Project Summary
Most of the fish species grown in the region such as Atlantic salmon, barramundi, tilapia, rainbow trout, and shrimp are raised indoors in RAS. USDA (2024) reported 575 RAS farms in the U.S.; the region accounted for 24% with 136 RAS operations. Internship is a vital part of professional development therefore, there is a need for more specialized education and training internship programs to prepare a younger generation and potential fish farmers for the technical and management aspects of RAS. The proposed Practical Internship Training on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (PITRAS) is 10-week full time summer internships or 16-week part time fall/spring internships to provide hands-on experience in RAS management and operations in RAS facilities. The program targets college students, recent college graduates in aquaculture/environmental science/related disciplines, and high school students who are passionate about food production and environmental sustainability. The training will offer participants a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain on-farm practical insights into the daily challenges and solutions in RAS aquaculture. Through direct exposure to RAS operations, participants will gain interest in careers in RAS facilities, practical and technical knowledge in RAS fish farming and enhance their soft and technical skills, preparing them for future careers in RAS aquaculture. The internship will help to address challenges of aging workforce and technical knowledge gaps in RAS aquaculture and contribute to building a pipeline of skilled and resilient labor force for aquaculture in the region.
Objectives
1. Assess on-farm labor needs of the RAS aquaculture farm community in Illinois and Indiana.
2. Establish partnerships with commercial RAS aquaculture facilities in Indiana and Illinois to administer practical internship opportunities in RAS.
3. Develop internship curricula for both college-aged and high school aged students to intentionally increase the knowledge, skills and interest related to aquaculture systems management.
4. Provide practical commercial RAS aquaculture experience through a range of on-farm tasks at partner aquaculture facilities.
5. Prepare interns and individuals interested in working in the aquaculture industry with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience for careers in RAS aquaculture.
Duration: 2 Years (January 1, 2026-December 31, 2027)
Participants
PI: Kwamena K. Quagrainie, Purdue University
Co-PI: Robert A. Rode, Purdue University
Co-PI: Amy M. Leman, University of Illinois
Co-PI: Margaret J. Lawrence, Purdue University
Extension Liaison: Kwamena K. Quagrainie
Industry Liaison: Amy M. Shambach, Purdue University
Project Outline
Award Amount
$183,133
Award Number
2024-38500-42307, $91,956 (Year 1)
2025-38500- 45290, $91,177 (Year 2)
