Aquaponics in Oregon: Discover the Growing Potential Conference 2018

Aquaponics in Oregon: Discover the Growing Potential Conference

June 23 and 24, 2018
Western Oregon University

Aquaponics is more than a growing trend. It is a burgeoning industry that is expanding all over the globe. This highly sustainable closed-loop ecosystem creates the optimum environment for fish and plants to thrive naturally. This growing technique grows pure, chemical free food free of pesticides and fertilizers. Using only 10% of the water that is required in conventional agriculture, aquaponics also uses less water than the aquaculture and hydroponic industries as there is no discharge or water exchanges required.

We heard from some of the top commercial growers, innovators and educators in this emerging green industry and discovered what challenges and opportunities aquaponics presents in rural, suburban and urban areas. Attendees were able to network, connect and learn from aquaponics pioneers and found out how to get involved in this growing movement.

Aquaponics in Oregon 2018 | Conference Program | Presentations | Sponsors and Additional Support | Participant Evaluation

Photos from conference

Oregon Representative David Brock Smith welcomes attendees during the opening session with Clint Bentz, President of Oregon Aquaculture Association. Mr. Smith represents the 1st District which covers all of Curry County and parts of Coos, Douglas, and Josephine counties and serves as Vice Chair of the Oregon Coastal Caucus .

Displays from the National Aquaculture Association and Oregon Aquaculture Association welcome attendees. Paul Zajicek, Development Director for the National Aquaculture Association based in Washington, D.C. will participate at the Oregon Aquaculture Association’s October 5-6, 2018 Annual Meeting.

Oregon Sea Grant and other organizations and vendors welcome attendees. William Hanshumaker, Oregon Sea Grant Chief Scientist and Senior Instructor, has been an active participant in the Oregon Aquaculture Advisory Group for Oregon Aquaculture Association. He attended the Aquaponics Conference, along with Sidney Stetson, Research Aquarist for Oregon Sea Grant.

Conference Coordinators, Katie Young and Kathy Bridges, welcome attendees at the registration area. Other Conference Coordinators: Louis Hans, Owner of Brewfish Farm, and Kate Wildrick, Ingenuity Innovation Center.

Joel Kelley, Live Local Organic based in Milwaukie, presented information about his aquaponics facilities. To learn more: livelocalorganic.com

Standing applause was given to six junior high school students from Meadow Park Middle School, Beaverton. The students provided information on their 2-year Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project involving aquaponics. One excited conference participant donated $1,000 to the school to continue and expand this project and other STEM activities.

Rick Boatner, Aquatic Invasive Species/Wildlife Integrity Coordinator with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, presented information about the State’s regulations for invasive species. Invasive species are animals and plants that are not native to Oregon’s ecosystem and that cause economic or environmental harm. While not all non-native species are invasive, many become a serious problem. They damage Oregon’s habitats and can aggressively compete with native species for food, water and habitat. To learn more: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/invasive_species.asp

Clint Bentz, President of Oregon Aquaculture Association, announces raffle winners with assistance from Kate Wildrick, Ingenuity Innovation Center (middle), and Katie Young, Conference Coordinator with Oregon Aquaculture Association.

During the dinner, Murray Hallam, Murray Aquaponic, appears live by video from Brisbane, Australia, hosted by Kate Wildrick, Ingenuity Innovation Center. Murray shared information about internationally aquaponics operations he has developed and answered questions from the crowd. To learn more and access Murray’s video: https://www.murrayhallam.com/

Shantae Johnson presented information about Mudbone Grown in Portland. Mudbone Grown believes in creating kinship, cultural pride and self-sufficiency through the cultivation of land ownership and land use. Using farming, including aquaponics, Mudbone Grown helps to foster and promote urban farming. To learn more about this inspiration program: https://www.facebook.com/MudBoneFamilyFarm/

Kate Wildrick and Aaron Imhof, Ingenuity Innovation Center, presenting "Removing the Barriers to Grow the Industry"

Group photo taken at the end of the Aquaponics in Oregon 2018 Conference

Aquaponic Tour

Louis Hans, Conference Coordinator and Owner of Brewfish Farms, shared information about his aquaponics facility. Here, fingerling Largemouth bass live in the large tank, sludge is removed, and “fertilized” water flows by gravity to growing sites.

Tour enthusiasts, including Maureen Bentz, delight in marveling over Louis’ barley bed!

Arthur Shavers, Presenter from Mudbone Grown, and conference attendee, David Haase, check out the Channel catfish tank inside the greenhouse.

Louis shares information about an additional aquaponics facility in his greenhouse. To learn more from Louis: http://brewfishfarm.com

The aquaponic tour included a GREAT lunch prepared by Karen and Louis Hans. The tilapia tacos were fantastic, complemented by the fixings, beans and rice and completed with watermelon and a beautiful Oregon day on the farm. The tilapia was furnished from Michael and Olivia Hasey’s organic aquaponic farm, The Farming Fish, located in Rogue River. To learn more: http://www.thefarmingfish.com They also offer farmstays, as well.

Louis Hans raises barley plants with roots displayed from aquaponic system.