Learn More RAS
On this page, you will find drop-down menus for the following: Recirculating Aquaculture Resources, Workforce Development and K-12 Education, Aquaculture Job Boards, and Aquaculture Agencies and Associations. You can close and open each drop-down option by clicking on the title.
The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute is a world-leading research facility in land-based RAS technologies. They provide free public access to all trade publications and formal journal articles covering their work and results from research.
RASTECH Magazine has a digital edition of its quarterly magazine, which covers the latest global developments in land-based RAS. The magazine is a resource for RAS owners and operators, but it can be accessed by anyone interested in following global trends and learning some of the more technical aspects of RAS.
RAS Talk the Podcast: RAS Talk the Podcast is co-hosted by Dr. Brian Vinci, Director of the Freshwater Institute, and Catarina Muia, Editor of RASTECH Magazine and Hatchery International. Focused on highlighting current issues and trends in land-based RAS with industry leaders.
The Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (SRAC) is one of several regional centers designed to provide extension and research needs in aquaculture. At this time, SRAC is the only regional center with fact sheets on recirculating aquaculture systems, but links to individual centers have been provided under “Agencies, Aquaculture Centers, and Associations.”
The Maine Aquaculture Association has published a number of industry-informed occupational standards for several aquaculture sectors in Maine, including land-based production. Although Maine-centric, it highlights skill needs that are applicable to specific industries regardless of region.
For those with some spending money who are interested in some of the more technical aspects of RAS, the Recirculating Aquaculture textbook can be purchased from Amazon.
The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute collaborated with Annex Business Media to create RAS Academy, an online learning platform that gives the flexibility to learn about RAS when and where it fits your schedule.
Maryland Sea Grant and the University of Maryland Extension’s K-12 educational program, Aquaculture in Action, use aquaculture as a tool for teaching scientific principles including chemistry and applied physics. Annual workshops train K-12 educators in the curriculum and provide logistical support with system setup in the classroom.
University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute has two programs focused on workforce development in aquaculture, including RAS systems. Their Sustainable Aquaculture micro-credential pathway is open to any adult age group, regardless of educational background, and offers professional development in aquaculture skills that align with industry workforce needs. The paid 12-week externship program pairs externs with host institutions and industries to gain relevant on-site job training.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility offers internship opportunities to undergraduates interested in developing aquaculture skills and research experience. These internships are available at the facility as well as at partner facilities such as Superior Fresh, LLC. The university also offers formal education opportunities leading to an aquaculture minor and an aquaponic certificate. Additionally, a K-12 aquaponics program connects local schools with tools and educational resources for the classroom.
The Maine Aquaculture Association has published a number of industry-informed occupational standards for several aquaculture sectors in Maine, including land-based production. Although Maine-centric, it highlights skill needs that are applicable to specific industries regardless of region.
The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) Job Board is an up-to-date database for aquaculture-related employment opportunities and information. WAS membership is not required to view or apply to posted jobs.
The Texas A&M University Wildlife and Fisheries Management Job Board is managed by the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management as a resource for jobs related to their fields of interest. This includes aquaculture and hatchery positions.
National Aquaculture Association
Wisconsin Aquaculture Association
Aquaculture Regional Centers
North Central Regional Aquaculture Center: NCRAC represents aquaculture in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center: NRAC represents aquaculture in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center: SRAC represents aquaculture in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Virginia.
Western Regional Aquaculture Center: WRAC represents aquaculture in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.