The annual Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (AIW) is dedicated to the discussion and presentation of the latest developments in aquaculture technology. The workshop aims to further the vision of sustainable aquaculture and foster innovation in the field. Over two days, a multitude of speakers present their insights, experimental findings, and general commentary on the industry. If you would like to find out more on past AIW conferences, please feel free to browse through the information below:
- AIW 1: January 17-18, 2011; Shepherdstown, WV, USA
- AIW 2: September 26-27, 2011; Campbell River, BC, Canada
- AIW 3: May 15-16, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA
- AIW 4: November 5-6, 2012; Comox, BC, Canada
- AIW 5: September 4-6, 2013; Shepherdstown, WV, USA
- AIW 6: October 27-28, 2014: Vancouver, BC, Canada
- AIW 7: October 13-15, 2015; Shepherdstown, WV, USA
- AIW 8: August 19-21, 2016; Roanoke, VA, USA
- AIW 9: November 29-30, 2017; Vancouver, BC, Canada
- AIW 10: December 4-6, 2018; Miami, FL, USA
AIW 8
AIW 9
AIW 10
RAS Producers Workshop
The annual Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (AIW) is dedicated to the presentation of the latest developments in sustainable aquaculture. AIW participants come to discuss sustainable aquaculture seafood production and work to elevate an industry they feel passionately helps improve public health, protects the ocean and natural resources, and is economically viable. Leading representatives from all parts of the aquaculture seafood value chain attend the AIW, including investors, feed suppliers, producers, processors, retailers, chefs, and consumers.
Important message about the 2020 AIW
On behalf of the Aquaculture Innovation Workshop organizing committee, we regret to share with you that the AIW scheduled for April 30-May 1 in New York City is being postponed. Given the current global health concerns around coronavirus (COVID19) and new restrictions being implemented in the US and abroad related to gatherings and recommendations related to social distancing, we feel we must take this step to assure the public’s health and safety.
We anticipate re-scheduling the AIW for later this year. However, due to the uncertainty ahead of us with COVID19, we feel it would be premature to move forward with additional planning at this time. As soon as we have details for the new dates we will be in contact with you.
Please consider the following as you adjust your plans:
- Registration – If you plan to attend the AIW at the later date and would like to keep your registration there is nothing that you need to do. If you would like a refund for your registration please contact our event coordinator, Kata Sharrer at ksharrer@conservationfund.org. Registrations are being refunded in full.
- Lodging – If you have made your hotel reservations please contact the hotel and cancel as appropriate. We expect to arrange for a similar room block for the AIW at a later date.
- Air travel – Refund policies around COVID19 vary and we encourage you to reach out to your airline to discuss your options.
We want to thank you for your understanding as we re-schedule the AIW for a later date. If you have additional questions, please reach out to us directly in the meantime.
Links
-Five Takeaways from the 2018 Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (blog)-Click here to view downloadable content (presentations, etc.) from past workshops.
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 mass balances to maintain water quality, unit process design, and system operation. Course topics include the following:
- RAS Overview
- RAS Water Quality
- Mass Balances
- Pumping and Piping
- Circular Tank Design
- Solids Control & Management
- Oxygenation
- Carbon Dioxide control
- Biofiltration
- Ozone & UV Processes
- Fish Health & Biosecurity
- Monitoring RAS Water Quality
- RAS Management & Operations
- RAS Design Examples
Course materials provided to participants include a binder of all presentations and a copy of the book Recirculating Aquaculture 4th edition. The course includes a tour of a RAS facility 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.
2021 RAS Course
The 2021 RAS Course is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2021. Check back here in Spring 2021 for details on dates and location.
2021 COURSE LEADERS
- Brian J. Vinci, Ph.D., P.E., Freshwater Institute
- Christopher M. Good, D.V.M., Ph.D., Freshwater Institute
- Edward D. Aneshansley, MPS, PE, McMillen Jacobs Associates
2021 Registration
Course registration will include lunch, snacks and coffee each day; lodging will not be included. Registration details and a link to register will be provided once the course dates and location are confirmed.
If you would like to be placed on a list of people to be notified when the 2021 RAS Course is scheduled and registration goes online, please contact Kata Sharrer (ksharrer@conservationfund.org | 1-304-870-2209).
Cornell Partnership
The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute has partnered with Cornell University’s eCornell to allow participants of Freshwater Institute’s RAS Course to complete Cornell University’s Designing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems online assessment certificate for a reduced cost. Participants who successfully complete the Freshwater Institute’s RAS Course will be eligible to enroll in the online Cornell University Designing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems assessment certificate, which allows participants to take a final exam and gain access to the digital version of the Recirculating Aquaculture 4th edition textbook. Upon successfully passing the final exam, eCornell will issue a Cornell University certificate of completion to the participant. Freshwater Institute’s RAS Course participants can enroll in the assessment evaluation for $75 (a 50% discount on the standard Cornell assessment certificate program of $150).
If you are interested in the Freshwater Institute RAS Course but are unable to attend, enrolling in the full Cornell University Designing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems online course is recommended – CLICK HERE for more information and to enroll. A discount on the course is available by emailing cps_support@ecornell.com.
2021
- Good, C., Lazado, C. (2021). RAS disinfection strategies: Survey results from Norwegian and North American salmonid producers. Hatchery International, Jan/Feb 2021.
2020
- Choudhury, A., Lepine C. (2020). Exploring anaerobic digestion for waste management in RAS. Hatchery International, Jul/Aug 2020.
- Crouse, C., May, T., DiCocco, A. (2020). Fresh Tips - Bells and whistles. RASTECH, Winter 2020.
- Crouse, C., May, T., DiCocco, A. (2020). Fresh Tips - Shape of water: RAS water quality issues and how to solve them. RASTECH, Spring 2020.
- Crouse, C., May, T., DiCocco, A. (2020). Fresh Tips - The art of RAS feeding. RASTECH, Summer 2020.
- Crouse, C., May, T., DiCocco, A. (2020). Fresh Tips - Biosecurity101. RASTECH, Fall 2020.
- Davidson, J. (2020). Ozone for freshwater RAS. Hatchery International, Jan/Feb 2020.
- Fischer, G., Wiermaa, E., Good, C., Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S. (2020). Overcoming barriers to support the growth of land-based Atlantic salmon production. Aquaculture Magazine, June-July, 2020.
- Lepine, C. (2020). Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors for wastewater treatment. Hatchery International, Mar/Apr 2020.
- May, T. (2020). Purging for profit: Quantifying off-flavor effect on profitability. RASTECH, Fall 2020.
2019
- Bailey, L., Vinci, B. (2019). Show me the money: Economies of scale for land-based recirculating aquaculture systems. RASTECH, Winter 2019.
- Crouse, C., May, T. (2019). Fresh Tips – ABCs of SOPs: Keys to effective RAS operations protocol. RASTECH, Spring 2019. (CLICK HERE for example SOP).
- Crouse, C., May, T., DiCocco, A. (2019). Fresh Tips- By the numbers: Using Excel spreadsheets to track production metrics. RASTECH, Winter 2019.
- Crouse, C., May, T., DiCocco (2019). Fresh Tips- The Purge: Mitigating off-flavor issues. RASTECH, Summer 2019.
- Davidson, J. (2019). Unconventional grow-out strategy is feasible say researchers. Fish Farmer, April 2019.
- Davidson, J., Good, C. (2019). Peracetic acid use in RAS. Findings from research at the Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute. Hatchery International, Jan/Feb 2019.
- Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S., Vinci, B., Schrader, K., Good, C. (2019). Recirc in action: Integrating membrane biological reactors with RAS. Hatchery International, May/June 2019.
2018
- Crouse, C., May, T. (2018). Fresh Tips – Skilled Labour: Practical ways to build knowledge base in RAS operations. RASTECH, Winter 2018
- Summerfelt, S. (2018). Developments in closed-containment technologies for salmonids, part 2. Global Aquaculture Advocate, February 2018
- Summerfelt, S. (2018). Developments in closed-containment technologies for salmonids, part 1. Global Aquaculture Advocate, February 2018
2017
- Crouse, C. (2017). Better Know A Hatchery: The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute. Fisheries, October 2017.
- Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S., Barrows, R., Kenney, B., Good, C., Schroyer, K. (2017). A fishmeal-free diet for post-smolt Atlantic salmon in RAS. Hatchery International, May/June 2017
2016
- Lepine, C., Christianson, L.E., Sharrer, K., Summerfelt, S.T. (2016). Woodchip bioreactors effectively treat aquaculture effluent. Global Aquaculture Advocate, October 2016
- Summerfelt, S. (2016). Getting Proficient in RAS Fundamentals. Global Aquaculture Advocate, August 2016
- Summerfelt, S.T., Good, C. (2016). Aquaculture Research at The Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute. Aquaculture Magazine 42(5), 32-37
- Summerfelt, S., May, T., Crouse, C., Davidson, J., Barrows, R., Mann, J., Good, C. (2016). Fishmeal-free Atlantic salmon feed formulation shows promise - Joint research between TCFFI, USDA and EWOS uses new diet for post-smolt to food-size fish. Global Aquaculture Advocate, April 2016
2015
- Summerfelt, S., Davidson, J., May, T., Crouse, C., Waldrop, T. (2015). Crowder/Grader Units Improve Harvest Efficiency in Large Circular Tanks. Global Aquaculture Advocate, July 2015
- Summerfelt, S., Davidson, J., May, T., Good, C., Vinci, B. (2015). Emerging Trends in Salmonid RAS, Part II: System Enhancements. Global Aquaculture Advocate, May 2015
- Summerfelt, S., Davidson, J., May, T., Good, C., Vinci, B. (2015). Emerging Trends in Salmonid RAS, Part I: Closed-Containment Culture Advances. Global Aquaculture Advocate, March/April 2015
- Summerfelt, S., May, T., Crouse, C., McKnight, J., Vincent, B. (2015). Novel Air-Based System Transfers Salmon During Harvest. Global Aquaculture Advocate, November/December 2015
2014
- Summerfelt, S., Christianson, L. (2014). Fish Farming in Land-Based Closed-Containment Systems. World Aquaculture Magazine, March 2014
For over 30 years, Freshwater Institute scientists and engineers have published their work to share results with as wide an audience as possible. We are passionate about communicating what we find to those who can use the information. As such, we are committed to Open Access (OA) science and where possible we have provided a link to access publications at no cost, generally under Creative Commons (CC BY) license. Just click on the publication’s title in the list below to access a publication. If you would like to discuss our research in depth please contact any Freshwater Institute staff member listed as an author or co-author; we would be pleased to hear from you.
2021
- Choudhury, A., Lansing, S. (2021). Adsorption of hydrogen sulfide in biogas using a novel iron-impregnated biochar scrubbing system. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.
- Crouse, C., Davidson, J., May, T., Summerfelt, S., Good, C. (2021). Production of market-size European strain Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in land-based freshwater closed containment aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S., Espmark, A.M.O., Mota, V.C, Marancik, D., Earley, R., Snead, A., Good, C. (2021). Effects of ozone on post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) performance, health, and maturation in freshwater recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquaculture.
- Lazado, C.C., Good, C. (2021). Survey findings of disinfection strategies at selected Norwegian and North American land-based RAS facilities: A comparative insight. Aquaculture.
2020
- Choudhury, A., Felton, G., Moyle, J., Lansing, S. (2020). Fluidized bed combustion of poultry litter at farm-scale: Environmental impacts using a life cycle approach. Journal of Cleaner Production.
- Choudhury, A., Lansing, S. (2020). Biochar addition with Fe-impregnation to reduce H2S production from anaerobic digestion. Bioresource Technology.
- Davidson, J., Grimm, C., Summerfelt, S., Fischer, G., Good, C. (2020). Depuration system flushing rate affects geosmin removal from market-size Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Straus, D.L., Harper, S., Marancik, D., Welch, T., Peterson, B., Pedersen, L.F., Lepine, C., Redman, N., Meinelt, T., Liu, D., Summerfelt, S. (2020). Assessing peracetic acid for controlling post-vaccination Saprolegnia spp.-associated mortality in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in freshwater recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquaculture Research.
- Gorle, J.M.R., Terjesen, B.F., Summerfelt, S.T. (2020). Influence of inlet and outlet placement on the hydrodynamics of culture tanks for Atlantic salmon. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences.
- Lepine, C., Christianson, L., McIsaac, G., Summerfelt, S. (2020). Denitrifying bioreactor inflow manifold design for treatment of aquacultural wastewater. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Love, D.C., Fry, J.P, Cabello, F., Good, C.M., Lunestad, B.T. (2020). Veterinary drug use in United States net pen Salmon aquaculture: Implications for drug use policy. Aquaculture.
- Stiller, K.T., Kolarevic, J., Lazado, C.C., Gerwins, J., Good, C., Summerfelt, S.T., Mota, V.C., Espmark, Å.M.O. (2020). The effects of ozone on Atlantic salmon post-smolt in brackish water—Establishing welfare indicators and thresholds. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
- Waldrop, T., Summerfelt, S., Mazik, P., Kenney, P.B., Good, C. (2020). The effects of swimming exercise and dissolved oxygen on growth performance, fin condition and survival of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Aquaculture Research.
2019
- Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S., Schrader, K.K., Good, C. (2019). Integrating activated sludge membrane biological reactors with freshwater RAS: Preliminary evaluation of water use, water quality, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss performance. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S., Straus, D.L., Schrader, K.K., Good, C. (2019). Evaluating the effects of prolonged peracetic acid dosing on water quality and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss performance in recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Gorle, J.M.R., Terjesen, B.F., Summerfelt, S.T. (2019). Hydrodynamics of Atlantic salmon culture tank: Effect of inlet nozzle angle on the velocity field. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.
2018
- Christianson, L.E., Feyereisen, G., Lepine, C., Summerfelt, S. (2018). Plastic carrier polishing chamber reduces pollution swapping from denitrifying woodchip bioreactors. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Chun, C., Vinci, B.J., Timmons, M.B. (2018). Computational fluid dynamics characterization of a novel mixed cell raceway design. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Crouse, C., Davidson, J., Good, C., May, T., Summerfelt, S.T., Kenney, P.B., Leeds, T., Cleveland, B. (2018). Growth and fillet quality attributes of five genetic strains of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared in a partial water reuse system and harvested at different sizes. Aquaculture Research.
- Davidson, J., Plautz, C.Z., Grimm, C., Jorgensen, N.O.G., Podduturi, R., Raines, C., Snader, R., Summerfelt, S., Good, C. (2018). Evaluating the microbial effects of stocking freshwater snails (Physa gyrina) in water reuse systems culturing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Journal of Applied Aquaculture.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Tergesen, B.F., Takle, H., Kolarevic, J., Baeverfjord, G., Summerfelt, S. (2018). The effects of long-term 20 mg/L carbon dioxide exposure on the health and performance of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar post-smolts in water recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Gorle, J.M.R., Terjesen, B.F., Mota, V.C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2018). Water velocity in commercial RAS culture tanks for Atlantic salmon smolt production. Aquacultural Engineering.
-
Gorle, J.M.R., Terjesen, B.F., Summerfelt, S.T. (2018). Hydrodynamics of octagonal culture tanks with Cornell-type dual-drain system. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.
-
Gorle, J.M.R., Terjesen, B.F., Summerfelt, S.T., Holan, A.B., Berge, A. (2018). Qualifying the design of a floating closed-containment fish farm using CFD. Biosystems Engineering.
- Lepine, C., Christianson, L., Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S. (2018). Woodchip bioreactors as treatment for recirculating aquaculture systems' wastwater: A cost assessment of nitrogen removal. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Waldrop, T., Summerfelt, S., Mazik, P., Good, C. (2018). The effects of swimming exercise and dissolved oxygen on growth performance, fin condition and precocious maturation of early-rearing Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Aquaculture Research.
2017
- Christianson, L.E., Lepine, C., Sibrell, P., Penn, C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2017). Denitrifying woodchip bioreactor and phosphorus filter pairing to minimize pollution swapping. Water Research.
- Cleveland, B.M., Leeds, T.D., Rexroad III, C.E., Summerfelt, S.T., Good, C.M., Davidson, J.W., May, T., Crouse, C., Wolters, W.R., Plemmons, B., Kenney, P.B. (2017). Genetic Line by Environment Interaction on Rainbow Trout Growth and Processing Traits. North American Journal of Aquaculture.
- Davidson, J., Good, C., Williams, C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2017). Evaluating the chronic effects of nitrate on the health and performance of post-smolt Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in freshwater recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquaculture Engineering.
- Davidson, J., Kenney, B., Barrows, F., Good, C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2017). Fillet Quality and Processing Attributes of Post-smolt Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar Fed a Fishmeal-free Diet and a Fishmeal-based Diet in Recirculation Aquaculture Systems. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Earley, R.L., Styga, J., Summerfelt, S. (2017). The effects of ozonation on select waterborne steroid hormones in recirculation aquaculture systems containing sexually mature Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Iwanowicz, L., Meyer, M., Dietze, J., Kolpin, D.W., Maranicik, D., Birkett, J., Russell, C., Summerfelt, S. (2017). Investigating the influence of nitrate nitrogen on post-smolt Atlantic salmon Salmo salar reproductive physiology in freshwater recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Redman, N., Good, C., Vinci, B.J. (2017). Assessing the Utility of Ultraviolet Irradiation to Reduce Bacterial Biofilms in Fish Hatchery Well Water Supplies. Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development.
- Watten, B., Mudrak, V., Echevarria, C.,Sibrell, P., Summerfelt, S.T., Boyd, C. (2017). Performance and application of fluidized bed limestone reactor designed for control of alkalinity, hardness and pH at the Warm Springs Regional Fisheries Center. Aquacultural Engineering.
2016
- Christianson, L., Lepine, C., Sharrer, K., Summerfelt, S. (2016). Denitrifying bioreactor clogging potential during wastewater treatment. Water Research.
- Davidson, J., Barrows, F.T., Kenney, P.B., Good, C., Schroyer, K., Summerfelt, S.T, (2016). Effects of feeding a fishmeal-free versus a fishmeal-based diet on post-smolt Atlantic salmon Salmo salar performance, water quality, and waste production in recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J., May, T., Good, C., Waldrop, T., Kenney, B., Terjesen, B.F., Summerfelt, S. (2016). Production of market-size North American strain Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in a land-based recirculation aquaculture system using freshwater. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J., Summerfelt, R., Barrows, F., Gottsacker, B., Good, C., Fischer, G., Summerfelt, S. (2016). Walleye Sander vitreus performance, water quality and waste production in replicated recirculation aquaculture systems when feeding a low phosphorus diet without fishmeal versus a traditional fishmeal-based diet. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., (2016). A review of factors influencing maturation of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar with focus on water recirculation aquaculture system environments. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society.
- Good, C., May, T., Crouse, C., Summerfelt, S., Welch, T.J. (2016). Assessing the impact of swimming exercise and the relative susceptibility of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. following injection challenge with Weissella ceti. Journal of Fish Diseases.
- Liu, Y., Rosten, T., Henriksen, K., Hognes, E.S., Summerfelt, S.T. and Vinci, B. (2016). Comparative economic performance and carbon footprint of two farming models for producing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Land-based closed containment system in freshwater and open net pen in seawater. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Schmidt, V., Amaral-Zettler, L., Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S. and Good, C. (2016). The influence of fishmeal-free diets on microbial communities in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar recirculation aquaculture systems. Applied Environmental Microbiology.
- Sharrer, K.L., Christianson, L.E., Lepine, C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2016). Modeling and mitigation of denitrification "woodchip" bioreactor phosphorus releases during treatment of aquaculture wastewater. Ecological Engineering.
- Stockton, K., Moffitt, C., Watten, B., & Vinci, B. (2016). Comparison of hydraulics and particle removal efficiencies in a mixed cell raceway and Burrows pond rearing system. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Summerfelt, S., Mathisen, F., Holan, A.B., Terjesen, B.F. (2016). Survey of large circular and octagonal tanks operated at Norwegian commercial smolt and post-smolt sites. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Vinci, B.J., Davidson, J., Naveh, E., Engler, O., (2016). Low Head Oxygenator Performance Characterization for Marine Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
2015
- Christianson, L.E., and Harmel, R.D. (2015). 4R Water Quality Impacts: An Assessment and Synthesis of Forty Years of Drainage Nitrogen Losses. Journal of Environmental Quality.
- Christianson, L., Lepine, C., Tsukuda, S., Saito, K., Summerfelt, S. (2015). Nitrate removal effectiveness of fluidized sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification biofilters for recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J. and Good, C. (2015). A review of factors influencing maturation of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) with focus on water recirculation aquaculture system environments. Commissioned report submitted to the Salmon Aquaculture Innovation Fund.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Wiens, G.D., Welch, T.J., Summerfelt, S. (2015). Flavobacterium branchiophilum and F. succinicans associated with bacterial gill disesase in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) in water recirculation aquaculture systems. Journal of Fish Diseases.
- Good, C., Marancik, D.P., Welch, T.J., May, T., Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S. (2015). Systemic granuloma observed in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar raised to market size in a freshwater recirculation aquaculture system. Aquaculture Research.
- Good, C., Weber, G.M., May, T., Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S., (2015). Reduced photoperiod (18 hours light vs 24 hours light) during first-year rearing associated with increased early male maturation in Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar cultured in a freshwater recirculation aquaculture system. Aquaculture Research.
- Lepine, C., Christianson, L., Sharrer, K., Summerfelt, S. (2015). Optimizing Hydraulic Retention Times in Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactors Treating Recirculating Aquaculture System Wastewater. Journal of Environmental Quality.
- Prieto, N., Swift, M.L., Summerfelt, S.T., Juárez, M., Zijlstra, R.T., Aalhus, J L. (2015). A feasibility study on the use of near infrared spectroscopy for the authentication of depurated salmon fillets. Food and Analytical Methods.
- Summerfelt, S.T., Zühlke, A., Kolarevic, J., Megård Reiten, B.K., Selset, R., Gutierrez, X., Terjesen. B.F. (2015). Effects of alkalinity on ammonia removal, carbon dioxide stripping, and system pH, in semi-commercial scale WRAS operated with moving bed bioreactors. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Weber, G.M., Davidson, J.W., Kenney, P.B., Good, C.M., Manor, M.L., Welsh, C., Aussanasuwannakul, A., Summerfelt, S.T. (2015). Changes in sex steroids, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-I during ovarian development in rainbow trout cultured within a recirculating system with 24-hour light. North American Journal of Aquaculture.
2014
- Christianson, L., Summerfelt, S. (2014). Fluidization velocity assessment of commercially available sulfur particles for use in autotrophic denitrification biofilters. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J., Good, C., Welsh, C., Summerfelt, S. (2014). Comparing the potential chronic effects of high vs. low nitrate on the health, performance, and welfare of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss within water recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J., Kenny, P., Manor, M., Good, C., Weber, G., Aussansuwannakul, A., Turk, P.J., Welsh, C., Summerfelt, S. (2014). Growth performance, fillet quality, and reproductive maturity of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss cultured to 5 kilograms within freshwater recirculating systems. Journal of Aquacultural Research & Development.
- Davidson, J., Schrader, K., Swift, B., Ruan, E.,. Aalhus, J., .Juarez, J., Wolters, W., Burr, G., Good, C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2014). Evaluation of depuration procedures to mitigate off-flavor compounds geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar originally cultured in recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Earley, R.L., Lee, E., Summerfelt, S. (2014). The impact of water exchange rate and biofiltration on water-borne hormones in recirculation aquaculture systems containing sexually maturing Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Aquaculture Research & Development.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Kinman, C., Kenney, P.B., Bæverfjord, G., Summerfelt, S. (2014). Observations on side-swimming rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in water recirculation aquaculture systems. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health.
- Summerfelt, S.T., Zühlke, A., Kolarevic, J., Megård Reiten, B.K., Selset, R., Gutierrez, X., Terjesen. B.F. (2014). Effects of alkalinity on ammonia removal, carbon dioxide stripping, and system pH, in semi-commercial scale WRAS operated with moving bed bioreactors. Aquacultural Engineering Online.
- Tsukuda, S., Christianson, L., Kolb, A., Saito, K., Summerfelt, S. (2014). Heterotrophic denitrification of aquaculture effluent using fluidized sand biofilters. Aquacultural Engineering.
2013
- Christianson, L., Christianson, R., Helmers, M., Pederson, C., and Bhandari, A. (2013). Modeling and calibration of drainage denitrification bioreactor design criteria. Irrigation and Drainage Engineering.
- Christianson, L., Helmers, M., Bhandari, A., and Moorman, T. (2013). Internal hydraulics of an agricultural drainage denitrification bioreactor. Ecological Engineering.
- Christianson, L., Knoot, T., Larsen, D., Tyndall, J., and Helmers, M. (2013). Adoption potential of nitrate mitigation practices: an ecosystem services approach. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability.
- Christianson, L.E., Smith, M.B., Storm, D.E., White, M.J., Stoodley, S.H. (2013). Evaluating Remote Sensing Methods for Targeting Erosion in Riparian Corridors. Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science.
- Christianson, L., Tyndall, J., Helmers, M. (2013). Financial comparison of seven nitrate reduction strategies for Midwestern agricultural drainage. Water Resources and Economics.
- Davidson, J., Good, C., Barrows, F.T., Welsh, C., Kenney, P.B., Summerfelt, S.T. (2013). Comparing the effects of feeding a grain- or a fish meal-based diet on water quality, waste production, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss performance within low exchange water recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Kolarevic, J., Selset, R., Felip, O., Good, C., Snekvik, K., Takle, H., Ytteborg, E., Bæverfjord, G., Åsgård, T., Tergesen, B.F. (2013). Influence of long-term ammonia exposure on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. parr growth and welfare. Aquaculture Research.
- Ruan, E.D., Aalhus, J.L., Summerfelt, S.T., Davidson, J., Swift, B., Juárez, M. (2013). Determination of off-flavor compounds, 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin, in salmon fillets using stir bar sorptive extraction–thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatograph.
- Schrader, K.K., Davidson, J., Summerfelt, S.T. (2013). Evaluation of the impact of nitrate-nitrogen levels in recirculating aquaculture systems on concentrations of the off-flavor compounds geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in water and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Terjesen, B.F., Summerfelt, S.T., Nerland, S., Ulgenes, Y., Fjæra, S.O., Reiten, B.K.M., Selset, R., Kolarevic, J., Brunsvik, P., Bæverfjord, G., Takle, H., Kittelsen, A.H., Åsgård, T. (2013). Design, dimensioning, and performance of a research facility for studies on the requirements of fish in RAS environments. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Welsh, T.J., Good, C.M. (2013). Mortality associated with Weissellosis Weissella sp. in USA farmed rainbow trout: Potential for control by vaccination. Aquaculture.
- Wong, S., Waldrop, T., Summerfelt, S., Davidson, J., Barrows, F., Kenney, P.B., Welch, T., Wiens, G.D., Snekvik, K., Rawls, J.F., Good, C. (2013). Aquacultured rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss possess a large core intestinal microbiota that is resistant to variation in diet and rearing density. Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
2012
- Burr, G.S., Wolters, W.R., Schrader, K.K., Summerfelt, S.T. (2012). Impact of depuration of earthy-musty off-flavors on fillet quality of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Kolarevic, J., Takle, H., Felip, O., Ytteborg, E., Selset, R., Good, C., Bæverfjord, G., Åsgård, T., Tergesen, B.F. (2012). Molecular and physiological responses to long term sublethal ammonia exposure in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Aquatic Toxicology.
- Pederson, L.F., Good, C.M., Pederson, P.B. (2012). Low-dose hydrogen peroxide application in closed recirculating aquaculture systems. North American Journal of Aquaculture.
2011
- Davidson, J., Good, C., Welsh, C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2011). Abnormal swimming behavior and increased deformities in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss cultured in low exchange water recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Davidson, J., Good, C., Welsh, C., Summerfelt, S.T. (2011). The effects of ozone and water exchange rates on water quality and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss performance in replicated water reciriculating systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Good, C., Davidson, J., Welsh, C., Snekvik, K. and Summerfelt, S.T. (2011). The effects of ozonation on performance, health, and welfare of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in low-exchange water reciriculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Good, C., Summerfelt, S.T., Snekvik, K., Adams, I., Dilly, S. (2011). Assessing the suitability of a partial water reuse system for rearing juvenile Chinook salmon for stocking in Washington State. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health.
2010
- Good, C., Davidson, J. Welsh, C., Snekvik, K., Summerfelt, S. (2010). The effects of carbon dioxide on performance and histopathology of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in water recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Good, C.M., Thorburn, M.A., Ribble, C.S., Stevenson, R.M.W. (2010). A prospective matched nested case-control study of bacterial gill disease outbreaks in Ontario, Canada government salmonid hatcheries. Preventive Veterinary Medicine.
- Schrader, K.K., Davidson, J.W., Summerfelt, S.T. (2010). Evaluation of ozonation on levels of the off-flavor compounds geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in water and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss from recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering.
- Schrader, K.K., Summerfelt, S. (2010). Distribution of Off-Flavor Compounds and Isolation of Geosmin-Producing Bacteria in a Series of Water Recirculating Systems for Rainbow Trout Culture. North American Journal of Aquaculture.
- Sharrer, M.J., Rishel, K., Summerfelt, S.T (2010). Evaluation of a membrane biological reactor for reclaiming water, alkalinity, salts, phosphorus, and protein contained in a high-strength aquacultural wastewater. Bioresource Technology.
- Sharrer, M.J., Rishel, K., Taylor, A., Vinci, B.J., Summerfelt, S.T. (2010). The cost and effectiveness of solids thickening technologies for treating backwash and recovering nutrients from intensive aquaculture systems. Bioresource Technology.
Physical Address:
1098 Turner RoadShepherdstown, WV 25443-4228
Phone: (304) 876-2815
Fax: (304) 870-2208
E-mail: freshwater.info@conservationfund.org
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Get Directions
Special Directions For Motor Freight and Parcel Deliveries
Historic Shepherdstown is turn-restricted for trucks and tractor trailers. From Hagerstown, MD:- South on Rt. 65 (Sharpsburg Pike, I-70, exit 29) to Sharpsburg
- Right at stop sign onto Rt. 34. Cross Potomac River bridge to Shepherdstown.
- Straight through four-way stop sign on Rt. 480.
- Go one mile and turn right at traffic light onto new bypass.
- Proceed straight through traffic light at Rt. 45, one quarter mile to right onto Billmyer Mill Road.
- Go one mile and turn right on Turner Road.
- Go one mile to The Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute.
- Turn right onto gravel driveway immediately after sign. Continue on driveway past barn to main research building entrance to the right. Other than USPS all deliveries are directed to the reception office lobby.
We have adequate turn-around space for a tractor trailer, a loading dock and a tractor-mounted fork lift for unloading pallets. If you have a large or unusual load requiring special considerations please contact us in advance to assure appropriate assistance is available on your arrival.
VIEW OUR RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
VIEW OUR INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS

By the Numbers: |
Aquaculture provides over 50% of global seafood production. The U.S. imports over 90% of edible seafood each year. The U.S. is the largest market for Atlantic salmon worldwide yet we import 98% of Atlantic salmon. |
The Freshwater Institute, a program of The Conservation Fund, focuses on the sustainability of the domestic seafood supply by providing solutions to enable the growth of environmentally-responsible aquaculture. Presently, demand for seafood can no longer be met by wild catch fisheries, leaving the increased demand to be supplied by aquaculture. Conventional aquaculture production of seafood cannot be significantly expanded without causing negative impacts on the environment. The Institute’s core competencies in aquaculture research, engineering and consulting, aquatic veterinary medicine, aquaculture husbandry and production, industry outreach, and water chemistry analysis are mobilized to address the current sustainability issues in the aquaculture industry.
Watch this video to find out more about the Freshwater Institute and how we are working towards a sustainable, local way to farm healthy fish that’s good for people, our economy and the environment.
We started a podcast in 2020 as a new way to engage stakeholders and extend our work on land-based recirculating aquaculture systems. The podcast is produced in partnership with Annex Business Media, the publisher of aquaculture industry publications Hatchery International, Aquaculture North America, and RAStech. Freshwater Institute director Dr. Brian Vinci co-hosts the podcast with Mari-Len DeGuzman, editor of Hatchery International and RAStech publications. Together they tackle the important issues in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems with prominent industry leaders. Click below to listen the most recent episodes.
RAS TALK: 2021 Outlook
-January 14, 2021. Click here to listen.
RAS TALK: SHOW ME THE MONEY
-October 20, 2020. Click here to listen.
RAS TALK: Let's get technical
-September 2, 2020. Click here to listen.
RAS TALK: IDEAL FISH
-June 12, 2020. Click here to listen.
RAS Talk: Women in RAS
-April 28, 2020. Click here to listen.
RAS Talk: Covid-19 and the ‘new normal’
-March 30, 2020. Click here to listen.
RAS Talk: Keys to mitigating off-flavour in RAS-raised fish
-March 25, 2020. Click here to listen.
Investor Profile: Raising capital for your RAS project
-February 26, 2020. Click here to listen.
RAS Talk Episode 2: Talent Management
- February 11, 2020. Click here to listen.
RAS Talk Episode 1: Made in Maine
- January 22, 2020. Click here to listen.

There are no events currently scheduled. Please check back in the future.
For information about the Aquaculture Innovation Workshop, click here.