ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE APPLICATION OF TECHNIQUES FROM THE OODHAM OIDAK SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE PROJECT ON THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY

George B. Brooks, Jr.

Southwest Green
7802 S. 14th St
Phoenix, Arizona 85042
The Odham Oidak Demonstration Aquaculture/Agriculture Project was the culmination of a 15-year off and on research program into what would today be called Sustainable Aquaculture. A holistic concept it combined the work of a number of University of Arizona researchers with significant farmer innovation and cultural influences from the Gila River Indian community to create a unique approach to desert aquaculture. Working with the Sacaton Middle School and the Gila River Juvenile Justice System, this experimental farm produced several thousand pounds of Tilapia, Freshwater prawns and field crops. It demonstrated how to integrate aquaculture and land agriculture without a continuous flow of water as well as helped to educate and rehabilitate 50 incarcerated youth. Though the project has ended the results have significant potential for future application in education, arid lands aquaculture and rehabilitation.