Gathering information

[spellbound]

We are considering an aquaculture farm and would like to know where to go for information. Unless we find an already up and running farm, we will need to start from scratch. We live in South Florida so will have to deal with heat, hurricanes, etc, and cold only a few cold snaps during winter months.
Our hope is to have this up and running in an effort to continue encouraging tank raised fish and reef life. As this is just in the thinking stage, any ideas on areas of concern and/or need to know about would be greatly appreciated.
I wish to thoroughly research and think this out before we make a definate decision as to whether or not this is for us.

Thank you in advance for your ideas, suggestions, recommendation, and research resources.

Dennise

[greenbean36191]

Try to get ahold of a copy of Aquaculture: An Introductory Text by R.R. Stickney. It's probably around $40. It's very general but covers how to choose a site all the way up to marketing, and everything in between. It's a good place to start without spending much money.

There are also lots of fish farms in SE FL, and some give tours. I would check them out and get an idea of the kind of operations they have. Check the phonebook for aquaculture, fish farming, and pond stocking and call around.

Also, the U of Miami has an aquaculture program. Once you have an idea of what species you might be interested in you should be able to find very detailed info on the culture and economics for those species in their library. They should also have an extension agent who can help you and answer any specific questions you have. UF also has aquaculture extension agents in the SE.

[billsreef]

Look up your local Sea Grant Office. They will know a lot of the local issue as well as being able to supply help in other areas of aquaculture.

[spellbound]

greenbean36191
Thank you very much for your recommendations. Will get started soon.

billsreef
Thank you very much for your recommendation. I'm sure they will be helpful in deciding which way to go and whether or not to do so.