PIKETON, Ohio – People interested in learning business strategies to develop and maintain a healthy and sustainable fish farming operation can do so during a conference on aquaculture offered by a group of educators, including those from Ohio State University Extension.
The conference, “Planning for Aquaculture Business Success,” will be held Aug. 6-7 in the meeting rooms at Cabela´s Inc., an outdoor retail store at 110 Cabelas Blvd. East, in Dundee, Mich. The event will highlight sound financial practices and innovative approaches in the aquaculture industry, said Laura Tiu, an aquaculture specialist for OSU Extension.
The conference, which is free and open to the public, is offered through a partnership with the Ohio Aquaculture Research and Development Center at OSU South Centers; the National Aquaculture Association with funding from the United Soybean Board; the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center; the Nature Conservancy; Michigan Sea Grant; the Michigan Aquaculture Association; and the Ohio Aquaculture Association.
Workshops will include:
- Aquatic Invasive Species – Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. The day-long workshop Aug. 6 beginning at 9 a.m. focuses on practical examples and hands-on exercises. Participants will learn how to develop a plan to ensure optimum fish health and a sustainable operation.
- Aquaculture Business Management and Marketing Workshop. The half-day workshop Aug. 7 beginning at 8 a.m. focuses on the financial health of an aquaculture business and marketing strategies to reduce costs and increase profits.
- Aquaculture Development Workshop. The half-day workshop starting at 1 p.m. focuses on innovative approaches in the aquaculture industry.
Registration is required for the conference by Aug. 2 and can be made by contacting Charissa McGlothin at OSU South Centers at mcglothin.4@osu.edu or calling 740-289-2071, ext. 132. More information on the conference can be found at http://go.osu.edu/AquaSuccess.