I. Title of Program or Issue: 
Alternative Opportunities - Aquaculture

A. Situational Statement: 
Interest in aquaculture is growing with the interest in the health benefits of fish, increased consumption and the interest in fish stocking to improve recreational fishing.  Demand for fish exceeds supply in Ohio.  Reliable and cost competitive fish production systems for Ohio's climate are still under development at the Piketon Research and Extension Center and elsewhere.  OSU Extension /Sea Grant assisted with the development of the Ohio Aquaculture Association in 1990.  Piketon is developing as the aquaculture research center for Ohio.

B. Description/Educational Objectives:
To teach current and potential Ohio Fish farmers new technology in aquaculture production, marketing and business development.  To assist Ohio citizens in making informed decisions concerning the potential opportunities and pitfalls for aquaculture in Ohio. 

C. Suggested Time Required for Program: Two hours to two days

Suggested Time of Year: Summer, Fall or Winter 

D. Audience and Level of Offering: District or statewide group meetings.  Individual teaching by phone, mail, fact sheet, and reference materials. 

E. Teaching Methods, Resources, Costs: Large group lecture, discussion and illustrated talks.  Tours of aquaculture research facilities at Piketon by appointment and as resources allow.  OSU Extension has less than one full time equivalent staff working on Aquaculture Extension work. 

F. Contact Person(s) and Location: 
John Hochheimer, Piketon R&E Center - 614-289-2071
Fred Snyder, Northwest District, Sea Grant Extension - 419-635-4117
Frank Lichtkoppler, Northeast District, Sea Grant Extension - 216-350-2267