Location: Aquatic Animal Health Research
Project Number: 6010-10600-001-006-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2025
End Date: Jul 31, 2029
Objective:
To develop a model controlled-environment aquaponics system that is scalable and commercially viable with the purpose of advancing increased fresh food production, improved food safety, decreased water usage, improved nutrient utilization, and decreased negative environmental impacts.
Approach:
1) Optimize Fish Production Systems for Aquaponics.
Investigations will be initiated into aquaculture system designs and types that best support fish health and production in the context of aquaponics, species diversification for aquaponics, and fish nutrition.
2) Optimize Plant Production Systems for Aquaponics.
Crop production models for high-value greenhouse vegetable crops, including tomato, strawberry, cucumber, pepper, and lettuce will be developed. Comparisons between industry-standard systems using hydroponics and aquaponics will be made for each plant species.
3) Optimize the Integration of Fish and Plant Production Systems.
Dynamic, systems-level models will be developed to optimize energy, water, and nutrient use efficiencies of a model aquaponics system. Additionally, investigations into the microbiome of both fish and plant systems will be initiated with the long-term goal of developing systems-level dynamic models of the microbiome which will inform production decisions and system design considerations.
4) Increase Adoption of Aquaponics Technology.
Linkages between research and industry will be strengthened to promote appropriate aquaponics technologies. Outreach initiatives will include workshops, trainings, and farm visits. Partnerships with researchers and extension professionals from other institutions will be initiated and strengthened with the ultimate goal of developing best management practices for the growing aquaponics industry.