January 20, 2005

Conference Focuses On Fish Farming (Aquaculture) And Ponds

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- If you’ve been thinking about creating a pond on your property or are considering aquaculture (fish farming), you can get information from university and other experts by attending the 2005 Michigan Aquaculture Association (MAA) conference and annual meeting Feb. 10-11, at the East Lansing Clarion Hotel.

The program features an overview of pond construction issues, permitting, fish species and habitat, aquatic nuisance plant control, managing for sport fishing, managing for intensive fish production, aquaculture stocking and fee fishing, aquaculture tourism, regulations, retailing, baitfish, aquaculture consultants, and pond and aquaculture equipment and supplies.

Speakers will include Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife faculty members Don Garling and Mohammed Faisal, Michigan Sea Grant Extension educator Ron Kinnunen, representatives of the Michigan departments of environmental quality and agriculture, as well as owners/managers of aquaculture businesses. 

“If you’re seriously considering aquaculture or simply growing fish in a pond on your property for recreation, it will be worth two days to participate in this conference,” says Michigan Aquaculture Association president Chris Weeks.  “In addition to the university experts and government representatives, you’ll meet lots of folks with practical experience.”

The early registration deadline is Jan. 28 and the fees for those who register by that date are $35 for MAA members, $60 for non-members and $25 for students. All fees rise by $5 for those who register after Jan. 28.

For more details and a registration form, visit www.michiganaquaculture.com. or contact Weeks at 517-353-5453 or e-mailing weekschr@msu.edu.