Aquaculture Resources

Introduction to Aquaculture in the North Central Region

A factsheet document describing aquaculture status, systems, species and business and marketing considerations in the North Central Region.

Is Aquaculture For You?

A checklist created by the Ohio Aquaculture Association addressing the most important considerations before investing capital and labor into aquaculture.

Getting Started in Aquaculture 

The construction of ponds and other types of aquaculture structures must be carefully planned to take advantage of the natural site conditions and to minimize the environmental impacts of the project. This document is provided by the WI DNR to review environmental concerns and regulations when getting started in aquaculture. 

Business Planning for Aquaculture

The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) is one of the five Regional Aquaculture Centers established by Congress that are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. NCRAC is an administrative unit that serves the twelve states in the North Central Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

AgPlan Business Planning Tool

This free resource created by the University of Minnesota will assist and develop an individual business plan. The resource includes tips, samples, and important concepts as well as features to convert your business plan into various documents for printing and sharing. This resource is highly recommended by Aquaculture Economist, Carole Engle, who has over 40 years working with aquaculture businesses.

Registration, Permits and Requirements

From getting started as a fish farmer to bringing your finished product to market, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has resources to assist the Wisconsin’s aqua-culturists with each step of the process.

Environmental Permits for Wisconsin Fish Farms

Although Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is responsible for the annual registration of fish farms, fish import permits for live fish and eggs and all matters related to fish health, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remains an important contact for new and established fish farmers.

Fish Farming in Wisconsin: What You Need To Know

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Division of Animal Health. A summary of the requirements for fish farms in Wisconsin. 

Natural Water Body Permits for Fish Farms

Fish farms that operate in natural water bodies are required under a 1997 law to get a “Natural Water Body Permit” from the DNR as well as register with the DATCP…

Equipment and Feeds

At the UW-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, we are always testing new equipment and technology. This link provides a list of the facility’s providers for various equipment and commercial feeds along with any contact information. Please Contact Us for more information on your individual facility’s needs.

UWSP NADF How to Series

The facility provides a variety of Best Management Practices and techniques in various fish culture topics. If you are looking for something specific or requesting additional assistance, please reach out to us.

• Do-It-Yourself 24-Hr Micro-feeder for Larval Fish Culture
• Do-It-Yourself External Stand Pipe for Tank
• Do-It-Yourself Formalin Drip Treatment for Eggs in Bell Jar Incubators
• Eyed Egg Arrival SOP’s: Disinfection, Treatments and Ponding of Cold Water Species
• UWSP-NADF Partial Recirculation Demonstration Building 
• Slide Show on Steps to Fertilize Eggs of Cold Water Species
• Fish Hauling and Shipping Recommendations 
• Fish Hauling- Equipment and Techniques- Video
• Salt-dip Treatment for Fish- Video
• Disinfecting RAS & Biofilters

For more visit: UWSP NADF Library Records– Articles, Publications, Presentations, Fact Sheets

UWSP NADF Resource Sharing

To stay up to date on the latest aquaculture opportunities such as workshops and trainings, conferences, project deliverables, live fish donations, and more please follow and subscribe to our media channels. For

• YouTube Channel 
• Facebook and Twitter Pages
• Quarterly Email Newsletter

Aquaculture Boot Camp – PowerPoint Video Sessions

UWSP NADF and partners provided a yearlong training program to provide an overview of various topics to those interested in pursuing aquaculture or aquaponics. The PowerPoints from each session were recorded and available on YouTube.

Online Fish Health for Producers

Fish Health & Water Quality Videos 

Walleye Culture Guide 

Based on nearly 10 years of research, UWSP NADF has created a manual and technical video series to raise walleye and hybrid walleye from egg to market size in indoor intensive systems. The videos showcase the basic protocols and management practices at the facility and are accompanied by a user manual with further detail in the future.

Economic Modeling of Walleye and Hybrid Walleye Production Protocols

The purpose if this study was to develop flexible economic models that can be used to determine the cost of production for walleye and hybrid fingerling production as well as grow-out costs for walleye destined for stocking and hybrid walleye as a food fish. See report and economic models from the project:

• Production Protocols
  • Walleye Hybrid Food Fish Model
  • Tank Fingerling Model
  • Pond Fingerling Model
  • Stocking Model

Pond Culture Video Modules 

Four PowerPoint video modules created by UWSP NADF and Lac du Flambeau Tribal Hatchery providing an overview of various topics regarding raising fish in ponds, highlighting walleye as the example species.

Geographic Information Systems for Aquaculture Site Suitability Models

UW-Stevens Point students, staff and faculty have created two suitability models publicly accessible through an online database. Users can select individual model parameters or combine factors that they deem relevant and observe whether the location they are interested in is identified as suitable for an aquaculture facility. Pond and Raceway suitability models have been completed through this project. 

• Suitability Web Map Instructions
• Pond Suitability Model
• Raceway Suitability Model
• GIS Based Analysis of Aquaculture Ventures in Wisconsin– Thesis by Allen Brandt, UWSP Graduate Student
• Providing a Road Map for Aquaculture in Wisconsin– Wisconsin Sea Grant Podcast on Project

Wisconsin Aquaculture Association, Inc.

Industry led and producer centered. Goals of the WAA: To promote, educate & advocate for economic vitality and environmental sustainability. To organize for opportunity, representation and responsibility of each diverse and active aspect of honorable Aquacultural practice, for all species, issues, activities and sizes of operation. To interact with government agencies, related associations, industries, and other groups. To meet on a regular basis to conduct association business, network and socialize.

North Central Region Aquaculture Center

The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) is one of the five Regional Aquaculture Centers established by Congress that are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. NCRAC is an administrative unit that serves the twelve states in the North Central Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Resources on this site include various aquaculture publications on a variety of species, aquatic management, videos, presentations and more. 

The National Aquaculture Association

The NAA’s mission is to provide a unified national voice for aquaculture that ensures its sustainability and protects its profitability. As a voice for the industry, the NAA works to ensure that industry is represented on the issues that are effecting businesses the most. In addition to coordinating action within the industry, the NAA is a strong national representation to outreach to media and policy makers. The NAA also provides valuable resources to the industry, organizes workshops and conferences and promotes aquaculture education and advocacy.

The Conservation Fund- Freshwater Institute

The Freshwater Institute specializes in the production technology and design of aquaculture systems; and in solutions to the water quality constraints and impacts presented by our farms and communities.  We share what we learn through science publication and targeted workshops.  We partner with clients to achieve the complementary goals of environmental sustainability, human health and economic vitality. The Freshwater Institute also hosts the annual Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (AIW) which is dedicated to the discussion and presentation of the latest developments in aquaculture technology. Check out the list of past workshops which features attendee list, presentations and program documents HERE…

USFWS Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership

The Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership (AADAP) program is part of the Fish and Aquatic Conservation fish health work. It is the only program in the United States singularly dedicated to obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of new medications needed for use in fish culture and fisheries management. Since the late 1990’s, AADAP has contributed to virtually every new fish medication approved by the FDA. Check out their Quick Reference Guide for Approved Drugs for Use in Aquaculture.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has developed specific pages on aquaculture where users can consult relevant material on aquaculture at international, regional and national level. The link above gives a list of various aquaculture species providing information on the biology, densities and growth rates for use in aquaculture.

Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society 

An organization concerned with advancing the cultivation technology of aquatic organisms for food, commercial and recreational fisheries enhancement, ornamental purposes, and conservation. The Section represents fish culturists and those involved in allied fields such as nutrition, physiology, toxicology, drug development , genetics and breeding, bioengineering economics, fish ecology and everything in between. Fish Culture section also provides a Guide to Using Aquaculture Drugs Excel Spreadsheet for calculating approved treatments.

The American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV)

Find a fish vet in your area, become a member, or discover additional resources on fish health. The mission of AAFV is to further the art and science of fish veterinary medicine by enhancing and promoting knowledge, proficiency, professional standards and viability of fish medicine for veterinarians, increase the value, visibility, and acceptance of fish veterinary medicine for stakeholders, and ultimately to improve fish, human and environmental health.

Pond Boss Magazine

This magazine and webpage is a resource for pond and lake management and conservation. Editor, Bob Lusk has 30+ years of practical field experience in the art of lake and pond management.  Lusk is a fisheries biologist with a bachelor’s degree from Texas A & M University in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, fisheries management.  His writing skills, combined with hands-on experience, makes him one of the best known lake management consultants in the world.

Managing Wisconsin Fish Ponds

This publication was written by various credible pond experts in response to the growing interest in managing ponds for both recreational and commercial fishing in Wisconsin. Its purpose is to provide a source of reliable, up-to-date information for those interested in building new ponds or managing existing ones. The reference section is designed to serve as a guide to the vast body of information that deals with fish pond management. 

Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Aquaculture

Many consumers have questions and concerns about farm raised fish. The National Aquaculture Association provides a list of these common questions, misconceptions and answers for farmed seafood in the U.S.

A Consumers Guide to Wisconsin Farm-Raised Fish 

University of Wisconsin Sea Grant: Aquaculture Site

The UW Sea Grant Institute supports outreach, education and research activities that nurture the growth of this industry in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

Eat Wisconsin Fish 

University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute’s site for educating and informing the public on the benefits of eating local, Wisconsin fish, both farm raised and wild caught. 

Eat Midwest Fish

Eat Midwest Fish is an online resource hub that educates consumers about sustainable aquaculture in the Midwest. Consumers have a lot of questions about water farming and farm-raised fish products. Eat Midwest Fish provides resources to inform and inspire consumers to eat more fish and shellfish, including resources focused on where to find locally grown products, what types of products are available, how to source and cook these products, and how farmers are growing both freshwater and marine animals in the Midwest.

Aquaculture Podcasts

University of Wisconsin Sea Grant. Aquaculture and You Podcasts: A comprehensive guide to an intriguing subject, this series provides an in-depth primer for anyone interested in aquaculture.

USDA Economic Research Service (USDA ERS)

During the last two decades, the value of U.S. aquacultural production rose to nearly $1 billion. USDA ERS provides background, data, and analysis on the domestic aquaculture industry and U.S. trade in aquacultural products. See recent data on US imports and exports of aquaculture species. Do you know where your fish is coming from?

US Food and Drug Administration’s Aquacultured Seafood

FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Safety, and Division of Seafood Safety works to ensure the safety of aquacultured seafood. This page provides access to content about aquacultured seafood including consumer information, guidance documents, and education and outreach.

Aquaponics Curriculum- Educator’s Guide

This is an Educator’s Guide for teaching aquaponics in grades 7-12th. This guide was created by UW-Stevens Point, Lake Superior State University and Nelson and Pade, Inc. as part of a grant funded project to Educate a Workforce for the Aquaculture Industry. This guide works together with the Nelson and Pade, Inc. student manual.

NOAA’s Educational Resources

Find lesson plans, educational tools, opportunities, grants and more regarding fisheries, aquaculture, environmental science.

A.Q.U.A. – A Quest to Understand Aquaculture

An easy-to-follow informal aquaculture curriculum for teachers of all grade levels. This was a collaborative effort between multiple organizations and is managed by the Center for Tropical and Sub-tropical Aquaculture (CTSA). Although the project was aimed to educate residents in Hawaii and U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands about aquaculture, there are many activities and concepts that can be used for various regions.

NCRAC-YEA

North Central Regional Aquaculture Center- Youth in Aquaculture goal is to strengthen career pathways from high school to the aquaculture industry. The intention of YEA is to identify and inter-connect high schools that have aquaculture programs throughout Michigan and Wisconsin to support current programs and also where new activities are needed, this interactive map of schools is provided on thier website. YEA also helps to sponsor the Aquaculture Challenge, where students create small scale systems, monitoring systems, and business planning.

Fish-o-pedia Pack: A Grab-and-Go Teaching Tool

An educational pack filled with materials to help teach students about Great Lakes fish. Each pack includes life size vinyl cutouts of twelve native and non-native Great Lakes Fish. Also includes cards filled with facts and figures about each species. Lesson plans are available to compliment the pack.

DNR’s Teaching Materials: All About Fish

Classroom and field day materials related to fish and fishing. Mix and match to suit your students’ needs abilities and interests. Lesson plans for the Junior Angler materials support the new Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. 

UW Sea Grant Institute Fish Identification Website and Mobile App

This fish identification tool was developed by the University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. Plug in snout shape, fins, body shape and other features about your fish to identify your species. Great for students, educators and kids!

Aquaculture Science Second Edition by Rick Parker

Good beginning textbook for high school level learning providing an introduction into aquaculture. It covers many aspects including history, potential, descriptions, management, feeding, marketing, and diseases of aquatic animals and plants in aquaculture. Also addressed are the water requirements and chemistry necessary for successful aquaculture. 

Build a Mini Aquaponics System!

Raise fish and plants together in the same system using stackable Tupperware containers. 

Aquaculture Family Coloring Book

This print-your-own coloring book provides a fun and active way for children and adults to learn about the many kinds of aquatic animals that are raised on farms for aquaculture. Each spread highlights one species, pairing a beautifully illustrated coloring page with accompanying text for both advanced and beginning readers with information about aquaculture, fisheries, recreational fishing and cooking tips. Created by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and Purdue University.