The NSW Aquaculture Association with the support of Aquatic Technologies International, Inc., Aquaponic Solutions, NSW DPI Fisheries and Off Grid Energy is conducting Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) & Aquaponics Technology Workshops in May 2019.
About the RAS Workshop
Aquaculture, as a business, seems to be able to capture the imagination of a wide variety of individuals worldwide. Recirculating aquaculture technology (systems that recondition and re-use water) is the latest sector in aquaculture to have attracted attention and considerable venture capital.
This workshop is designed for a broad audience. We will seek to provide non-biased, research-based information to those that are interested in, or those using recirculating aquaculture fish production systems. The information presented comes either from the first-hand research results and experiences of the presenters or those of collaborators or colleagues around the world. Workshop registration includes a technical workbook, memory stick with applicable resource materials.
About the Aquaponic Workshop
The Commercial Aquaponics Workshop is designed to introduce participants to the technicalities and engineering requirements of integration and hydroponic plant cropping whilst heavily relying on and integrating with the recirculating aquaculture section to deliver the realities of fish keeping and production using correct and established engineering principals.
Some of the topics that will be covered during the RAS portion of the workshop:
AN INTRODUCTION TO RECIRCULATING SYSTEMS
- Defining recirculating systems
- RAS compared to other production systems
- Reasons to use recirculating technology
CRITICAL CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE DESIGNING RECIRCULATING SYSTEMS
- Impact of feed on growth, metabolism and water quality
- Critical water quality parameters
- Tank hydraulics
- Solids waste generation
- Dissolved nutrient generation
- Oxygen uptake
- Disease control
COMPONENT OPTIONS FOR USE IN RECIRCULATING PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
- Solids removal
- Nutrient removal
- Dissolved gas addition and removal
- Heating and cooling of air and water
DEVELOPING AN APPROPRIATE DESIGN FOR YOUR AQUACULTURE APPLICATION THE MANAGEMENT OF RECIRCULATING SYSTEMS
- Monitoring and control
- Daily operations
- Harvesting and fish transfer methods
- Emergency systems and procedures
WASTE MANAGEMENT ISSUES
- Waste Generation
- Waste Treatment Options
- Waste Disposal
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS IN CREATING, EVALUATING, AND OPERATING RECIRCULATING SYSTEMS
- Capital investment costs
- Variable costs
- Fixed costs
Some of the topics that will be covered during the Aquaponics portion of the workshop:
- AQUAPONICS OVERVIEW
- AQUAPONIC THEORY
- SYSTEM TYPES AND APPROACHES
- CROP PROTECTION
- ENVIRONMENT AND LIGHTING
- AQUAPONIC SYSTEM DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
- WATER QUALITY AND TESTING
- PLANT PRODUCTION AND PROPAGATION
- MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC REALITIES
To be conducted at Soldiers Point Port Stephens, NSW, on the 18th, 19th and 20th May 2019. Only limited numbers of seats are available and final pricing has not been set as yet.
The Conference Dinner will be held at Tailor Made Fish Farms, Port Stephens. Tailor Made have been in production for over 19 years 
producing 1000kgs of premium Barramundi each week as well as fresh vegetables. Their RAS production system that is both sustainable and environmentally responsible. Production of ‘year-round’ premium quality fish and vegetables is achieved through compact and controlled production areas using much less water than conventional methods, additional benefit and cash stream are enjoyed by utilising wastewater from the fish production as a resource to produce a second crop of fresh vegetables. Join your fellow enthusiasts for dinner at the farm and take the tour to see what they do and how they do it.
About the Presenters:
Dr Tom Losordo
Dr. Tom Losordo is Managing Partner of Losordo & Associates, LLC., after retiring in June 2017 as Principal Scientist and Chief Engineer for Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems. Dr. Losordo has earned a Bachelor’s degree in
Biology and a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering.
Involved in aquaculture for 44 years, he has extensive experience in the research, development, design, and implementation of recirculating aquaculture systems worldwide. Formerly, Tom served as a member of the Faculty of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University for 24 years. Dr. Losordo headed the program of applied research and demonstration known as the North Carolina Fish Barn. Dr. Losordo also provided aquaculture engineering support to citizens of North Carolina and beyond through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Dr. Losordo is a Past President of the World Aquaculture Society and the Aquacultural Engineering Society.
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Dennis DeLong
Mr. Dennis DeLong is Principal Consultant for Aquatic Technologies International.
Dennis has been involved in commercial aquaculture activities and research and development for 40 years. Mr. DeLong managed aquaculture and aquaponics workshops and training for Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems from 2011 thru 2017.
He previously managed research and demonstration activities with the North Carolina State University Fish Barn program, and provided aquaculture extension assistance to citizens and agri-businesses in North Carolina for 20 years, including design, construction, and operation of RAS facilities.
Dr Wilson Lennard
Dr. Wilson Lennard is a Ph.D. graduate of RMIT University in Australia, with 17 years of practical commercial aquaponics experience and knowledge.
Wilson is skilled in research and engineering and has experience in associated aquatic disciplines. His professional scientific career spans 27 years.
Dr. Lennard is the author of the recent aquaponics e-book “Commercial Aquaponics Systems, Integrating Recirculating Fish Culture with Hydroponic Plant Production”, available from: https://asbookstore.wixsite.com/asbookstore
Morning and afternoon breaks, lunch each day, and course materials are included. A workshop notebook containing a copy of all presentation slides will be provided for each participant. Access to resource materials and a number of spreadsheets and .pdf publications will be provided. Ample time will be provided for questions during the workshop.
