NYSAquaNews Vol. 3 # 3 July 12, 2010
Intro. to Fish Farming Course a Success
In conjunction with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, we have recently completed the first in a series of Introduction to Fish Farming courses for the public. Our goal is to introduce people to raising fish in recirculation aquaculture systems and provide them with basic information so they can pursue the raising fish at home or on the farm. For this first presentation the course was split between two evening sessions, June 28th & June 30th. Jim Ochterski, Agriculture and Natural Resources Issues Leader, was an essential element in getting the event scheduled, publicized and coordinated for a successful implementation. Jim Kennedy, Association vice-president and owner of Willow Pond AquaFarm, and myself presented the bulk of the information with Jim Ochterski presenting the processing fish on the farm portion.
There were 32 people in attendance both nights, which was encouraging since some participants traveled from places like Angola, Buffalo, Branchport, Penn Yan, Amherst, and Spencerville, Ontario Canada to attend. Of course, many also came from the local Canandaigua and Rochester areas. The program consisted of a personally narrated power point presentation supported by substantial quantities of realia including pumps, pipe fittings, bio-filters, publications and the like. Participants received an outline of the program to help with organization, plus a variety of handout materials. At the conclusion, each participant received a copy of my new book "Introduction to Recirculation Aquaculture: A Nontechnical Guide to Raising Fish in Tanks". This book also formed the basis of the course. On July 27th the group will be taking a fish farm tour of my facility, Coolwater Fish Farm, in Geneseo, N.Y.
Jim Ochterski has received several inquiries for holding the course in other parts of the state. With distances and economy taken into consideration, future courses will most likely be presented in a single day which is quite doable under the current program format. We are planning to add new components to the program which will make it even more educational. Those interested in scheduling the course in their area should contact Jim Ochterski at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County in Canandaigua, NY, 585-394-3977 x402 or by email: [email protected].
New Baitfish Transport Regulations Coming NYS DEC is contemplating a change to the baitfish transportation regulations and is asking for public input into the process. There will be a series of public hearings and two web conferences for this purpose. The following is an excerpt from the DEC website for getting the conference on your home computer.
To join the Baitfish Web Conference Meeting on July 21 or July 28, between 7:00 and 9:00 PM, follow these instructions:
Baitfish Overland Transport Meetings - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Baitfish Overland Transport Meeting Dates - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
If you use or raise baitfish, you might want to attend one of these information venues.
A Deal Price on Fish Shipping Bags
Todd Garrison, a valued association member, can save you significant money on fish shipping bags. The bags are 3 mil poly bags, 28"x36" double bottom seal, leakproof.
Todd gets them specially made, and orders them in bulk to get the best pricing. He is willing to pass the savings on to the membership at a time when saving money is a life sustaining practice. The bags come 150 per box for $65 per box. When I order fish shipping bags, I pay $112 per box for the same thing, so this is significant savings. Todd says "They are a great bag at a great price" and he will have them in stock for quick delivery. If you would like to order bags here is Todd's contact information:
Todd Garrison, Smith Creek Fish Farm, (585)322-7805, www.smithcreekfishfarm.com
NYS Aquaculture Association Website
As reported in last month's newsletter, we how have an association website. (www.nysaquaculture.org) The site is designed to help everyone keep informed of aquaculture related information, both public and private, members and non-members. Association members however, have the added advantage of having their businesses listed and linked to our website, FREE. All you need to do to have your business added to our website, is contact me with your name, town/city, web site address, e-mail address and species of fish or other products you sell. We will add that information to our "MEMBERS SELLING FISH" directory. Why not take advantage of free membership advertising. Contact me today!
Membership Drive Still in Effect
The bible says "Man does not live by bread alone". Ted says "but bread certainly helps." Membership dues are a primary source of revenue for supporting the association and its positive goals for aquaculture in New York State. Good will alone does not pay the bills. Our membership drive is still going strong and could use your help to keep up the positive momentum. If each of us could recruit one new member, we could double the size of our organization and our working treasury. Dues are $25 per year for growers, $10 for students, $20 for associate, $250 for corporate memberships. N.Y. Farm Bureau members get $15 off our normal dues rates when they join. The New York State Aquaculture Association is a bargain at any price. Join or renew your membership today.
New Ideas for the Future
New ideas and direction are the life's blood of positive change. We at association headquarters are always looking for new ideas and projects that will advance the cause of aquaculture in New York State. As you discuss aquaculture issues with your colleagues, customers and friends, remember to drop me a line and fill me in on your idea or issue. We can't fix or do everything, but we are interested in doing what we can to help growers make a better living through aquaculture. Whether it be regulations, business practices, fish imports, grants in aid, needed educational programs and the like, your ideas will help chart the course of this organization and make aquaculture work for everyone.
Your Friend in Aquaculture,
Ted Universal
President
NYSAA
Intro. to Fish Farming Course a Success
In conjunction with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, we have recently completed the first in a series of Introduction to Fish Farming courses for the public. Our goal is to introduce people to raising fish in recirculation aquaculture systems and provide them with basic information so they can pursue the raising fish at home or on the farm. For this first presentation the course was split between two evening sessions, June 28th & June 30th. Jim Ochterski, Agriculture and Natural Resources Issues Leader, was an essential element in getting the event scheduled, publicized and coordinated for a successful implementation. Jim Kennedy, Association vice-president and owner of Willow Pond AquaFarm, and myself presented the bulk of the information with Jim Ochterski presenting the processing fish on the farm portion.
There were 32 people in attendance both nights, which was encouraging since some participants traveled from places like Angola, Buffalo, Branchport, Penn Yan, Amherst, and Spencerville, Ontario Canada to attend. Of course, many also came from the local Canandaigua and Rochester areas. The program consisted of a personally narrated power point presentation supported by substantial quantities of realia including pumps, pipe fittings, bio-filters, publications and the like. Participants received an outline of the program to help with organization, plus a variety of handout materials. At the conclusion, each participant received a copy of my new book "Introduction to Recirculation Aquaculture: A Nontechnical Guide to Raising Fish in Tanks". This book also formed the basis of the course. On July 27th the group will be taking a fish farm tour of my facility, Coolwater Fish Farm, in Geneseo, N.Y.
Jim Ochterski has received several inquiries for holding the course in other parts of the state. With distances and economy taken into consideration, future courses will most likely be presented in a single day which is quite doable under the current program format. We are planning to add new components to the program which will make it even more educational. Those interested in scheduling the course in their area should contact Jim Ochterski at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County in Canandaigua, NY, 585-394-3977 x402 or by email: [email protected].
New Baitfish Transport Regulations Coming NYS DEC is contemplating a change to the baitfish transportation regulations and is asking for public input into the process. There will be a series of public hearings and two web conferences for this purpose. The following is an excerpt from the DEC website for getting the conference on your home computer.
To join the Baitfish Web Conference Meeting on July 21 or July 28, between 7:00 and 9:00 PM, follow these instructions:
- Go to: https://www.webdialogs.com/ Enter your name, and Conference ID number 58089. Join into the meeting.
- To hear the discussion of this meeting, Dial 1-866-394-2346 and enter 7532210972#
(Questions will not be allowed by phone, you must be logged into the web address above to e-mail questions).
- Once entered into the conference, you may ask questions by typing in your question. Questions will be collected and answered as time allows. Remaining questions and comments will be forwarded to DEC staff.
- At the conclusion of the meeting, press the Sign Out button on the screen.
Baitfish Overland Transport Meetings - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Baitfish Overland Transport Meeting Dates - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
If you use or raise baitfish, you might want to attend one of these information venues.
A Deal Price on Fish Shipping Bags
Todd Garrison, a valued association member, can save you significant money on fish shipping bags. The bags are 3 mil poly bags, 28"x36" double bottom seal, leakproof.
Todd gets them specially made, and orders them in bulk to get the best pricing. He is willing to pass the savings on to the membership at a time when saving money is a life sustaining practice. The bags come 150 per box for $65 per box. When I order fish shipping bags, I pay $112 per box for the same thing, so this is significant savings. Todd says "They are a great bag at a great price" and he will have them in stock for quick delivery. If you would like to order bags here is Todd's contact information:
Todd Garrison, Smith Creek Fish Farm, (585)322-7805, www.smithcreekfishfarm.com
NYS Aquaculture Association Website
As reported in last month's newsletter, we how have an association website. (www.nysaquaculture.org) The site is designed to help everyone keep informed of aquaculture related information, both public and private, members and non-members. Association members however, have the added advantage of having their businesses listed and linked to our website, FREE. All you need to do to have your business added to our website, is contact me with your name, town/city, web site address, e-mail address and species of fish or other products you sell. We will add that information to our "MEMBERS SELLING FISH" directory. Why not take advantage of free membership advertising. Contact me today!
Membership Drive Still in Effect
The bible says "Man does not live by bread alone". Ted says "but bread certainly helps." Membership dues are a primary source of revenue for supporting the association and its positive goals for aquaculture in New York State. Good will alone does not pay the bills. Our membership drive is still going strong and could use your help to keep up the positive momentum. If each of us could recruit one new member, we could double the size of our organization and our working treasury. Dues are $25 per year for growers, $10 for students, $20 for associate, $250 for corporate memberships. N.Y. Farm Bureau members get $15 off our normal dues rates when they join. The New York State Aquaculture Association is a bargain at any price. Join or renew your membership today.
New Ideas for the Future
New ideas and direction are the life's blood of positive change. We at association headquarters are always looking for new ideas and projects that will advance the cause of aquaculture in New York State. As you discuss aquaculture issues with your colleagues, customers and friends, remember to drop me a line and fill me in on your idea or issue. We can't fix or do everything, but we are interested in doing what we can to help growers make a better living through aquaculture. Whether it be regulations, business practices, fish imports, grants in aid, needed educational programs and the like, your ideas will help chart the course of this organization and make aquaculture work for everyone.
Your Friend in Aquaculture,
Ted Universal
President
NYSAA