240 likes | 369 Views
Applied Research at Lethbridge Community College (an emphasis on Aquaculture). By: John Derksen. Introduction. The LCC research philosophy. Aquaculture research at LCC past, present and future. organizational framework. funding, and driving forces. LCC Research Philosophy.
E N D
Applied Research at Lethbridge Community College (an emphasis on Aquaculture) By: John Derksen
Introduction • The LCC research philosophy. • Aquaculture research at LCC • past, present and future. • organizational framework. • funding, and driving forces.
LCC Research Philosophy • Emphasis - applied research v.s. pure. • Research is curriculum driven. • Focus on increasing student skills, experience and practical knowledge. • STUDENT INSTRUCTOR RESEARCH
Aquaculture Research • Past Present • Cooperative Aquaculture Research Project (CARP) • A 5 year cooperative study to explore the viability of... • “Eliminating Aquatic Weeds in Irrigation Canals using Triploid Grass Carp”
Grass Carp Project • Native to Eastern Asia. • Can reach 1m in length and weigh 45 kg. • Can consume 20-30% body weight per day.
Over 8000 km of canal in Alberta. Vegetation can reduce flow by as much as 80% by August. Need for Vegetation Control
Farm dugouts, also areas of concern. Northern Water Milfoil – a common aquatic plant in Alberta. Vegetation Control
Carp Project (participants) • Initiated by Alberta Agriculture. • Committee formed to oversee all research. • Research and development by: • Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife • Alberta Environment • Agriculture Canada • Alberta Irrigation Projects Assoc. • LCC and University of Lethbridge
Funding • Initially - Irrigation Council of Alberta & Alberta Agriculture. • Later - LCC + Alberta Agriculture + Eastern Irrigation District (EID).
Feasibility Studies • Research concentrated on: • Grass carp requirements • Winter & summer survival in dugouts. • Fish survival in flowing systems (canals). • Effectiveness of fish to control aquatic plants. • Preference of aquatic plant by fish.
LCC’s involvement • Applied for acknowledgement as an Applied Research Site. • Together with EID, LCC constructed a recirculating aquaculture facility on campus to spawn and raise grass carp.
Early rearing • Larval grow out tanks • Early rearing fry tanks
Certified Triploid All triploid Grass Carp are verified and tagged before they leave the building.
Silver Carp Hypopthalmichthys molitrix
Aquaculture Centre of Excellence • Research Programs • Eagle Lake Strain Rainbow trout (2000-2002) • Aquaponics – fish waste nutrient transfer (2000-2002) • Aquaculture Engineering – ozone applications (1999-2000) • Aquaculture Wastes – effluent management (2000-2002)
Summation • Curriculum drives the research. • Partnerships have: • - transferred technology • - enhanced provincial aquaculture • - provided environmental solutions
A final thought! “Research is a perpetual loop, for every question answered two or more questions arise.”