January 25, 2007
2007 Michigan Aquaculture Conference Focuses on VHS, Aquaculture and the Great Lakes
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Aquaculture Association (MAA) will focus on VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) at its 20th annual conference Feb. 6-7 at McGuire's Resort in Cadillac.
“VHS is one of the biggest challenges to face the Michigan aquaculture industry in its history,” says MAA president Chris Weeks. “This disease threatens the closure of a major portion of the Michigan baitfish industry. It is also expected to have significant impacts on the aquaculture industry and Michigan's recreational fisheries."
Experts from the industry, the Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will give presentations about what VHS is, how to test for it and how each agency is planning to combat the disease. A representative from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the agency responsible for the emergency federal quarantine on Great Lakes fish, will speak and be available for questions.
The conference program also includes a presentation on AIS HACCP controls for bait and aquaculture facilities/operations, an approach that Sea Grant Extension educator Ron Kinnunen helped develop to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species.
Speakers from the Michigan State University Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources will present sessions titled “Niche Marketing and the Role of Cooperatives in Attaining Business Goals for Aquaculture” and “Options for Being Consumer Responsive in Aquaculture.”
“This will be an exceptional opportunity to learn critical information and speak with experts about issues affecting the industry,” Weeks concludes.
The conference is open to anyone interested in the fisheries of the Great Lakes region.
See: Details and a registration form
Click the tab "2007 Annual Meeting". Early registration deadline is Jan. 31.
Further information about VHS issues in the Great Lakes Basin is available at:
Top
