Aquaponics short-course at the University of Arizona Kevin Fitzsimmons, Jason Licamele, Eric Highfield University of Arizona 6 April 2011

Trends in food markets F Demand for more locally grown, organic foods F Increasing demand for vegetables and fish for health reasons F Need to increase economic and environmental efficiency (energy, water, land area, recycling of nutrients)

Global food crisis F Rapidly increasing population F Diversion of foods to bio-fuels F Increased costs for water, fertilizer, fuel F Multiple demands for farmland (urban sprawl, industrial and mining, solar and wind generation, wildlife conservation, watershed protection, global warming, etc.) F Demand for locally produced food

Need new model for food production F Green Revolution – huge increase in food production, but heavy reliance on irrigation, fuel and fertilizer. F Blue Revolution – almost 50% of seafood is farm raised, but many environmental impacts (effluents causing eutrophication, algae blooms, cage and raft conflicts with other users in oceans, bays and lakes)

Development of hydroponics and aquaculture F Fast growing sectors of global food production F Hydroponics is more efficient use of water and nutrients, controls the environment and reduces use of pesticides and herbicides. F Aquaculture is more efficient production of domesticated aquatic animals and plants.

Past Projects F The Land – Disney World, Florida F Biosphere 2 – Tucson, Arizona F High school education F Commercialization

Disney World – EPCOT – The Land F University of Arizona provided technical design, layout, and training of staff. F Selected hydroponics and aquaculture as two critical food production systems for the future.

Disney World – EPCOT – The Land F 30,000 guests a day learn about hydroponics, aquaculture, tilapia, and advanced farming techniques F Products are served in the Good Turn Restaurant

Development trials for Biosphere 2 F Biosphere 2 – A one hectare greenhouse. Completely sealed, with eight people living inside for two years.

Early trials for Biosphere 2 F University of Arizona provided overall technical support and designed the food system. F Intensive food production F Healthy foods with minimal need for external inputs F Replicated trials with tilapia and lettuce

Various growing techniques F Growing in gravel/biofilter F Growing in floating boards

Density and micronutrient trials F Low density of fish F High density of fish

Nutrient film technique F Growing in troughs/gutters with flowing water