inmed harvest the future international symposium · world- bustan aquaponics, egypt. aquaponics in...

O’Brian Clarke Jovan Johnson

INMED Harvest the Future International Symposium

What is Aquaponics Aquaponics is the integration of aquaculture (fish

farming) and Hydroponics (the soilless growing of plants)

Source of Picture : The Aquaponic Source

Advantages of Aquaponics Double output from single main input

Fish feed

Water efficiency

As water is never discarded

Only lost to evapotranspiration and sludge removal

Climate change resilient

Drought resilient

Environmentally friendly production practices

Not dependent on arable land

Taylor Hall Aquaponic Project History

The project was first conceptualized as an assignment

The idea was encouraged to be put into practice by the lecturer

The group was formed and a disused nursery house was selected to be renovated and transformed into the aquaponic system

Development of the system

Chelated Iron

Challenges in Developing the system Funding

Lack of local knowledge on aquaponics or Recirculating Aquaculture (RAS)

First time building an aquaponic system

Some equipment not sold locally

Challenges in developing the system cont’d

Challenges in developing the system cont’d

Challenges in Developing the system Funding

Lack of (known) local expertise on aquaponics or Recirculating Aquaculture (RAS)

First time building an aquaponic system

Some equipment not sold locally

Challenges in developing the system cont’d

Challenges in developing the system cont’d

Current status of the system Currently down, undergoing refurbishing and upgrade

Initial design was based off the “Friendly Aquaponics Style” design.

Termites!!!

Source : Living Aquaponics

Upgraded system Second fish tank

Two nursery tanks

Bigger swirl filter

Particulate filter/matala biosteps 10

MBBR- Moving Bed biofilm Reactor

Better plumbing

Upgraded system cont’d

Upgraded system cont’d

Upgraded system cont’d

Upgraded system cont’d

Source: University of the Virgin Islands

Future Plans Expand the initiative to a campus club/society

Mission: Expose tertiary students to commercial and sustainable agriculture.

“Green” Block

Source: Almar Organoponico,Cuba

Opportunities for Aquaponics in Jamaica Production of high value crops

Access to higher value markets

Import substitution

Synthetic pesticide and fertilizer free

Can become organic certified

Value chain alignment/linkages with other sectors such as Tourism

Drought resilience

Greater guarantee of consistency on quality and quantity

Opportunities for Aquaponics in Jamaica cont’d Incorporation of alternative energy

Financing available for startup

Development Bank of Jamaica loans through their approved financial intermediaries (AFI)

Credit Enhancement Fund (CEF)

Research into alternative feed

Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Aquaponics in other parts of the World- UVI

Aquaponics in other parts of the World- Bustan Aquaponics, Egypt

Aquaponics in other parts of the World- United States

Aquaponics in other parts of the World- Unites Arab Emirates

Thanks to sponsors University of the West Indies, Taylor Hall

Isratech Group, Jamaica Drip Irrigation

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Fisheries Management Fund

Central Greenhouse Supplies

Contact Information Henkel Valentine – Public Relations

Jovan Johnson- Technical Lead

Obrian Clarke –Operations Supervisor

Email: taylorhall.aquaponics@gmail.com