AQUACULTURE PROGRAM

The Aquaculture Program at the University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix Campus is developing aquaculture production systems that are sustainable and appropriate for the Virgin Islands and other tropical islands.

This summer we are conducting an AQUAPONICS AND TILAPIA AQUACULTURE SHORT COURSE. This class will be held June 15-21, 2008 and is open to the public. Please visit the web page for this class for additional information.

Sustainable aquaculture in the Virgin Islands must be adapted to the islands' envirinmental conditions. Some of these include:

Advantages	Limitations
Large demand for fresh product	Limited fresh water sources
Climate for outdoor production	Expensive land
	Imported feeds required
	High energy costs

The Aquaculture Program has addressed these conditions through the development of 3 production systems.

Cage culture in fresh water ponds
Tank culture
Aquaponic systems

Please explore the links to each production system for construction details, photos, production data and pro forma financial statements.

STAFF MEMBERS

James Rakocy, Ph.D.	Donald Bailey	Jason Danaher	R. Charlie Shultz
Director, Professor of Aquaculture Program Leader	Research Specialist	Research Specialist	Research Analyst	Agriculture Aide
Phone: (340) 692-4031	Phone: (340) 692-4038	Phone: (340) 692-4037	Phone: (340) 692-4039	Phone: (340) 692-4020
FAX: (340) 692-4035	FAX: (340) 692-4035	FAX: (340) 692-4035	FAX: (340) 692-4035	FAX: (340) 692-4035

Recent Publications:

Bailey, D.S., J.E. Rakocy, W.M. Cole and K.A. Shultz. 1997. Economic Analysis of a Commercial-Scale Aquaponic System for the Production of Tilapia and Lettuce. Pages 603-612. in Tilapia Aquaculture: Proceedings form the Fourth International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture. Orlando, FL.
Rakocy, J.E., D.S. Bailey, K.A. Shultz and W.M. Cole. 1997. Evaluation of a Commercial-Scale Aquaponic Unit for the Production of Tilapia and Lettuce. Pages 357-372. in Tilapia Aquaculture: Proceedings form the Fourth International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture. Orlando, FL.

Cole, W.M., J.E. Rakocy, K.A. Shultz and D.S. Bailey. Effects of Solids Removal on Tilapia Production and Water Quality in Continuously Aerated, Outdoor Tanks. Pages 373-384. in Tilapia Aquaculture: Proceedings form the Fourth International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture. Orlando, FL.

Rakocy, J.E. 1997. Integrating Tilapia Culture with Vegetable Hydroponics in Recirculating Systems. Pages 163-184. in Tilapia Aquaculture in the Americas. Vol. 1. eds. B. A. Costa_Pierce and J.E. Rakocy. 258 pages. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, LA.

University of the Virgin Islands - Agriculture Experiment Station

Send Comments to: D. Bailey