Aquaponics
Aquaponics is an intensive system that combines aquaculture fish production with growing plants in a hydroponic system. The basic principle is that fish are raised in tanks, and part or all of the nutrient-rich wastewater is then circulated to the hydroponic plant production system. The plants take up the water and nutrients, thereby cleaning the water, which is then circulated back into the fish tanks.
See MoreEconomics and Cost Analysis
Potential aquaculture producers need to consider the fish farming enterprise and ask: What will it cost me to get started? What type of return can I hope to make on my investment? What type of fish should I raise? What type of systems do I need to install and build? Where can I sell my product? IISG’s aquaculture program is providing science-based answers to these questions in the form of decision tools, information, and technical assistance needed to select appropriate species for production, develop enterprise budgets, and evaluate start-up costs and profit potentials.
See MoreFarm Management
Managing a fish farm business involves much more than growing and selling fish, and a lot of it can be technical in nature. Some aspects that IISG can assist with are overall business planning, species selection, infrastructure for production, fish stocking, fish feeding, water quality, etc.
See MoreGreat Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative
The Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC) is a three-year federally funded project that seeks to create a region-wide group to foster relevant, science based initiatives that support aquaculture industries in the Great Lakes region.
See MoreMarketing
No matter how small the aquaculture operations may be, developing a marketing plan for what is to be produced is the best strategy because once fish are produced up to marketable sizes, they have to be sold.
See MoreProcessing
Currently, fish sales from most aquaculture producers in Illinois and Indiana take place in live markets in large metropolitan areas, often out of state or in Canada. However, selling food locally, when possible, offers certain advantages. Research on processing facilities, product yields, and the economics of processing and distribution can determine if the lack of local facilities is limiting the growth of aquaculture in Illinois and Indiana.
See MoreTechnical Assistance
Aquaculture is a science that takes quite a bit of research, biological understanding, and technology to be successful. We aim to lessen the learning curve for producers by providing technical assistance, helping emerging aquaculture operations become successful.
See MoreWalleye Aquaculture Working Group
The Walleye Aquaculture Working Group is a multidisciplinary team of aquaculture producers, researchers, and extension personnel working to identify and address barriers to developing an environmentally and economically sustainable walleye aquaculture market in Illinois, Indiana, and beyond.
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