
The School of Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences offers many courses virtually for students of all kinds, including current employees with continuing education needs and students currently enrolled in other universities wishing to integrate aquaculture into their curriculum. Specific degree options include: a Certificate in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science, a Minor in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science, a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture, Food, and the Environment with an Aquaculture option, and a Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science.
Research teams are led by individual faculty:
Aquatic Animal Health, Dr. Robert Durborow
Aquatic Animal Nutrition, Dr. Waldemar Rossi
Recirculating Aquaculture, Dr. Andrew Ray
Floating Raceways, Physiology, and Reproduction, Dr. Kenneth Semmens
Genetics and Reproduction, Dr. Noel Novelo
Aquaponics, Janelle Hager
The Aquaculture Extension program at KSU is primarily dedicated to serving small, limited resource, and minority farmers. Extension staff support KY farmers through development of factsheets, newsletter, farm visits, collaborative research, workshops, seminars, the diagnostic lab, and sharing relevant information via a stakeholder listserv.