Aquaculture America 2026

February 16 - 19, 2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

Add To Calendar 19/02/2026 08:30:0019/02/2026 08:50:00America/Los_AngelesAquaculture America 2026INTEGRATED FARMING FOR SUSTAINABLE CATFISH AND LEAFY GREEN PRODUCTION IN AQUAPONICS SYSTEM: IMPLICATIONS FOR SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERSChampagne 1The World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

INTEGRATED FARMING FOR SUSTAINABLE CATFISH AND LEAFY GREEN PRODUCTION IN AQUAPONICS SYSTEM: IMPLICATIONS FOR SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS

Kamal Gosh*, Tremar Ivey, Ander Compere, Sebastian Moreno, Isis Williams, Lenoard Kibet, and Jovan Jones

 

Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Langston University, Langston, OK 73050; kgosh@langston.edu

 



Aquaponics integrates fish culture with soilless plant production (hydroponics), creating a symbiotic system in which fish waste provides nutrients for plants, while nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into plant-available nitrates. Unlike hydroponics, where plants rely solely on nutrient-enriched water, aquaponics offers a closed-loop approach that enhances sustainability, conserves water, and supports local food production. This study evaluated the growth performance of Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) within an aquaponics system. Catfish were stocked under controlled conditions and fed daily at 3% of body weight, while Romaine lettuce seedlings were transplanted into a system supplied with reverse osmosis-treated water. Key water quality parameters—including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC)—were monitored regularly to optimize nutrient balance. Preliminary results showed that catfish achieved an average weight of 56.74 ± 15.71 g, while lettuce reached an average biomass of 17.76 ± 9.85 g, suggesting effective nutrient transfer and resource utilization. By combining fish and plant production, this aquaponic system demonstrates potential benefits for small-scale producers, including enhanced yields, reduced water consumption, and contributions to regional food security. Future research will compare these results with soil-based lettuce and pond-grown catfish to identify the most efficient and sustainable production strategies for leafy greens and fish.