applied research at lethbridge community college (an emphasis on aquaculture)
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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. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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.
Need for Vegetation Control
Over 8000 km of canal in Alberta.
Vegetation can reduce flow by as much as 80% by August.
Vegetation Control
Farm dugouts, also areas of concern.
Northern Water Milfoil – a common aquatic plant in Alberta.
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.
Virtual Tour of Campus Facility
LCC’s Grass Carp Hatchery
The Inner Workings
Early rearing
• Larval grow out tanks
• Early rearing fry tanks
Birds’ eye view of fish
Advanced Technology
Certified Triploid
All triploid Grass Carp are verified and tagged before they leave the building.
Expansion of Research
Silver Carp
Hypopthalmichthys molitrix
Aquaculture Centre of Excellence
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.”