The annual Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (AIW) is dedicated to the discussion and presentation of the latest developments in aquaculture technology. The workshop aims to further the vision of sustainable aquaculture and foster innovation in the field. Over two days, a multitude of speakers present their insights, experimental findings, and general commentary on the industry. If you would like to find out more on past AIW conferences, please feel free to browse through the information below:

  • AIW 1: January 17-18, 2011; Shepherdstown, WV, USA
  • AIW 2: September 26-27, 2011; Campbell River, BC, Canada
  • AIW 3: May 15-16, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA
  • AIW 4: November 5-6, 2012; Comox, BC, Canada
  • AIW 5: September 4-6, 2013; Shepherdstown, WV, USA
  • AIW 6: October 27-28, 2014: Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • AIW 7: October 13-15, 2015; Shepherdstown, WV, USA
  • AIW 8: August 19-21, 2016; Roanoke, VA, USA
  • AIW 9: November 29-30, 2017; Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • AIW 10: December 4-6, 2018; Miami, FL, USA

 



















The annual Aquaculture Innovation Workshop (AIW) is dedicated to the presentation of the latest developments in sustainable aquaculture. AIW participants come to discuss sustainable aquaculture seafood production and work to elevate an industry they feel passionately helps improve public health, protects the ocean and natural resources, and is economically viable. Leading representatives from all parts of the aquaculture seafood value chain attend the AIW, including investors, feed suppliers, producers, processors, retailers, chefs, and consumers.

WHEN IS THE NEXT AIW?

We anticipate scheduling the next AIW to take place in the late 2022 or early 2023. However, due to the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic, we feel it would be premature to move forward with the planning at this time.  As soon as we have details for the new dates we will be in contact with you. We thank you for your understanding. If you have additional questions, please reach out to us directly by contacting our AIW coordinator, Kata Sharrer at ksharrer@conservationfund.org.

RESOURCES FROM PAST WORKSHOPS

Click here to view downloadable content (presentations, programs, etc.) from past workshops (2011–2018).

FI photo

This four-day course on water recirculating aquaculture systems started in 1995 at Cornell University in cooperation with Freshwater Institute staff. The course was held at Cornell University until 1999, after which it was held at the Freshwater Institute as a combined Cornell University/Freshwater Institute course. Course participants were initially university extension associates, however current participants include representatives from commercial fish farms, government fish hatcheries, tribal fish hatcheries, government regulators, universities, research organizations, legislative offices, and fish and wildlife organizations. The combined course continued through 2006, after which the course was taught independently by both institutions until Cornell University stopped offering a classroom course. Current course content covers the fundamentals of water recirculating systems for fish culture including mass balances to maintain water quality, unit process design, and system operation. Course topics include the following:

  • RAS Overview
  • RAS Water Quality
  • Mass Balances
  • Pumping and Piping
  • Circular Tank Design
  • Solids Control & Management
  • Oxygenation
  • Carbon Dioxide control
  • Biofiltration
  • Ozone & UV Processes
  • Fish Health & Biosecurity
  • Monitoring RAS Water Quality
  • RAS Management & Operations
  • RAS Design Examples

Course materials provided to participants include a binder of all presentations and a copy of the book Recirculating Aquaculture. The course includes a tour of a RAS facility for hands-on explanation of the engineering and operation. Custom variations of the four-day course (e.g., two-day versions) are available upon request. Custom courses have been provided for a variety of organizations including Marine Harvest Canada, Marine Harvest Norway, Cooke Aquaculture, USFWS, Bonneville Power Administration, California Fish & Wildlife, and Alltech Brazil.


2023 RAS COURSE

The 2023 RAS Course is scheduled for the week of September 18–22 in Shepherdstown, WV at the National Conservation Training Center. The course includes a tour of the RAS facilities at the Freshwater Institute.

 

COURSE instructors

  • Brian Vinci, Chris Good, John Davidson, Travis May, Natalie Redman – Freshwater Institute
  • Ed Aneshansley – HTL Sustainable Foods

REGISTRATION

Course registration includes course materials, transport to/from the tour of the Freshwater Institute, all-day coffee and drinks; lodging and meals are not included in registration. Registration to begin in Spring/Summer 2023.

LODGING

National Conservation Training Center
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown, WV 25414

NCTC’s lodging and meals are a package cost based on current GSA guidelines. CLICK HERE for rates. Reservations to begin Spring/Summer 2023.

If you have questions about the RAS course please contact Kata Sharrer (ksharrer@conservationfund.org | 1-304-870-2209).

For over 30 years, Freshwater Institute scientists and engineers have published their work to share results with as wide an audience as possible. We are passionate about communicating what we find to those who can use the information. As such, we are committed to publishing our results in various outlets to reach as many stakeholders as possible. Just click on a publication’s title in the list below to access it. If you would like to discuss our research in-depth, please contact any Freshwater Institute staff member listed as an author or co-author; we would be pleased to hear from you.

 

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For over 30 years, Freshwater Institute scientists and engineers have published their work to share results with as wide an audience as possible. We are passionate about communicating what we find to those who can use the information. As such, we are committed to Open Access (OA) science and where possible we have provided a link to access publications at no cost, generally under Creative Commons (CC BY) license. Just click on the publication’s title in the list below to access a publication. If you would like to discuss our research in depth please contact any Freshwater Institute staff member listed as an author or co-author; we would be pleased to hear from you. 

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Physical Address:

1098 Turner Road
Shepherdstown, WV 25443-4228
Phone:  (304) 876-2815
Fax:  (304) 870-2208
E-mail: freshwater.info@conservationfund.org

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Get Directions


Special Directions For Motor Freight and Parcel Deliveries

Historic Shepherdstown is turn-restricted for trucks and tractor trailers. From Hagerstown, MD: 

  • South on Rt. 65 (Sharpsburg Pike, I-70, exit 29) to Sharpsburg
  • Right at stop sign onto Rt. 34. Cross Potomac River bridge to Shepherdstown.
  • Straight through four-way stop sign on Rt. 480.
  • Go one mile and turn right at traffic light onto new bypass.
  • Proceed straight through traffic light at Rt. 45, one quarter mile to right onto Billmyer Mill Road.
  • Go one mile and turn right on Turner Road.
  • Go one mile to The Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute.
  • Turn right onto gravel driveway immediately after sign. Continue on driveway past barn to main research building entrance to the right.  Other than USPS all deliveries are directed to the reception office lobby.

We have adequate turn-around space for a tractor trailer, a loading dock and a tractor-mounted fork lift for unloading pallets. If you have a large or unusual load requiring special considerations please contact us in advance to assure appropriate assistance is available on your arrival.
For nearly three decades, the Freshwater Institute has specialized in the research and design of aquaculture systems technology, as well as solutions to the water quality constraints and impacts presented by our farms and communities. Through our numerous publications, both in science and industry, we share our progress and research findings in order to support our complimentary goals of environmental sustainability, human health and economic vitality.

VIEW OUR RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW OUR INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS



Research

By the Numbers:
Aquaculture provides over 50% of global seafood production.

The U.S. imports over 90% of edible seafood each year.

The U.S. is the largest market for Atlantic salmon worldwide yet we import 98% of Atlantic salmon.

The Freshwater Institute, a program of The Conservation Fund, focuses on the sustainability of the domestic seafood supply by providing solutions to enable the growth of environmentally-responsible aquaculture. Presently, demand for seafood can no longer be met by wild catch fisheries, leaving the increased demand to be supplied by aquaculture. Conventional aquaculture production of seafood cannot be significantly expanded without causing negative impacts on the environment. The Institute’s core competencies in aquaculture research, engineering and consulting, aquatic veterinary medicine, aquaculture husbandry and production, industry outreach, and water chemistry analysis are mobilized to address the current sustainability issues in the aquaculture industry.

Watch this video to find out more about the Freshwater Institute and how we are working towards a sustainable, local way to farm healthy fish that’s good for people, our economy and the environment.




Subcategories

RAS Talk Podcast

We started a podcast in 2020 as a new way to engage stakeholders and extend our work on land-based recirculating aquaculture systems. The podcast is produced in partnership with Annex Business Media, the publisher of aquaculture industry publications Hatchery International, Aquaculture North America, and RAStech. Freshwater Institute director Dr. Brian Vinci co-hosts the podcast with the editor of Hatchery International and RASTECH publications. Together they tackle the important issues in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems with prominent industry leaders. Click below to listen the most recent episodes.