Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Fishy Agenda Set

New methods for raising and harvesting healthier fish are on the

agenda for Arkansas Aquaculture 2000, set for Jan. 28-29 in Little Rock.

The event is the annual joint meeting of the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas and the Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Fish Growers Association. Assistance with the conference program is provided by the Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas and the Agriculture Department's Agricultural Research Service.

"The conference features research updates on a variety of issues facing fish farmers, including trematodes, bird depredation and off flavor," said Nathan Stone, an extension fisheries specialist. "Sessions for catfish producers will feature talks on catfish vaccines, a new in-pond

catfish grader, and catfish fingerling research. Panel discussions will address the latest improvements in catfish feeding and harvesting methods."

The bait fish session includes talks on high fat feeds, hydrogen sulfide in ponds and hatcheries, koi carp virus and a new larval fish rearing system, he said.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission director Steve Wilson will be the luncheon speaker on the 28th.

Research updates will be provided by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the H. K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center and the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center.

Representatives of the Catfish Farmers of America, National Aquaculture Association, Arkansas Aquaculture Coordinator, and The Catfish Bargaining Association will also address meeting participants. Presentations will also be made by student recipients of the Catfish Farmers of Arkansas scholarships.

Arkansas Aquaculture 2000 will be held at the Holiday Inn Select, I-630 and Shackleford in Little Rock. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the morning session beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Information and registration materials can be obtained from Van Pennington, Executive Director, Catfish Farmers of Arkansas, 31 Linda Lane West, Vilonia, AR 72173. You may also call Pennington at (501) 796-2539.

The registration fee of $40, $45 after Jan.19, includes lunch Friday and breakfast on Saturday. Make checks payable to Catfish Farmers of Arkansas.