two educational travel experiences to gain insight into the aquaculture industry in other US regions. The first educational travel experience took place during early Spring of 2024 focusing on gaining knowledge from commercial fish hatchery production facilities and research facilities in Arkansas. The second trip in the Fall of 2024 centered on aquaculture production systems both in academic and commercial settings in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.
A total of 11 fish farmers during both trips were exposed to farms culturing a variety of species included baitfish (minnows), goldfish, sportfish (hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass), rainbow trout, tilapia, and barramundi among others. Aquaculture production systems included hatcheries, outdoor land-based (earthen ponds, flow-through raceways), and indoor recycling (recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)) and flow-though systems. Reflections on attitudes or beliefs, and perceived benefits gained from participation in the program were collected by performing pre- and post- surveys for both trips.
This activity was possible thanks to the Ohio Soybean Councill by the grant OSC 24-D-34.