Freshwater Institute | The Conservation Fund

October 14, 2015| Freshwater Institute

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 1

AIW 2

AIW 3

AIW 4

AIW 5

AIW 6

AIW 7

AIW 8

AIW 9

AIW 10

RAS Producers Workshop

October 14, 2015| Freshwater Institute

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.

October 14, 2015| Freshwater Institute

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).

ENROLL IN ASSESSMENT

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.

December 31, 2014| Freshwater Institute

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

December 31, 2014| Freshwater Institute

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.

Physical Address:

1098 Turner Road
Shepherdstown, 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

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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.

December 31, 2014| Freshwater Institute

For nearly three decades, the Freshwater Institute has specialized in the research and design of aquaculture systems technology, as well as solutions to the water quality constraints and impacts presented by our farms and communities. Through our numerous publications, both in science and industry, we share our progress and research findings in order to support our complimentary goals of environmental sustainability, human health and economic vitality.

VIEW OUR RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW OUR INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS

December 31, 2014| Freshwater Institute

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.

December 31, 2014| Freshwater Institute

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.