Aquaponic Technology and Design Workshop, Fall 2012

October 2–6

In addition to offering supplies, solutions and unparalleled customer service, Aquatic Eco-Systems and Green Sky Growers conduct aquaponic and hydroponic educational courses at the Green Sky Growers and AES facilities.

The next scheduled course is with special guest Dr. James Rakocy, the "Father of Aquaponics," and Dr. Wilson Lennard. It will be held October 2–6, 2012. During this 4.5-day workshop, Drs. Rakocy and Lennard will share their expertise on all aspects of aquaponics, from construction and production to marketing and economics. Dr. Fred Pettit will also provide a behind-the-scenes tour of The Land at Epcot®. Registration is now open.

Register now (PDF download). Questions? Email Ponics@AquaticEco.com. 

Attending the workshop? See suggested lodging options.

Watch a video overview of the AES aquaponics system.

The course will include:

UVI Aquaponic Systems & UVI-Based Systems at Aquatic Eco-Systems
• System design and management
• Aeration
• Blower selection and sizing
• Plumbing
• Pump Selection
• Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
• Components
• Construction techniques
• Operation
• Electric Cost

Plant Production
• Seedling production
• Importance of pest identification with special guest Fred Petitt of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
• Disease and insect control
• Nutrients

Fish Production
• Stocking rates
• Feeding, growth and survival
• Harvesting and processing
• Water quality
• Brood stock management
• Breeding
• Fry sex reversal

Marketing and Economics

Aquatic Eco-Systems Hands-On Site Visit
• PVC work
• Pump setup and plumbing
• Plant grow tray construction
• Fish handling 

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of "The Land" at Epcot®

 

About Dr. James Rakocy and Dr. Wilson Lennard

Dr. James Rakocy

Dr. Rakocy is the Director of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Agricultural Experiment Station and a Research Professor of Aquaculture. Known as the “Father of Aquaponics,” Rakocy obtained his PhD in aquaculture from Auburn University in 1980. Since 1999 the UVI Aquaculture program has offered an International Course on Aquaponics and Tilapia Aquaculture.

 

 

 

Dr. Wilson Lennard

Dr. Lennard is a PhD graduate from RMIT University in Australia with 10 years of practical commercial aquaponics experience and knowledge. He is skilled in research and engineering and has experience in associated aquatic disciplines. His professional scientific career spans almost 20 years.

 

 

 

About Dr. Fred Petitt

Dr. Petitt is the Agricultural & Water Sciences Director for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Fred joined Epcot® during its construction phase and worked to turn The Land pavilion from vision into reality. He developed and implemented The Land’s Integrated Pest Management Program, with emphasis on the use of biological controls for insect pests. Fred is currently responsible for Agricultural Sciences, which focuses on developing the show greenhouses and growing over 100 crops. He also leads the Water Sciences team, which ensures healthy aquatic environments for animals across Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Fred’s work at Disney has resulted in over 50 scientific publications and presentations. He has a PhD degree from the University of Florida and is currently an adjunct faculty member there.