Instructor: Dr. Ximing Guo and Dr. David Bushek
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, IMCS

Phone: (856) 785-0074
e-mail: ;

Description: A 3-credit, Spring semester course taught during the winter recess (January 2 - 13, 2006) at the Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory in Bivalve, New Jersey - about 120 miles south of New Brunswick on Delaware Bay. The course stresses the role of science in aquaculture. Lectures cover aquaculture production methods, fish and shellfish growth and reproduction, nutrition, genetics, disease control, economics, environmental consequences of aquaculture and public policy issues. Laboratory exercises involve experimental and observational studies of molluscan and fish larvae and adults, and techniques used for water chemistry and disease-diagnostics. Field trips to aquaculture sites and facilities, student-led discussions of research papers, and video or slide presentations of individual cultured species complete the course. Lectures, discussion sessions, and laboratory exercises occupy the entire day, every day. A fee of $175 will be charged to cover dorm, handouts (there is no text). Applicants for the course are expected to have a solid background in the basic sciences and must have a special permission number from the instructors to register. For more information, please contact Drs. Ximing Guo and David Bushek at (856) 785-0074 or by e-mail: xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu; bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu.

Course Objectives
1) Introduce principles of aquaculture;
2) Examine major aquaculture species and culture practice worldwide;
3) Learn basic aquaculture practices and related techniques through laboratory exercises;
4) Understand environmental impacts of aquaculture.

Topics and Schedule
1/2 Introduction to Aquaculture/Basic Requirements
1/2 Major Shellfish Species in Aquaculture
1/3 Oyster Culture
1/4 Reproduction and Development of Aquaculture Species
1/4 Reading and Discussion: Worldwide Aquaculture as an Industry
1/4 Algae and Seaweed Culture
1/5 Major Finfish Species in Aquaculture
1/5 Nutrition and Growth
1/5 Diseases of Aquaculture Species
1/6 Aquaculture in Asia
1/7 Aquaculture Genetics and Biotechnology
1/7 Reading and Discussion: GMOs and Biotechnology in Aquaculture
1/8 Open
1/9 Shellfish Sanitation
1/10 Environmental Impacts of Aquaculture
1/10 Non-native Species in Aquaculture and Diseases
1/10 Reading and Discussion: Aquaculture and the Environment
1/11 Stripped Bass Culture
1/11 Reading and Discussion: Non-native Species
1/12 Aquaculture Economics
1/12 Tilapia Culture and Enclosed Systems
1/13 Reviews, prep lab reports and Final Exam
1/14 Independent assistance with reports

Field Trips
1/3 Cape Shore Oyster Hatchery
1/9 Oyster Packing House and Clam Processing Plant
1/12 Aquaculture Facility at Cumberland County Community College

Laboratory Projects
1). Rearing Tilapia at different densities and temperature, monitor water chemistry
2). Spawn oysters and rearing of larvae and algal culture
3). Processing oysters for disease-analysis of Dermo
4). Techniques: histology, coliform reading, and PCR-diagnostic tools.

Textbook
None. Reading material and reference books are provided.

Fees
$175 per student to cover dorm ($150) and other expenses ($25).

Evaluation