Recirculating aquaponics systems have been emerging as an alternative to mass food production in rural and urban landscapes . Significant work on fish breeding and vegetable production in aquaponics systems has been conducted at the Ohio State University (OSU) and other land grant universities. The success of aquaponics systems is sensitive to address socio-economic issues, changes in water availability and quality, and increased dissemination of unbiased science-based aquaponics knowledge is needed.
Outcomes of this project were to connect, develop and expand an 1890's institutional , Central State University (CSU ) aquaponics research, education and outreach capacity collaboratively with an 1862's institute, OSU, by combining novel and holistic research , extension and demonstration approaches . O SU in its capacity as an 1862 doctoral granting institute has garnered in-depth research and extension capabilities at its South Centers Piketon campus (http://southcenters.osu.edu) in aquaculture, aquaponics and horticulture. The knowledge gained in these areas was extended from O SU to build the aquaponics research and education capacity at C SU. This capacity building was through development, expansion and transfer of existing science-based knowledge and educational materials to develop extension and academic curriculum and training in aquaponics education to build the educational capacity of CSU Extension Agents, students and faculty to teach rural and urban landowners' aquaponics production techniques.
Mirrored aquaponics research and demonstration production systems, used as the educational settings , were constructed at OSU and CSU research campuses , to collect research data, demonstrate, and t ransfer unbiased science-based aquaponics knowledge contributing to expansion of C SU's educational outreach capacity . Data results, a synopsis of the project, and a discussion will be presented.