UNIQUE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION FACILITY EDUCATES THE FUTURE, BEGINNING, AND ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES THROUGH INTERACTIVE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Although the aquaculture industry is dramatically increasing, the workforce needed to uphold the industries are in high demand. Receiving an education may be the first step but hands-on experience and applied research is crucial. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (UWSP-NADF) is a state-of-the-art facility, demonstrating various aquaculture systems including pond, recirculating aquaculture, raceway, larval and incubation systems raising a variety of both cool and cold water fish at all life stages. Through a variety of commercially applied research projects, the facility is strongly partnered with private, state, federal and tribal hatcheries, businesses and organizations to advance sustainable aquaculture in Wisconsin and the Midwest.   Many businesses and over 450 Wisconsin jobs have been created or sustained with the assistance from UWSP-NADF. Since 2006, the facility has brought in over $4 million in grant funding to advance Wisconsin aquaculture and aquaponic businesses. UWSP NADF outreaches to educate not only established aquaculture businesses, but also those in the beginning stages as well as the future workforce through a variety of training opportunities.  

To prepare for a next generation workforce, UW-Stevens Point is the only university in Wisconsin to offer an aquaculture minor and the first in the nation to offer semster-long aquaponics course and professional aquaponics certificate through UWSP Aquaponics Innovation Center (UWSP AIC) and private aquaponics business partner, Nelson & Pade, Inc. These courses also have internship opportunities to work alongside trained staff at both the UWSP NADF and UWSP AIC to learn best management practices and techniques, various species, life stages and systems. UWSP NADF also employs limited term aquaculture technician positions. Both technicans and interns receive a world class training opportunity at unique facilites to gain hands on experience, perform applied research projects, and work alongside various project partners.

To educate beginning businesses, UWSP NADF offers workshops and events to assist in early stages of development. These workshops include online video modules on various topics, online manuals, and hands on experience at the facility. Some recent examples include a Lake Herring Manual, Pond Culture Workshop, Intensive Walleye Production Video and Manual and Aquaculture and Aquaponics Boot Camp.

To outreach to established businesses, UWSP NADF offers interactive tours, cross training for various business partners including business incubation projects, and extensive resources. Technical assistance is provided nearly on a daily basis for established businesses. Training alongside UWSP NADF staff is also offered to business partners to learn more about techniques, systems, management practices and technologies to help move the industry forward.