Redkey, IN – Bell Aquaculture, a pioneer in sustainable fish farming operations, teamed with Indiana Soybean Alliance, Virginia Cobia Farms, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences and The Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute to present the 'Future of Fish' at Bell Aquaculture's operations in Albany and Redkey, Indiana. The announcement is made jointly by Norman McCowan, President of Bell Aquaculture, and Shelia Lingle, Director of Aquaculture for Indiana Soybean Alliance.
According to McCowan: "We are simply thrilled to be partnering with the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Virginia Cobia Farms and The Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute to advance the knowledge of best practices in the Aquaculture Industry in the U.S. Our first event was January 11th here in Redkey and Albany. We look forward to hosting similar events in the near future."
Further, says Lingle: "As our country, and world, seeks sustainable, quality food options, Indiana Soybean Alliance is very pleased to be supporting this effort to provide healthy, great-tasting and ecologically responsible fish options for consumers. We've been working closely with Bell Aquaculture since its inception in 2005 to develop more sustainable, soy-based feed options for the aquaculture industry."
The 'Future of Fish' on January 11th included tours of Bell Aquaculture's production and processing facilities, followed by luncheon presentations from Fred Binkowski, Senior Scientist, School of Freshwater Sciences University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Steven T. Summerfelt, Ph.D, P.E., Director of Aquaculture Systems Research, The Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute; Dr. Espen Staubo, President & CEO of Low Salinity, Inc., and Virginia Cobia Farms; and Steve Hart, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Soy Aquaculture Alliance.
The luncheon was prepared by chefs from The Chef’s Academy, Indianapolis. Entrees featured breaded Bell Perch and Virginia Farms Cobia and Pompano.
The closed-containment system technology used in the expansion was designed by engineers at The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute to reduce its environmental impact. The new water recirculating systems at Bell Aquaculture minimize water use, maximize waste capture, and practically eliminate disease interaction between farmed and wild fish. Summerfelt notes that, “the production systems maintain ideal water quality for yellow perch while operating on less than one-half of one percent of the water required to produce the same weight of fish in more traditional production systems.”
About Indiana Soybean Alliance
The Indiana Soybean Alliance works to enhance the viability of Indiana soybean farmers through the effective and efficient investment of soybean checkoff funds and the development of sound policies that protect and promote the interest of Indiana soybean farmers. The ISA is working to build new markets for soybeans through the promotion of biodiesel, livestock, international marketing, new soybean uses, aquaculture, and production research. Visit: http://www.indianasoybean.com
About Virginia Cobia Farms LLC
Virginia Cobia Farms LLC produces Cobia and Pompano fish at its farm in the mountains of Virginia. The company produces the only Cobia in the world that is rated as a “Best Choice” Sustainable Cobia by the Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch program. Its inland production methods ensure that our fish are always fresh, nutritious and safe. Visit: http://www.virginiacobiafarms.biz
About The Freshwater Institute
Created in 1987, The Freshwater Institute is a nationally recognized program of The Conservation Fund, a non-profit organization that has protected nearly 7 million acres across America. During the past two decades the Freshwater Institute has become one of the nation’s premier research and development facilities dedicated to the sustainable use of water. Visit: http://www.freshwaterinstitute.org
About University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences
Working with Bell Aquaculture since 2006, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences has been instrumental in providing education and technical assistance to Bell Aquaculture in out-of-cycle broodstock development, Intensive Aquaculture Technology, and Early Life Stage Culture of Yellow perch. Visit: http://www4.uwm.edu/freshwater
About Bell Aquaculture
Bell Aquaculture, headquartered in Redkey, IN, is a producer and processor of farm-raised fish for restaurants and consumer use. Production facilities, dedicated to yellow perch, are located in Albany, IN, and comprise the nation’s largest yellow perch farm. Visit: http://www.bellaquaculture.com
Bell Aquaculture also is found on these social media sites:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BellAquaculture – twitter.com/INYellowPerch – twitter.com/FriNightFishFry
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/bellperch
News Feed Blog: indianayellowperch.blogspot.com
YouTube: youtube.com/BellAquaculture
Source: Bell Aquaculture