Aquaculture Projects

• Improving the Sustainability of Land-Based Closed-Containment Systems for Salmonid Food Fish Production
  This project continues our work in pioneering land-based, closed containment water recirculation systems that are biosecure, have an easily controlled rearing environment, produce healthy and optimally performing fish, and produce manageable effluent for significant reduction in waste discharge.
• Fish Hatchery Water Reuse Evaluation
  Conducted an observational study of fish reared in a partial reuse system versus fish in traditional raceway rearing units for Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) in Washington State. Water and discharge permits in the region are becoming increasingly restricted and PUD managers are looking into the benefits of adopting new technologies such as partial reuse systems.
• Pacific Salmon Restoration Program Planning
  Conducted bio-programming analysis for multiple pacific anadromous restoration programs for the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD). Identified gaps in water flow and existing infrastructure at the PUD's existing hatcheries that will result with increased fish production commitments.
• Development of Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Production Systems
  Performed research to improve the economic and environmental performance of controlled intensive aquaculture systems. The research is part of a cooperative agreement with the USDA Agriculture Research Service.
• Lake Trout Hatchery Planning and Re-design 
  Conducted a planning and design study to determine appropriate short and long-term options for the USFWS to reduce the potential for future virus infection at Allegheny National Fish Hatchery following the detection of IPNV in 2005.
• Barriers to Photovoltaics in West Virginia 
  Provided an assessment of the economic, technical, and social barriers facing the implementation of photovoltaics in the state of West Virginia.
• Effluent Treatment System Planning and Design
  Designed a 2,400 gpm centralized effluent treatment system utilizing best available technologies that enables Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery to meet a compliance schedule mandated by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
• Tilapia Production Systems Evaluation 
  Evaluated the existing recirculating production systems at Fingerlakes Aquaculture, LLC. The systems were operating inefficiently and yielding lower than intended production.  Suggested modifications to system components to improve fish culture environments and growth.
• Trout Hatchery Planning, Design, and Construction 
  Designed a new hatchery for the Rolling Rock Club that consolidates fish culture activities into one area using a secure water source. The hatchery raises brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout to stock into surrounding streams, providing recreational fly-fishing opportunities for club members. Construction was completed in 2006.
• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Design
  The USDA's National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center is a new research facility established to improve the efficiency and sustainability of coldwater marine finfish farming. We completed production modeling and bioprogramming for the new facility in 2004 and the final design of the aquaculture production systems in 2005. Construction of the center was completed in the spring of 2007.
• Hatchery Planning and Partial Water Reuse System Design  
  Completed an engineering review, evaluation, and planning study at White River National Fish Hatchery in 2002 to identify priority needs and develop detailed conceptual recommendations for facility improvements.  Designed two partial water reuse systems for the hatchery following a recommendation that was made in the planning study; construction of the systems was completed in 2005.
• Razorback Sucker Culture System Planning
  Evaluated existing infrastructure and needs at Bubbling Ponds State Hatchery and developed conceptual designs for three different culture systems to raise razorbacks suckers in circular tanks.

Water Quality Assessment and Restoration Projects

• Rockymarsh Run Watershed Restoration Project
  The Freshwater Institute is initiating restoration and protection efforts in Rockymarsh Run with the goal of restoring a native brook trout fishery in the stream and generating other local benefits for the area, while also contributing to regional Chesapeake Bay water quality restoration goals.
• Jefferson County Green Infrastructure Assessment 
  Jefferson County, WV is imperiled by fragmented patterns of growth that disrupt normal ecosystem functions and inhibit sustainable community development. The continued protection of the County’s diverse natural and rural landscapes, and economic vitality rely on the conservation of its unique ecological and cultural geography.
• Potomac Valley Audubon Society Watershed Education Program 
  Assisted with the “Watershed Education Initiative,” an environmental education program offered by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) to four elementary schools in Jefferson and Berkeley counties (WV).  The lessons included classroom and hand-on training about the water cycle, watersheds, water quality and stewardship.
• West Virginia Tributary Strategies for Chesapeake Bay Restoration 
  Participated in a multi state/agency planning effort to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Planning focused on methods to reduce the flow of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment to the Bay by setting maximum allowable amounts for each pollutant. Implementation of the strategies should result in the achievement of pollutant reduction goals by 2010.

For a list of our publications in journals and books for the last five years click here.