WEBVTT 00:00.666 --> 00:02.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% - Welcome, everyone, I'm Chris Cirmo, 00:02.500 --> 00:05.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% the Dean of the College of Letters and Science at UWSP. 00:05.566 --> 00:08.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% I want to welcome you to a community lecture series tonight 00:08.900 --> 00:11.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% highlighting our faculty scholarship and its relation 00:11.333 --> 00:12.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% to our community. 00:12.933 --> 00:14.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% Tonight's lecture is being recorded by 00:14.966 --> 00:18.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% Wisconsin Public Television, for broadcast as part of its 00:18.433 --> 00:20.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% University Place series. 00:22.133 --> 00:24.733 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% First of all, I'd like to thank a couple of folks here 00:24.733 --> 00:27.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:75% at the Portage County Library: 00:27.100 --> 00:28.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% Bob Stack, the director, 00:28.800 --> 00:32.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% and Scott Tappa, who's my assistant for Marketing, 00:32.100 --> 00:34.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% Public Relations and Events. 00:35.500 --> 00:37.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% Tonight's lecture is entitled 00:37.533 --> 00:40.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% Aquaponics: Sustainable Food Production. 00:40.866 --> 00:43.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% And our presenter is Chris Hartleb, 00:43.033 --> 00:46.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% who is professor of biology at UWSP, and director of 00:46.533 --> 00:49.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility 00:49.266 --> 00:51.300 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% in Bayfield, Wisconsin. 00:51.300 --> 00:53.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% He's also Research Director of the new 00:53.533 --> 00:57.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Aquaponics Innovation Center in Montello, Wisconsin. 00:57.366 --> 01:01.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% The Aquaponics Innovation Center is a really neat story. 01:01.366 --> 01:05.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Chris assisted us in getting about a $700,000 grant 01:05.933 --> 01:10.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% from the Wisconsin Economic Incentive Grant Program 01:10.033 --> 01:12.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% last year, and worked with a private firm 01:12.500 --> 01:14.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% by the name of Nelson & Pade. 01:14.433 --> 01:17.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And Rebecca Nelson and John Pade were pivotal 01:17.700 --> 01:19.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% private partners in this partnership, 01:19.633 --> 01:21.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and I think Chris is going to talk a little bit 01:21.700 --> 01:22.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% about that tonight. 01:22.966 --> 01:25.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% I've worked with Chris for six years. 01:25.533 --> 01:26.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% I've been here six years as dean, 01:26.966 --> 01:28.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and I'm going on my seventh year now. 01:28.833 --> 01:31.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And I can say unequivocally that Chris is one of the more 01:31.633 --> 01:36.066 align:start position:10% line:74% size:47.5% energetic, creative and imaginative people I've ever met. 01:36.066 --> 01:38.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% We've gotten to know each other on five-hour drives 01:38.500 --> 01:41.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% up to Bayfield, Wisconsin and an hour and a half drives 01:41.800 --> 01:45.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% down to Montello and always have something great 01:45.033 --> 01:46.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% to talk about. 01:46.200 --> 01:48.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% Chris has done wonders 01:48.100 --> 01:50.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% with our Northern Aquaculture Demonstration facility 01:50.366 --> 01:53.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% in Bayfield, and the work that he's done 01:53.066 --> 01:55.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% as a faculty member and as an entrepreneur 01:55.466 --> 01:57.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% is nothing short of magnificent. 01:57.166 --> 02:00.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% I just want to commend Chris for his incredible drive 02:00.033 --> 02:01.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% and entrepreneurship. 02:01.333 --> 02:03.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Chris received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology 02:03.866 --> 02:06.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. 02:06.733 --> 02:09.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% His M.S. in Limnology from the University of New Hampshire 02:09.766 --> 02:13.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% and his PhD in Fisheries Ecology from-- 02:13.766 --> 02:15.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% excuse me here-- 02:15.466 --> 02:18.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% his PhD in Fisheries Ecology from the University of Maine. 02:18.200 --> 02:21.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% He's been a professor of Biology at UWSP for 19 years, 02:21.366 --> 02:24.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% where he's had experience working with larval fish, 02:24.166 --> 02:26.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% cool and cold water aquaculture, 02:26.700 --> 02:28.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% and most recently, aquaponics, 02:28.466 --> 02:30.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% which he's going to talk about tonight. 02:30.100 --> 02:33.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% He teaches courses in aquaculture, aquaponics, 02:33.200 --> 02:36.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% fisheries ecology and field ecology. 02:36.000 --> 02:37.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% It's my pleasure to welcome Dr. Chris Hartleb 02:37.933 --> 02:40.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% as tonight's special guest, speaking about Aquaponics: 02:40.800 --> 02:42.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% Sustainable Food Production. 02:42.666 --> 02:44.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:15% Chris? 02:44.000 --> 02:46.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% (audience applause) 02:48.700 --> 02:51.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% - Well, thank you, and thank you for joining me tonight. 02:51.500 --> 02:54.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% As Chris just mentioned, I want to speak about the topic 02:54.900 --> 02:57.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% of aquaponics, which we'll discuss in some more detail, 02:57.400 --> 02:59.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% some of the specifics about it. 02:59.166 --> 03:01.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% But the other part is, is talk about it as a sustainable 03:01.533 --> 03:03.166 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% food production system. 03:03.166 --> 03:05.666 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% And before we can get into that, I think what we have 03:05.666 --> 03:07.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% to look at really is how does it compare 03:07.800 --> 03:10.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% with our more traditional types of agriculture, 03:10.900 --> 03:12.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% how much they're producing and what their impact is 03:12.866 --> 03:16.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% and then try to see where aquaponics can fit into 03:16.900 --> 03:18.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:40% food production. 03:18.600 --> 03:20.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% So if you think about traditional agriculture, 03:20.900 --> 03:23.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% you know, most of the time, you're thinking about corn 03:23.266 --> 03:25.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:37.5% and soybeans or potatoes in a field. 03:25.800 --> 03:29.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% You're thinking about cows, pigs or chickens. 03:29.133 --> 03:33.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% Something to keep in mind is, is are we producing enough? 03:33.166 --> 03:36.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And if not, what are we willing to sacrifice 03:36.433 --> 03:40.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% to raise production of these different plants and animals? 03:40.333 --> 03:42.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% I kind of got this graph together here 03:42.566 --> 03:44.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 03:44.333 --> 03:47.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and what you can see is, is that except for Asia, 03:47.466 --> 03:50.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% traditional agriculture has really kind of maxed out 03:50.700 --> 03:53.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% in most other continents and most other locations. 03:53.933 --> 03:56.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So in essence, we're either producing most of the food 03:56.466 --> 03:59.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% that we can, or we've reached a limit on how much 03:59.366 --> 04:01.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% we're willing to produce. 04:01.100 --> 04:03.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% As you can see in this graph, basically, 04:03.266 --> 04:06.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% the world population as we know continues to increase. 04:06.033 --> 04:08.733 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% Most people look at the top line here 04:08.733 --> 04:11.300 align:start position:10% line:10% size:77.5% of world agriculture production and say to themselves, 04:11.300 --> 04:13.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% "Well, it looks like we're actually keeping ahead 04:13.166 --> 04:16.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% "of the pace of human population growth." 04:16.266 --> 04:18.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% But the fact is, that most of that increase in production 04:18.966 --> 04:20.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% is actually happening over in Asia, 04:20.833 --> 04:24.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% where all the other continents have basically gone flat. 04:24.066 --> 04:26.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% So how long can Asia continue to produce 04:26.433 --> 04:28.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% more and more agricultural products 04:28.566 --> 04:30.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% to feed the growing population? 04:30.600 --> 04:32.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:75% I think most experts would say 04:32.433 --> 04:34.166 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% that we're coming very close to the limit 04:34.166 --> 04:35.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% that we can actually produce. 04:35.633 --> 04:38.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% So how are we going to feed the world? 04:38.466 --> 04:40.766 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% And as we feed the world, what are we willing 04:40.766 --> 04:42.200 align:start position:10% line:10% size:32.5% to sacrifice? 04:42.200 --> 04:45.000 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% Are we willing to pollute the environment even more? 04:45.000 --> 04:46.566 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% You know, adding fertilizers? 04:46.566 --> 04:49.200 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% Adding different types of biocides to these crops 04:49.200 --> 04:51.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:35% just so we can produce more and more? 04:51.433 --> 04:54.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% Are we willing to damage habitats and wildlife? 04:54.800 --> 04:57.566 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% Because we've got to clear more and more land 04:57.566 --> 04:59.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% in order to put these crops and plant them. 04:59.800 --> 05:01.766 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% And of course, as you look at these animals, 05:01.766 --> 05:03.733 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% what they're doing with a lot of animals is, 05:03.733 --> 05:05.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% is that they're stocking them at higher densities, 05:05.600 --> 05:07.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% crowding them together. 05:07.033 --> 05:09.500 align:start position:10% line:10% size:45% This often results in the spread, 05:09.500 --> 05:11.233 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% a rapid spread of diseases, 05:11.233 --> 05:13.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% so they're adding more and more antibiotics, 05:13.100 --> 05:16.333 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% pesticides, herbicides, you know, to these crops 05:16.333 --> 05:17.766 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% to keep them healthy. 05:17.766 --> 05:20.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% But in the end, we're the ones consuming those crops. 05:20.300 --> 05:23.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So how are we going to meet this worldwide demand 05:23.366 --> 05:26.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% for agricultural products without accepting 05:26.133 --> 05:30.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% these side effects being applied to what we eat? 05:30.133 --> 05:33.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Well, all you have to think about is, is what could go wrong 05:33.500 --> 05:35.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% with this system? 05:35.366 --> 05:37.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% Can we stay on that same path? 05:37.900 --> 05:40.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So if you've been paying any attention to the news 05:40.300 --> 05:42.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% over the past few months, and in fact, the CDC released 05:42.666 --> 05:45.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% an update this morning, there have been three deaths 05:45.366 --> 05:48.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and 558 people sick from that vicious little creature 05:48.833 --> 05:50.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% known as the cucumber. 05:50.466 --> 05:52.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And this morning, they actually said that, 05:52.900 --> 05:56.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% that number of sick has passed over 600 people already. 05:56.833 --> 05:58.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% Why is this happening? 05:58.233 --> 06:00.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% For the most part, it's salmonella poisoning 06:00.200 --> 06:02.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% that's occurring because these crops are being fertilized 06:02.800 --> 06:04.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% with different types of manures, 06:04.533 --> 06:07.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and then these crops are getting these diseases on them, 06:07.233 --> 06:10.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% and then they're going off to market and we consume them. 06:10.133 --> 06:11.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% So what about food safety? 06:11.566 --> 06:14.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% You know, is there anybody out there who's keeping an eye 06:14.000 --> 06:15.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% on the food that we're actually eating? 06:15.733 --> 06:18.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Most people would say, okay, and yet this harmless 06:18.566 --> 06:20.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% little cucumber has now made that many people sick, 06:20.933 --> 06:23.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% and is responsible for at least three deaths at this point. 06:23.966 --> 06:26.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% What about our resources? 06:26.500 --> 06:28.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% Water resources to start. 06:28.100 --> 06:30.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Again, if you haven't been paying any attention 06:30.033 --> 06:31.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% to the news you might have missed this, 06:31.766 --> 06:34.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% but most of the Western U.S., specifically California, 06:34.733 --> 06:36.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% is in the midst of a massive drought. 06:36.833 --> 06:40.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% In fact, they refer to it as a four-year record drought. 06:40.200 --> 06:43.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And they've instituted massive changes out there 06:43.200 --> 06:46.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and fines if you use too much water. 06:46.333 --> 06:49.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% I found this photograph here just to be remarkable 06:49.100 --> 06:51.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% in that this is an agricultural field. 06:51.766 --> 06:52.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% There's a tractor. 06:52.966 --> 06:54.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% They really don't have that much ground 06:54.600 --> 06:56.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% that they have to care for with that tractor. 06:56.433 --> 06:59.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% That's the only area that's getting water at this moment. 06:59.800 --> 07:01.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So we've got these droughts that are coming out. 07:01.933 --> 07:04.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% What's it going to do to the agricultural crops? 07:04.666 --> 07:07.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Well, they're going to lower the amount they can harvest. 07:07.566 --> 07:09.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% They're going to increase the prices, 07:09.033 --> 07:11.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and then we're going to have to come up with some other 07:11.733 --> 07:14.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% ways to grow these crops to feed the people. 07:14.100 --> 07:17.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% And then it comes back to the statement of sustainability. 07:17.533 --> 07:20.900 align:start position:10% line:74% size:60% And that is, is how long are we willing to put up with all of this? 07:20.900 --> 07:23.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Or maybe the other way to look at it is, 07:23.266 --> 07:26.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% how much longer can the Earth put up with it? 07:26.100 --> 07:28.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% And if you look at this as the world's population booms, 07:28.733 --> 07:31.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% will its resources be enough for us? 07:31.133 --> 07:33.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Well, these are mostly the predictions that are coming out 07:33.700 --> 07:36.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% of reports, this one from National Geographic. 07:36.366 --> 07:38.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% If you look at that, it basically says 07:38.200 --> 07:40.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% the human population is increasing. 07:40.600 --> 07:41.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% We've said that already. 07:41.966 --> 07:44.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% And with that, our agricultural output has to increase 07:44.533 --> 07:46.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% to match it as well. 07:46.000 --> 07:48.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% But most experts say that we're not going to be able 07:48.600 --> 07:50.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% to sustain that type of output, because the resources 07:50.766 --> 07:54.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% are going down, and the pollution is going up. 07:54.000 --> 07:55.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So what's going to happen over time is, 07:55.866 --> 07:58.866 align:start position:10% line:74% size:45% is that the amount of food produced is suddenly going to crash. 07:58.866 --> 08:00.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And likewise, you're going to get more and more 08:00.833 --> 08:02.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% starving people, so then your human population 08:02.733 --> 08:05.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% is going to start to crash as well. 08:05.433 --> 08:07.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% So we really have to take a global view of all this, 08:07.933 --> 08:09.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% and start examining it to say 08:09.800 --> 08:14.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% maybe traditional agriculture is not for the long term. 08:14.033 --> 08:15.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% Maybe we need to start supplementing it 08:15.800 --> 08:17.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% with alternatives that are out there. 08:17.966 --> 08:19.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% And the alternative obviously that I'm here 08:19.666 --> 08:21.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% to talk to you about tonight is the alternative 08:21.500 --> 08:24.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% of aquaponics. 08:24.033 --> 08:25.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% So what is aquaponics? 08:25.766 --> 08:27.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% I've actually heard people give me a variety 08:27.633 --> 08:30.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% of definitions to it, but I stick with this kind of more, 08:30.566 --> 08:33.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% a basic form, and that is, is that it's an integrated 08:33.600 --> 08:35.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% production system where you're raising 08:35.466 --> 08:37.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% both plant and fish crops, 08:37.400 --> 08:40.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% but it's in a completely soilless environment 08:40.266 --> 08:43.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% such that you get the benefits of the fish 08:43.433 --> 08:45.266 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% essentially feeding those crops, 08:45.266 --> 08:48.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and those crops returning fresh water back to the fish. 08:48.666 --> 08:51.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% There are some others out there that, 08:51.200 --> 08:53.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% they still include certain types of soils 08:53.200 --> 08:56.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% in their aquaponics, or they enhance it with an addition 08:56.566 --> 08:59.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% of different types of nutrients or fertilizers. 08:59.766 --> 09:02.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% I'd argue that, that's not truly aquaponics 09:02.333 --> 09:04.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% because it's a hybrid version it. 09:04.433 --> 09:08.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Aquaponics says you're doing it all in water. 09:08.100 --> 09:09.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% What do we know about aquaponics? 09:09.700 --> 09:11.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Well, I'm going to show you today that, 09:11.766 --> 09:15.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% I think it's a sustainable production mechanism. 09:15.066 --> 09:17.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% And that is that you will be able to see this 09:17.700 --> 09:20.833 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% closed circuit of nutrients, water, and energy 09:20.833 --> 09:23.500 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% just revolving around growing both of these crops. 09:23.500 --> 09:26.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% It's also a natural production system. 09:26.533 --> 09:28.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:75% It's fish producing fertilizer 09:28.400 --> 09:30.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% that's feeding the plants, returning fresh water 09:30.866 --> 09:32.333 align:start position:10% line:10% size:30% to the fish. 09:32.333 --> 09:35.066 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% There's nothing artificial being dumped into the system. 09:35.066 --> 09:37.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% It's highly efficient because it's what we refer to 09:37.633 --> 09:40.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:40% as a closed loop agriculture system, 09:40.466 --> 09:42.666 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% Which means that things don't enter and exit 09:42.666 --> 09:44.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% throughout the production. 09:44.700 --> 09:47.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% In this case, the water is just recycled round and round 09:47.300 --> 09:49.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% between the different organisms so that you get 09:49.900 --> 09:51.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% production. 09:51.700 --> 09:54.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% Therefore, it's a conservative use of water, space, 09:54.600 --> 09:56.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% time, and labor. 09:56.800 --> 09:59.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Also, you can't apply any of those biocides, 09:59.700 --> 10:03.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% pesticides, herbicides, insecticides to it. 10:03.033 --> 10:05.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% Most of those are used on the plants, 10:05.000 --> 10:08.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% but almost every one of them is toxic to the fish. 10:08.233 --> 10:10.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% So if you did come across a disease outbreak, 10:10.400 --> 10:13.200 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% if you did have pests that are in there and you apply it, 10:13.200 --> 10:15.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% within hours, you'll actually watch all the fish die, 10:15.900 --> 10:18.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% and there shuts off the nutrients going to the plants. 10:18.600 --> 10:20.666 align:start position:10% line:10% size:37.5% So you actually cannot apply these 10:20.666 --> 10:23.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% to the plants in the system, and some people will say, 10:23.533 --> 10:24.733 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% well what about the fish? 10:24.733 --> 10:26.066 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% Do you give them antibiotics? 10:26.066 --> 10:27.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:75% Do you treat them for disease? 10:27.533 --> 10:30.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Turns out, almost all of the medicines available for fish 10:30.400 --> 10:32.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% are toxic for plants. 10:32.300 --> 10:34.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% So it really cuts you off there that you can't add 10:34.833 --> 10:37.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% all these different biocides to the system. 10:38.066 --> 10:42.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% As I mentioned before, it produces both a protein crop 10:42.100 --> 10:45.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% in the form of fish, as well as a vegetable crop. 10:45.133 --> 10:47.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% So you're practically raising an entire meal. 10:47.466 --> 10:49.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% If we can sort of tie into that and try to figure out 10:49.933 --> 10:52.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% how we can grow a dessert, then we'd really have a nice, 10:52.300 --> 10:54.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% three-course meal for the night. 10:54.666 --> 10:57.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And then the last part of which I want to talk about 10:57.066 --> 10:58.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% a little later in this presentation 10:58.533 --> 11:00.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% is the fact that aquaponics has the potential 11:00.566 --> 11:04.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% to produce crops 365 days of the year. 11:04.200 --> 11:06.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% It's done so, if the aquaponics is done 11:06.733 --> 11:09.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse. 11:09.566 --> 11:12.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Around here, I think most of us would agree, 11:12.100 --> 11:13.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% that we'd be in favor of that. 11:13.600 --> 11:16.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% I've walked into an aquaponics greenhouse 11:16.400 --> 11:19.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% in the middle of January and seen about an eighth 11:19.133 --> 11:20.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% of an acre of corn growing. 11:20.700 --> 11:22.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Now you might say to yourselves, well it's corn, 11:22.500 --> 11:24.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% we get a lot of that in the summer. 11:24.333 --> 11:26.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Yeah, but think about what a fresh ear of corn tastes like 11:26.933 --> 11:28.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% in the middle of January. 11:28.666 --> 11:30.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And you could have that right next door. 11:30.533 --> 11:33.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So it does have some unique aspects that tends to attract 11:33.400 --> 11:35.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% a lot of people to it as well. 11:35.166 --> 11:37.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Now that's not to say you can't do aquaponics 11:37.300 --> 11:38.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% without a greenhouse. 11:38.800 --> 11:41.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% I've seen people do it in their garage, their basement. 11:41.633 --> 11:44.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Nowadays, they're trying to do it in warehouses. 11:44.133 --> 11:46.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% On top of buildings. 11:46.133 --> 11:48.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And then if you, the further south you head, 11:48.366 --> 11:50.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% say the tropics, they do away with the greenhouse 11:50.500 --> 11:52.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% all together, because they don't have a need to. 11:52.433 --> 11:55.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% It's summer 12 months of the year. 11:56.033 --> 11:57.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% Now one aspect of this, 11:57.733 --> 11:59.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% as I frequently get asked by people, 11:59.866 --> 12:03.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% well, aquaponics sounds new, sounds risky. 12:03.033 --> 12:04.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% It's not something I want to get into. 12:04.633 --> 12:06.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I'm going to wait and see, you know those people 12:06.933 --> 12:08.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% who get into it, do they fall apart? 12:08.866 --> 12:12.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% The fact is, is that aquaponics is not new. 12:12.233 --> 12:16.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% There is evidence, documentation that over 1300 years ago, 12:16.400 --> 12:19.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% the Aztecs actually had what's referred to as chinampas, 12:19.866 --> 12:22.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and you can see them right here in this diagram. 12:22.133 --> 12:24.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% They're actually floating rafts that they would push out 12:24.600 --> 12:26.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% into lakes. 12:26.033 --> 12:28.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And in those rafts, they would have plants growing. 12:28.566 --> 12:31.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And that was basically an early form of aquaponics. 12:31.733 --> 12:34.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Water, where obviously there are fish in the lake 12:34.133 --> 12:35.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% that are producing nutrients, 12:35.566 --> 12:38.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and plants on these floating rafts that would absorb 12:38.100 --> 12:40.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% the nutrients and grow. 12:40.600 --> 12:43.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% If you actually go back about 1500 years ago, 12:43.200 --> 12:46.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% the Chinese used an integrated system of rice paddy fields 12:46.666 --> 12:48.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:22.5% and fish. 12:48.166 --> 12:50.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% In fact, this photo here is actually a recent photo 12:50.400 --> 12:52.266 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% because they're still doing it. 12:52.266 --> 12:53.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% They haven't given up on it. 12:53.733 --> 12:55.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% They raise the fish right in the rice paddy field, 12:55.800 --> 12:58.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and they harvest the rice, and the fish provide them 12:58.233 --> 12:59.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% with the nutrients. 12:59.966 --> 13:01.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% So aquaponics has been done 13:01.466 --> 13:03.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% for a very long period of time. 13:03.433 --> 13:06.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% It's just nowadays becoming, I guess you could say, 13:06.233 --> 13:08.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% technologically advanced. 13:08.533 --> 13:12.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% And that's why I add the term here "modern aquaponics." 13:12.066 --> 13:14.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Modern aquaponics is where we start to add 13:14.333 --> 13:15.833 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% technology into it. 13:15.833 --> 13:18.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Get computers involved in controlling the green house. 13:18.600 --> 13:21.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Using different types of technology to make the fish 13:21.133 --> 13:24.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% more efficient at feeding and the plants growing faster. 13:24.933 --> 13:27.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% And I put up three different bullet points here. 13:27.433 --> 13:31.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% One of them I wanted to start off with was Leonard Pampel. 13:31.600 --> 13:34.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% He actually worked at the Milwaukee Public Museum 13:34.266 --> 13:37.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% in the 1960s and 1970s, 13:37.766 --> 13:40.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and he actually got three patents when he was there. 13:40.266 --> 13:42.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And each one of them was basically based upon, 13:42.933 --> 13:47.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% at the museum, looking at fish displays that they had there 13:47.200 --> 13:49.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% that the fish tanks would turn very green. 13:49.733 --> 13:51.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So what he did is, behind the scenes, 13:51.766 --> 13:54.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% the place where most of us don't actually get to see 13:54.400 --> 13:57.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% at the museum, he started irrigating some of these plants 13:57.133 --> 14:00.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% that he had in the back or the back scenes of the museum, 14:00.933 --> 14:04.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% and the plants would essentially neutralize the water, 14:04.600 --> 14:07.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% they would absorb the nutrients and return clear water 14:07.433 --> 14:10.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% back to the fish display that people were looking at. 14:10.466 --> 14:13.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% I just happen to mention it because just three weeks ago, 14:13.433 --> 14:15.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% I got a phone call from a Mr. Leonard Pampel 14:15.900 --> 14:19.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% who lives in northern Wisconsin at the age of 96 14:19.533 --> 14:21.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% and said, can I come see the University's 14:21.433 --> 14:23.500 align:start position:10% line:10% size:35% new Aquaponics Innovation Center? 14:23.500 --> 14:26.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% And I said, how do I have to get you there? 14:26.033 --> 14:28.233 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% Do I have to come and pick you up? 14:28.233 --> 14:29.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:40% Can you make it? 14:29.433 --> 14:30.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% He says, my neighbor will drive me there. 14:30.933 --> 14:32.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% And there he is, and he came and looked 14:32.700 --> 14:34.366 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% at the Aquaponics Innovation Center, 14:34.366 --> 14:36.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% spent a half day with us when we were there. 14:36.400 --> 14:37.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% He loved what he saw. 14:37.933 --> 14:40.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% He loved to see where we're taking aquaponics. 14:40.600 --> 14:43.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And he basically just said, stop by, call me anytime. 14:43.466 --> 14:45.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% I'd like to see this program grow. 14:45.333 --> 14:48.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And he says, I have a lot more good ideas, he says, 14:48.200 --> 14:49.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% that I didn't share with the Public Museum 14:49.900 --> 14:52.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% even after I retired, he says, that I could share with you. 14:52.900 --> 14:55.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% And, you know, it's really unique that you get to meet 14:55.633 --> 14:59.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% one of the fore-founders of an actual new modern industry 14:59.133 --> 15:00.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% such as that. 15:00.933 --> 15:02.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% He's not alone. 15:02.166 --> 15:04.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% In the 1970s, there was a facility known as 15:04.400 --> 15:07.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% the New Alchemy Institute at North Carolina State. 15:07.066 --> 15:10.533 align:start position:10% line:74% size:42.5% And they actually started publishing some of the more recent 15:10.533 --> 15:13.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% science articles on what fish and plants could be grown 15:13.400 --> 15:14.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% in aquaponics. 15:14.900 --> 15:17.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% And then the University of the Virgin Islands in the 1980s, 15:17.966 --> 15:20.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% a man by the name of Dr. Jim Rakocy, 15:20.433 --> 15:22.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% he did something that kind of took it a step further 15:22.800 --> 15:25.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and that was that he started applying economics 15:25.533 --> 15:28.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% to aquaponics and said, you know, you can talk 15:28.166 --> 15:30.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% all you want about sustainable food production, 15:30.433 --> 15:33.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% but if it's not economical, people are not going to do it. 15:33.300 --> 15:34.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% So he started doing the math. 15:34.933 --> 15:37.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And what he found is that essentially, 15:37.166 --> 15:40.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% if you treat aquaponics as a local food production system, 15:40.766 --> 15:43.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% it's quite affordable and can compete with anything else 15:43.100 --> 15:44.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% that you can buy in the supermarket. 15:44.900 --> 15:47.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% He said, it's when you add distance into it, 15:47.233 --> 15:49.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% that aquaponics suffers a little bit because now 15:49.466 --> 15:51.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% you're getting into transporting these products. 15:51.733 --> 15:53.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% And you really can't beat 15:53.233 --> 15:55.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% the current transportation system for most of the goods 15:55.400 --> 15:56.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:30% that we eat. 15:56.900 --> 15:59.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% So that kind of gives you a summary of the history 15:59.700 --> 16:00.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% of aquaponics. 16:00.866 --> 16:02.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% We're in the next generation now, 16:02.433 --> 16:04.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% the modern aquaponic world, 16:04.100 --> 16:06.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% and we have to start addressing some of the questions 16:06.300 --> 16:08.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% or challenges that are out there 16:08.066 --> 16:10.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and I'll get to those a little later in the lecture. 16:11.866 --> 16:14.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% Go back to the topic of sustainability 16:14.666 --> 16:17.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% and that is, in order for us to actually look 16:17.266 --> 16:20.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% at aquaponics as a sustainable food program, 16:20.033 --> 16:22.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% we have to know what its sustainability is. 16:22.566 --> 16:25.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Again, what we can do is compare it to traditional 16:25.400 --> 16:27.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:30% agriculture. 16:27.066 --> 16:29.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% As I mentioned already, it's a natural system 16:29.700 --> 16:32.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% that results in the recycling of nutrients. 16:32.300 --> 16:34.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% So that helps us go a long way. 16:34.300 --> 16:37.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% But the other is, is if we compare it for some other 16:37.033 --> 16:40.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% production systems, we can see, how about beef? 16:40.033 --> 16:41.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% It's pretty odd. 16:41.433 --> 16:43.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% I put this presentation together a little while ago 16:43.966 --> 16:47.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% and yet this morning, on CNN, they had a topic that said, 16:47.233 --> 16:48.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% "Is beef the next SUV?" 16:48.900 --> 16:51.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% I don't know if anybody read that article, it was out there. 16:51.366 --> 16:53.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% It caught my eye more along the lines of, 16:53.266 --> 16:54.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% what are they talking about? 16:54.633 --> 16:56.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% Comparing a car to a cow. 16:56.533 --> 16:58.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% The whole article was about the fact 16:58.833 --> 17:01.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% that beef production worldwide is in a decline. 17:01.900 --> 17:05.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% And the reason is, is that it takes a lot of energy 17:05.466 --> 17:08.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% and resources to raise a cow. 17:08.033 --> 17:10.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And in the end, it's not very sustainable. 17:10.700 --> 17:13.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% I just used one factor here, and that is water 17:13.766 --> 17:15.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% because that's what's used in aquaponics, 17:15.700 --> 17:19.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and beef basically requires between 5,000 to 20,000 liters 17:19.733 --> 17:23.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% of water to raise one kilogram of beef. 17:23.566 --> 17:24.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% That's not really good. 17:24.866 --> 17:26.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% That's not an efficient use of water. 17:26.900 --> 17:29.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% But I wanted to be fair here as well, and that is, 17:29.833 --> 17:32.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% is if you look at extensive aquaculture, 17:32.500 --> 17:34.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% now aquaculture is fish farming, 17:34.600 --> 17:37.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and extensive aquaculture is that fish farming 17:37.033 --> 17:39.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% which is done outdoors, say, in ponds. 17:39.500 --> 17:42.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And what you can see is, is that it's not too much better 17:42.600 --> 17:44.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% when it comes to the water use. 17:44.500 --> 17:48.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% You still need between 2500 to over 375,000 liters of water 17:48.966 --> 17:51.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% to raise a kilogram of fish. 17:51.800 --> 17:55.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So aquaculture in itself is not the most perfect 17:55.266 --> 17:57.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% sustainable system when it comes to food production, 17:57.900 --> 18:00.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% or I should say extensive aquaculture. 18:00.000 --> 18:03.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% But when you move things indoors into a circulating system 18:03.200 --> 18:06.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% such as aquaponics, suddenly you don't have nature 18:06.533 --> 18:08.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% playing a role in the process. 18:08.300 --> 18:10.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% You're controlling nature. 18:10.133 --> 18:11.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% And it turns out that in aquaponics, 18:11.733 --> 18:13.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% you need about 100 liters of water to raise 18:13.733 --> 18:16.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% a kilogram of fish, because that water is constantly 18:16.400 --> 18:18.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% recycled through the system. 18:18.466 --> 18:20.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So at least from a water perspective, 18:20.766 --> 18:23.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% aquaponics appears to be on the higher end 18:23.166 --> 18:25.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% of sustainability, especially, you know, 18:25.100 --> 18:26.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% for water resources, 18:26.500 --> 18:29.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% but in terms of food production as well. 18:30.300 --> 18:33.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Now the other question, and this one's rather interesting, 18:33.533 --> 18:35.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% is that people say, well where does aquaponics fit 18:35.733 --> 18:37.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% in the grand scheme? 18:37.000 --> 18:39.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% You know, what is its roots? 18:39.533 --> 18:42.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And I would argue that it's probably a subset 18:42.566 --> 18:44.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% of aquaculture. 18:44.533 --> 18:46.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And I find this really interesting just because 18:46.666 --> 18:49.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% this past summer, I was on actually a federal review panel 18:49.300 --> 18:51.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% where they were trying to set up federal programs 18:51.633 --> 18:54.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% in aquaponics, and this was actually the first question 18:54.500 --> 18:55.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% they asked. 18:55.733 --> 18:56.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% Where does it fit? 18:56.933 --> 18:58.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% Does it fit into traditional agriculture? 18:58.900 --> 19:00.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% Does it fit into aquaculture? 19:00.900 --> 19:02.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% Does it fit into hydroponics? 19:02.466 --> 19:05.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And they really didn't know where to put it. 19:05.166 --> 19:08.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Again, I was on the panel, and I kind of argued with them 19:08.066 --> 19:10.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and said, I think it's a sub-set of aquaculture. 19:10.966 --> 19:15.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Aquaculture is the science and industry of raising fish. 19:15.500 --> 19:17.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% And you're doing that in aquaponics. 19:17.666 --> 19:21.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% The other is, is that you do it under controlled conditions. 19:21.200 --> 19:24.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Now I already mentioned extensive to intensive ponds 19:24.333 --> 19:26.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% flow through recycled systems. 19:26.466 --> 19:29.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Aquaponics, to me, seems to be a recycled system. 19:29.500 --> 19:32.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% It's recycling the water. 19:32.000 --> 19:34.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And you get the benefits from aquaculture from it, 19:34.966 --> 19:37.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and that is, is that raising fish is the most efficient 19:37.700 --> 19:40.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% production of protein. 19:40.000 --> 19:42.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% I have this little name over here of FCR, 19:42.500 --> 19:45.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% which stands for Food Conversion Ratio. 19:45.933 --> 19:47.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% It's a very simple equation. 19:47.466 --> 19:50.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% How many pounds of food do I have to feed my animal 19:50.766 --> 19:53.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% to get a pound of growth? 19:53.466 --> 19:56.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And for most fish production and aquaculture, 19:56.000 --> 19:57.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% it ranges between one to two. 19:57.700 --> 20:00.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% In other words, you can feed fish one pound of food 20:00.400 --> 20:02.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and get one pound of growth out of those fish. 20:02.833 --> 20:05.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% You can't do much better than that. 20:05.000 --> 20:07.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% But some fish are a little sloppy eaters, 20:07.066 --> 20:08.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% and it may raise up to two. 20:08.933 --> 20:10.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% If you do compare that with things, 20:10.933 --> 20:14.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% the closest is chickens where it's about 2.5 pounds 20:14.300 --> 20:16.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% of food to a pound of growth. 20:16.366 --> 20:18.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% Then come pigs at about 30 to one. 20:18.700 --> 20:21.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% And then once again, our beef comes along with the cows, 20:21.233 --> 20:23.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% and they're like 100 to one. 20:23.500 --> 20:26.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So fish are a very efficient user of the food 20:26.233 --> 20:27.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% we're giving them. 20:27.500 --> 20:29.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% They turn it into body growth, 20:29.400 --> 20:31.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and that's actually the protein that you eat. 20:31.833 --> 20:34.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And again, it's a conservative use of resources, 20:34.633 --> 20:36.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% it's sustainable and consistent, 20:36.633 --> 20:39.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and aquaculture worldwide is on a rapid incline 20:39.933 --> 20:43.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% so that essentially, it's becoming a very profitable 20:43.100 --> 20:45.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% business for a lot of people. 20:45.366 --> 20:49.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% So it seems that it fits that model. 20:49.166 --> 20:51.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% Now if that's true, 20:51.033 --> 20:53.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% then we have to look at a couple of questions. 20:53.066 --> 20:56.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And that is, again, I go around and I ask people 20:56.200 --> 20:57.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% and I say, do you eat seafood? 20:57.766 --> 20:59.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And they say, sure I eat seafood. 20:59.566 --> 21:01.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And I say, well, where does your seafood come from? 21:01.966 --> 21:04.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And where do you think the general answer is 21:04.066 --> 21:05.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% that people give you? 21:05.700 --> 21:07.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% Supermarket, restaurant, 21:07.700 --> 21:10.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and then I say, well, where does it come from before that? 21:10.566 --> 21:12.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And almost everybody will say, it comes from the wild. 21:12.966 --> 21:14.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% It comes from nature. 21:14.866 --> 21:17.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Well, the fact is, is less and less is coming from nature 21:17.933 --> 21:19.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% every year. 21:19.533 --> 21:21.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% If you look at this graph that's up here 21:21.600 --> 21:23.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and it shows you the years across the top, 21:23.700 --> 21:26.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% it shows you our stocks of wild fish in the world. 21:26.900 --> 21:29.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Oceans, great Lakes and what's happening to them. 21:29.900 --> 21:34.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% And the fact is, is that all of our fish that are out there 21:34.166 --> 21:37.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% in the wild are already fully exploited. 21:37.633 --> 21:40.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% We're catching as much of them as they are available to us. 21:40.933 --> 21:43.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% In fact, many of them are over-exploited 21:43.766 --> 21:46.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and quite a number of them, 32% of our fish stocks, 21:46.666 --> 21:49.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% have completely collapsed. 21:49.366 --> 21:52.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So even though people think their food comes from the wild, 21:52.533 --> 21:55.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% more and more, or I should say less and less of it 21:55.066 --> 21:56.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% is actually coming from the wild 21:56.500 --> 21:58.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% because there just aren't any other fish out there 21:58.333 --> 21:59.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:20% anymore. 21:59.966 --> 22:02.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So if that's the case, then where are the fish, 22:02.400 --> 22:05.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% the seafood that we eat, where is it going to come from? 22:05.533 --> 22:07.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Well, I can tell you where it's going to come from, 22:07.966 --> 22:10.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% it's going to come from fish farms. 22:10.000 --> 22:13.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% Or farms such as aquaponics growers. 22:13.233 --> 22:16.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Now here's some staggering statistics about that seafood 22:16.133 --> 22:17.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% that you're consuming. 22:17.766 --> 22:21.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And that is, did you know that fish and fish products 22:21.800 --> 22:26.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% or seafood contribute to the largest food commodity 22:26.033 --> 22:28.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% that are traded internationally. 22:28.666 --> 22:30.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% That's more than chickens, cows, pigs, fruits, 22:30.800 --> 22:32.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% and vegetables. 22:32.700 --> 22:37.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% The U.S., though, imports 90% of its seafood. 22:37.700 --> 22:39.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% So now you know. 22:39.333 --> 22:41.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% It's not generally coming from the wild anymore, 22:41.333 --> 22:43.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% but this other thing is, is that it's not coming 22:43.500 --> 22:45.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% from the United States either. 22:45.066 --> 22:47.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% Most of it's coming from foreign countries. 22:47.300 --> 22:50.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% But in those foreign countries, about half of it 22:50.733 --> 22:52.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% is farm-raised seafood. 22:52.700 --> 22:54.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% So next time you go to the supermarket 22:54.533 --> 22:56.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% and you look at the display case, 22:56.200 --> 22:58.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% if they don't have signs that say "Product of" 22:58.666 --> 23:00.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and list a country, ask the grocer. 23:00.900 --> 23:02.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% And if they have that information, 23:02.433 --> 23:03.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% which they actually do have, 23:03.866 --> 23:06.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% they may just not be sharing it with you, 23:06.166 --> 23:08.633 align:start position:10% line:74% size:52.5% but if they have that information, then they'll tell you, 23:08.633 --> 23:10.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% well, that's from this country, and this country. 23:10.500 --> 23:12.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Then say to them, well is it farm raised or wild? 23:12.833 --> 23:15.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And then you'll know if you have a really good grocer 23:15.066 --> 23:17.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% because they should know the answer to that question. 23:17.333 --> 23:20.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% And then they can tell you, and I think what you'll find is, 23:20.200 --> 23:23.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% is 50% of what's in that display case is coming from a farm. 23:23.066 --> 23:27.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% Unfortunately, it's a foreign farm, not a U.S. farm. 23:27.766 --> 23:30.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% What impact does this have on our economy? 23:30.133 --> 23:32.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% As I said, it's the single largest food commodity 23:32.766 --> 23:34.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% that's traded. 23:34.566 --> 23:36.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% This graph over here basically shows you, 23:36.833 --> 23:39.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% the blue arrows are the imports of seafood, 23:39.800 --> 23:42.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% whereas the green ones are what we export. 23:42.633 --> 23:44.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And the disappointing thing are the light blue arrows 23:44.866 --> 23:46.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% down here which you can see in the negative, 23:46.900 --> 23:49.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% which means that we import more than we export. 23:49.100 --> 23:51.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% And you might say, well what does that add up to 23:51.600 --> 23:53.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:32.5% economically? 23:53.033 --> 23:56.333 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% It adds up to about $10.4 billion dollars a year 23:56.333 --> 23:59.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% in a seafood deficit. 23:59.266 --> 24:01.133 align:start position:10% line:10% size:37.5% So it's costing us a lot of money 24:01.133 --> 24:02.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% to bring in that seafood. 24:02.633 --> 24:05.500 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% And the part that I usually put up here, which, 24:05.500 --> 24:08.366 align:start position:10% line:10% size:77.5% if the financial aspect doesn't kind of get you confused 24:08.366 --> 24:11.166 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% or upset, this other one usually gets me pretty upset, 24:11.166 --> 24:13.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% and that is, is all that foreign import of seafood 24:13.866 --> 24:15.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% comes into this country, 24:15.266 --> 24:17.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% but the FDA, the Food and Drug Administration, 24:17.700 --> 24:20.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% can only monitor as much as they have resources 24:20.100 --> 24:21.833 align:start position:10% line:10% size:75% and labor that can monitor it, 24:21.833 --> 24:24.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% and they're publicly open about it, 24:24.633 --> 24:27.766 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% that they can only inspect about one to two percent 24:27.766 --> 24:30.333 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% of that imported seafood. 24:30.333 --> 24:32.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% So now you know that your seafood is coming probably 24:32.533 --> 24:34.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% from a foreign country. 24:34.400 --> 24:36.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% It's going to be farm raised, as well as wild. 24:36.800 --> 24:38.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:40% And that when it reaches this country, 24:38.466 --> 24:40.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% only about one to two percent of it is inspected. 24:40.800 --> 24:43.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% The rest of it, you're basically eating and hoping 24:43.700 --> 24:46.166 align:start position:10% line:10% size:45% that for the best, that there aren't any 24:46.166 --> 24:49.666 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% contaminants in it, any types of pharmaceuticals, 24:49.666 --> 24:51.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% any types of diseases, because we just don't have 24:51.633 --> 24:54.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% the capacity to inspect all that seafood. 24:54.933 --> 24:56.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% So what's the simple answer to that? 24:56.966 --> 24:59.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:45% It really is quite simple, and that is, 24:59.433 --> 25:02.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% go to your grocery store or when you get your seafood, 25:02.033 --> 25:04.233 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% buy U.S.-raised seafood. 25:04.233 --> 25:06.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% Therefore, you know where it's coming from. 25:06.266 --> 25:09.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% Whether it's farm raised or wild is up to you to decide, 25:09.866 --> 25:12.566 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% but then if you look at it and say, well farm raised, 25:12.566 --> 25:15.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% I know the path from where it came out as an egg 25:15.466 --> 25:18.300 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% and grew up to my food, you know that, that food 25:18.300 --> 25:21.200 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% is heavily inspected because the U.S. Department 25:21.200 --> 25:24.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% of Agriculture and the FDA looks at all of our food 25:24.466 --> 25:25.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% and inspects it closely, 25:25.866 --> 25:28.666 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% and you know that, that's the food then that's landing 25:28.666 --> 25:29.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:35% on your plate. 25:29.933 --> 25:31.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% So it's a little promo there 25:31.433 --> 25:32.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% for U.S. farm-raised seafood actually. 25:32.700 --> 25:35.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% It's the safest seafood that's actually out there. 25:35.533 --> 25:39.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Now the other aspect I just mentioned to you when I said, 25:39.266 --> 25:42.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% well it's about even now that the seafood you eat, 25:42.600 --> 25:44.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% half of it is coming from farms, 25:44.666 --> 25:46.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% and half of it's coming from the wild. 25:46.700 --> 25:48.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Well the fact is, these are the projections, 25:48.900 --> 25:51.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and what you can is, is now that we're in 2015, 25:51.900 --> 25:53.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% more and more of that seafood, 25:53.533 --> 25:56.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% so the lighter colors up here, is farm-raised seafood. 25:56.433 --> 25:58.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% The darker colors are the wild catch. 25:58.733 --> 26:01.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% So in other words, farm-raised seafood has actually 26:01.266 --> 26:04.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% surpassed the amount that's caught in the wild, 26:04.066 --> 26:07.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and that number, they only expect to just keep increasing. 26:07.400 --> 26:09.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% But that's kind of an easy prediction. 26:09.666 --> 26:11.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% You'll notice this has kind of fallen flat. 26:11.333 --> 26:14.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% I showed you the graph that said nearly all the wild fish 26:14.166 --> 26:16.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% that are out there are fully exploited. 26:16.233 --> 26:18.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So where are they going to get more of them? 26:18.633 --> 26:20.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% They can't, the ocean's just not producing it. 26:20.666 --> 26:23.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% So as the demand goes up, all of that demand 26:23.133 --> 26:26.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% has to be met from farm-raised fish. 26:27.866 --> 26:29.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:25% All right? 26:29.400 --> 26:31.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Otherwise, there's predictions out there, 26:31.033 --> 26:33.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and that is, well what about the popularity of seafood? 26:33.966 --> 26:35.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% Will it grow? 26:35.166 --> 26:36.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% Will more people want seafood? 26:36.933 --> 26:40.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% And the fact is, is that about 45% of people 26:40.233 --> 26:42.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% in 2009 were eating farm-raised fish. 26:42.833 --> 26:46.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% By 2030, they expect that to equal up to 62%. 26:46.966 --> 26:48.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% More and more people are looking at seafood 26:48.800 --> 26:51.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% saying, you know, when I read about the health benefits, 26:51.400 --> 26:54.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% there's a lot out there that I like to hear. 26:54.100 --> 26:57.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% It's really low in polyunsaturated fatty acids. 26:57.766 --> 26:59.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% It's really good for your heart health. 26:59.433 --> 27:02.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% It's really good for your mental health. 27:02.000 --> 27:05.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So seafood overall, from a nutritional perspective, 27:05.100 --> 27:08.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% is a well-received, well-respected 27:08.600 --> 27:10.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% type of protein that's out there. 27:10.933 --> 27:12.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And more and more people, as they understand that, 27:12.766 --> 27:15.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% are increasing their intake of seafood. 27:15.000 --> 27:16.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Now you might look at that and say, 27:16.800 --> 27:18.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% well, that's a pretty dramatic increase. 27:18.233 --> 27:19.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:25% And it is. 27:19.666 --> 27:21.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% The sad part is, is that not much of that increase 27:21.966 --> 27:23.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% comes from the United States. 27:23.466 --> 27:25.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% We've been eating about the same amount of seafood 27:25.733 --> 27:28.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% over the past decade as we are right now. 27:28.366 --> 27:30.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So the rest of the world is increasing their uptake 27:30.766 --> 27:32.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% of seafood. 27:32.133 --> 27:34.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Here in the U.S., we generally look at it and say, 27:34.400 --> 27:37.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I eat my seafood once a week, if you're good. 27:37.800 --> 27:40.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Once a month, if you can afford it. 27:40.866 --> 27:43.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And we don't eat as much as what the world is. 27:43.233 --> 27:46.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% The world views seafood as almost like their fast food, 27:46.233 --> 27:49.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% where we kind of look at it as more of a luxury meal 27:49.033 --> 27:51.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% that we go out to a restaurant to actually have. 27:52.833 --> 27:55.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Now if you remember when I started on this path, 27:55.300 --> 27:57.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% I said that the question that's being asked 27:57.533 --> 28:00.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% is where does aquaponics fit? 28:00.233 --> 28:03.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And I argued that it fits into aquaculture. 28:03.000 --> 28:06.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Some people said, no, it's really a subset of hydroponics 28:06.400 --> 28:09.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% because isn't it really just feeding plants raw nutrients 28:09.666 --> 28:11.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% to get them to grow? 28:11.233 --> 28:13.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% Well, partially. 28:13.166 --> 28:16.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% But aquaponics does it in a little more natural way 28:16.600 --> 28:19.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% than what hydroponics does? 28:19.100 --> 28:20.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% When you look at hydroponics, 28:20.533 --> 28:22.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% and here's just a schematic of it, 28:22.066 --> 28:25.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% you basically have plants growing in long trays. 28:25.033 --> 28:28.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And yes, their roots down here are floating in water, 28:28.733 --> 28:32.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% but that water is supplemented with basically inorganic 28:32.466 --> 28:34.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% minerals and nutrients. 28:34.733 --> 28:36.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So in other words, they have to add up 28:36.800 --> 28:39.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% a considerable amount of macro and micro nutrients 28:39.166 --> 28:42.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% that are obtained through industrial or mining resources. 28:42.533 --> 28:44.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And then they mix them up into a slurry, 28:44.533 --> 28:46.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and they spread them out in the water that the plants 28:46.866 --> 28:49.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% are growing in, so that they can absorb these nutrients. 28:49.366 --> 28:51.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% The problem with that is, is industrial production 28:51.900 --> 28:54.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% of nutrients is a very energy inefficient 28:54.866 --> 28:57.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and polluting way of producing nutrients. 28:57.333 --> 29:01.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And the other is, is mining is just basically strip mining 29:01.033 --> 29:03.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% these nutrients from all across the globe. 29:03.233 --> 29:06.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% And I'll talk a little bit about that later on as well. 29:06.133 --> 29:08.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% A lot of those nutrients are not strip mined 29:08.266 --> 29:10.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% in the United States, they're done in foreign countries. 29:10.800 --> 29:13.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And those countries then ship those into the U.S. 29:13.533 --> 29:15.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Well, they're strip mining them and they're running 29:15.433 --> 29:19.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% out of things such as potassium, such as sulphur, 29:19.100 --> 29:21.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and therefore, they control the market 29:21.200 --> 29:23.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% where they raise the prices for these nutrients, 29:23.566 --> 29:26.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and we just have to accept it, so we can bring them in 29:26.400 --> 29:27.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% as fertilizers. 29:27.800 --> 29:29.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% There's a big issue there 29:29.200 --> 29:31.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% that's kind of a political issue, too, 29:31.000 --> 29:33.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% because if there's a country that dominates, say, 29:33.400 --> 29:37.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% potassium mining, and we have to buy from them, 29:37.466 --> 29:39.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% well, they can make demands upon our country 29:39.766 --> 29:40.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% at that point. 29:40.933 --> 29:42.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% Tell us that they want us, therefore, 29:42.533 --> 29:45.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% to export to them really inexpensive U.S. goods 29:45.200 --> 29:47.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% so that they will send the potassium to us. 29:47.500 --> 29:49.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% So there's kind of a political play there as well 29:49.733 --> 29:51.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% when it comes to mining resources 29:51.300 --> 29:53.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% and who controls the dollar. 29:53.400 --> 29:56.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% The other aspect is, is that it's a lot of nutrients 29:56.100 --> 29:58.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% that they put into hydroponics. 29:58.333 --> 30:00.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% In fact, they put in excess, 30:00.100 --> 30:02.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% because they don't ever want the plants wanting more. 30:02.800 --> 30:05.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% And then the last is, is that it's using up 30:05.333 --> 30:06.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% finite resources. 30:06.866 --> 30:09.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% These are exterior resources being brought in, 30:09.466 --> 30:13.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% flooded to these plants and then essentially remixed 30:13.033 --> 30:15.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% the next day and done all over again. 30:15.600 --> 30:18.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% So it's not a recycling of natural resources. 30:18.533 --> 30:20.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:32.5% It's really a one-way flow pattern 30:20.033 --> 30:21.733 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% when it comes to hydroponics. 30:21.733 --> 30:25.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% And again, it's one of the reasons why yes, aquaponics 30:25.400 --> 30:29.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% kind of merges aquaculture and hydroponics together, 30:29.633 --> 30:31.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:35% but I think it leans a lot heavier 30:31.966 --> 30:34.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% on the aquaculture side than it does on its relationship 30:34.900 --> 30:37.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:37.5% to hydroponics. 30:37.900 --> 30:40.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% Now if we look at a typical aquaponics system, 30:40.633 --> 30:42.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% it is just that. 30:42.166 --> 30:44.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% It's integrated, or a hybrid system 30:44.666 --> 30:47.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% that contains on one side your fish production 30:47.933 --> 30:50.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and on the other side, your plant production. 30:50.966 --> 30:53.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So an aquaponics system is really quite simple, 30:53.400 --> 30:56.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and that is, is that you have the fish tanks here. 30:56.133 --> 30:58.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% The fish spend their entire life in those tanks. 30:58.700 --> 31:00.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% This is where you feed them. 31:00.100 --> 31:01.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% This is where you watch them grow. 31:01.666 --> 31:03.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% This is where you'll harvest them from. 31:03.933 --> 31:05.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% What they are contributing to the system 31:05.966 --> 31:08.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% is that they are providing nutrients. 31:08.900 --> 31:11.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% In a crude form, you could say it's fish manure, 31:11.933 --> 31:15.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% but it's raw nutrients they're eliminating from their bodies 31:15.233 --> 31:16.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% into the water. 31:16.866 --> 31:19.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Some of those nutrients plants can use right away, 31:19.733 --> 31:21.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% but most of them they can't. 31:21.566 --> 31:23.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So you have this middle section right here 31:23.966 --> 31:26.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% where you can see two terms: one is called a clarifier, 31:26.866 --> 31:30.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and one is called a mineralization tank. 31:30.233 --> 31:32.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I'll show you another slide in a few minutes, 31:32.333 --> 31:35.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% but what's taking place here is that you have beneficial 31:35.266 --> 31:38.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% bacteria growing in these other tanks, 31:38.133 --> 31:39.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% in these filter tanks. 31:39.733 --> 31:43.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% And what the bacteria do, is they convert the nutrients 31:43.800 --> 31:47.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% that the fish are releasing into an immediately usable form 31:47.766 --> 31:49.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% for the plants. 31:49.800 --> 31:52.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Most people don't realize, fish, 50% of their waste 31:52.900 --> 31:54.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% is actually given off as ammonia. 31:54.833 --> 31:57.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Well, ammonia would be generally toxic to most plants 31:57.800 --> 31:59.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% if you expose them to it. 31:59.233 --> 32:01.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% But these bacteria take the ammonia, 32:01.433 --> 32:04.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and they convert it into nitrite and then nitrate. 32:04.433 --> 32:06.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So by the time the water reaches over here, 32:06.600 --> 32:09.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% where the plants are, it's now in the form of nitrate 32:09.466 --> 32:12.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% that the plants readily take up. 32:12.233 --> 32:15.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Another aspect to it, which is the mineralization tank, 32:15.200 --> 32:18.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% is that fish just don't release as waste potassium, 32:18.766 --> 32:21.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% sulphur, magnesium and calcium. 32:21.533 --> 32:23.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% They release fish manure. 32:23.566 --> 32:25.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% But it has all of that in it. 32:25.600 --> 32:27.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So once again, there's a whole other group 32:27.266 --> 32:31.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% of beneficial bacteria that decompose that solid waste. 32:31.733 --> 32:34.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And during decomposition, they literally do release 32:34.766 --> 32:38.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% the calcium, the magnesium, the sulphates, the phosphates 32:38.100 --> 32:41.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% into the water that then travels over to where the plants 32:41.266 --> 32:43.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% can absorb those nutrients. 32:43.033 --> 32:45.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% So the little known aspect about aquaponics 32:45.933 --> 32:49.366 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% that people don't realize is, yes, you're growing fish, 32:49.366 --> 32:51.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% yes you're growing plants, 32:51.033 --> 32:53.300 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% but you're also a bacterial farmer, 32:53.300 --> 32:55.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% because you need those beneficial bacteria to complete 32:55.900 --> 32:58.200 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% this conversion for you. 32:58.200 --> 33:01.566 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% And they're, like I said, the unsung heroes of aquaponics. 33:01.566 --> 33:04.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% Once that conversion is done, the water then goes 33:04.700 --> 33:07.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% into your plant grow area, which we'll talk about 33:07.033 --> 33:09.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% a little bit more, depending on what plants you're raising. 33:09.633 --> 33:11.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% They absorb most of those nutrients 33:11.600 --> 33:14.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and then that water basically heads its way back 33:14.400 --> 33:17.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% and goes back to the fish tanks, where the fish get cleaner 33:17.366 --> 33:19.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% water back to them, and they renew this cycle 33:19.833 --> 33:21.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% over and over again. 33:21.933 --> 33:25.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So talk about the fish just a little bit. 33:25.133 --> 33:28.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% We'll talk at the end, we'll have questions. 33:28.033 --> 33:29.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% I'll talk about the fish a little bit here, 33:29.966 --> 33:32.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and that is when you ask about aquaponics, 33:32.733 --> 33:35.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% what I can tell you is, is currently the king of aquaponics 33:35.866 --> 33:37.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% is tilapia. 33:37.633 --> 33:40.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% People raise them for a variety of reasons, 33:40.000 --> 33:42.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% which we'll just cover a couple of them here. 33:42.266 --> 33:45.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% But one of the reasons I see, as a fish biologist, 33:45.400 --> 33:47.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% that people like tilapia, is that they are a very 33:47.500 --> 33:48.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% forgiving fish. 33:48.933 --> 33:51.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% In other words, you can forget to turn that pump on 33:51.833 --> 33:54.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% for a day, or you can go on vacation for the weekend 33:54.533 --> 33:56.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and you'll come back and you'll look in the tank, 33:56.900 --> 33:59.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% and they'll have their little fins up in the air like this 33:59.300 --> 34:00.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% saying, we're okay. 34:00.733 --> 34:02.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:20% (laughs) 34:02.000 --> 34:04.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% I think that's probably the main attraction for people 34:04.533 --> 34:06.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% to use tilapia. 34:06.000 --> 34:08.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% We can make mistakes while we're trying to grow them, 34:08.200 --> 34:10.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% and they'll still be there. 34:10.366 --> 34:12.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I put together just a little chart over here 34:12.600 --> 34:14.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% to show you why. 34:14.033 --> 34:17.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% The reason for that is, is that tilapia have very wide 34:17.066 --> 34:18.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% tolerance ranges. 34:18.533 --> 34:21.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% In other words, they can stand different conditions 34:21.300 --> 34:23.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% over a wide span. 34:23.633 --> 34:25.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% Starting off with the first one. 34:25.666 --> 34:28.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% They'll grow just fine between the temperatures of 64 34:28.333 --> 34:30.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% to 90 degrees. 34:30.200 --> 34:33.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Over 26 degrees, and they'll handle it just fine. 34:33.733 --> 34:34.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:25% All right? 34:34.866 --> 34:36.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% You compare that with any other fish 34:36.333 --> 34:39.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% that we have around here, say the native Wisconsin fish, 34:39.200 --> 34:41.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% and they can withstand something more in the range of about 34:41.433 --> 34:44.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% five degree change, and then they would just die. 34:44.433 --> 34:47.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So it's nice to have a fish that'll take it easy on you 34:47.133 --> 34:48.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% if the temperature changes. 34:48.633 --> 34:51.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% The same goes for oxygen, pH, ammonia, 34:51.800 --> 34:53.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% which I spoke about already. 34:53.300 --> 34:54.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% Nitrites, carbon dioxide. 34:54.966 --> 34:59.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% This is a fish that has an amazingly wide tolerance range 34:59.300 --> 35:01.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% for almost all conditions. 35:01.633 --> 35:03.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And again, personally, I feel that that's one 35:03.933 --> 35:06.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% of the driving forces as to why people like to raise 35:06.566 --> 35:07.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% tilapia in aquaponics. 35:07.933 --> 35:10.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% They're afraid to make mistakes, and this is a fish 35:10.333 --> 35:12.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% that basically will say to you, it'll be all right. 35:12.866 --> 35:14.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% We'll get through this together. 35:14.733 --> 35:16.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:20% (laughs) Right? 35:16.766 --> 35:18.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% They also have another feature about them 35:18.366 --> 35:20.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% and that is, is that if you're raising them in the range, 35:20.800 --> 35:22.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% a temperature range they like, you get remarkable 35:22.766 --> 35:24.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% growth rates out of them. 35:24.300 --> 35:28.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% In others words, you can take a one-inch tilapia 35:28.233 --> 35:30.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and you can raise it to about a pound and a half 35:30.700 --> 35:33.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% to two pound tilapia in about six months. 35:33.866 --> 35:36.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% That's a rapid turnaround for a fish. 35:36.500 --> 35:39.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% But that helps in aquaponics because it means that 35:39.600 --> 35:43.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% you get a product out of your system every six months. 35:43.033 --> 35:45.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% And a lot of people, whether they're feeding themselves 35:45.533 --> 35:48.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% or their families, or whether they are trying to sell them 35:48.266 --> 35:49.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% to make this into a business, 35:49.900 --> 35:52.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% it's good that you get two crops a year 35:52.200 --> 35:55.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% out of your protein source in the system. 35:55.266 --> 35:57.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% Now how does that differ? 35:57.600 --> 36:00.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Well, I'll talk about this facility in a few minutes. 36:00.100 --> 36:01.833 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% As Chris Cirmo mentioned, 36:01.833 --> 36:03.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 36:03.433 --> 36:07.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% opened the Aquaponics Innovation Center this past April. 36:07.400 --> 36:09.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% It was a really nice event that kind of blew me away, 36:09.900 --> 36:11.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% especially because we had three days 36:11.333 --> 36:13.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% where we opened the doors and said, come on in and see 36:13.533 --> 36:14.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% what it's all about. 36:14.800 --> 36:17.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And in three days, we had 700 people pass through 36:17.433 --> 36:20.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% the facility, who all wanted to know about aquaponics. 36:20.533 --> 36:22.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% So really, it showed to me there's a tremendous interest 36:22.900 --> 36:25.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% out there, but it also is kind of unique. 36:25.533 --> 36:27.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% It catches people's eyes as they walk through it. 36:27.900 --> 36:29.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And then they would get kind of an excitement 36:29.766 --> 36:31.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% to get into it. 36:31.500 --> 36:33.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% One of the projects we're trying to do 36:33.366 --> 36:37.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% is we're trying to diversify that fish crop. 36:37.333 --> 36:39.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% Tilapia's good, it's forgiving. 36:39.733 --> 36:41.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% It grows fast. 36:41.566 --> 36:44.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% But if you wonder when you see tilapia in the stores 36:44.033 --> 36:46.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% and you see it on a restaurant menu, 36:46.433 --> 36:49.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% almost all the tilapia that you're consuming 36:49.266 --> 36:51.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% is a foreign import. 36:51.400 --> 36:53.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% It comes from fish farms elsewhere. 36:53.266 --> 36:55.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% In fact, 90% of the tilapia consumed in the U.S. 36:55.933 --> 36:58.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% is foreign imports of tilapia. 36:58.600 --> 37:00.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% And again, we kind of covered that a little bit. 37:00.433 --> 37:03.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Who knows where's it's been, where it hung out last night, 37:03.300 --> 37:05.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and who it was drinking partner with during the course 37:05.366 --> 37:07.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% of that night. 37:07.000 --> 37:09.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% What's in that tilapia at this point? 37:09.033 --> 37:10.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% We don't know it comes from a foreign country, 37:10.933 --> 37:15.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and it probably has not been inspected by the FDA. 37:15.100 --> 37:17.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% So one of the things that the Aquaponics Innovation Center 37:17.266 --> 37:19.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% is to do is to diversify its fish crop. 37:19.600 --> 37:22.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% And the angle we took from it is, well, 37:22.400 --> 37:25.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% why are we not raising in these aquaponics systems 37:25.200 --> 37:27.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% Wisconsin fish? 37:27.233 --> 37:29.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% We've got quite a number of fish here 37:29.400 --> 37:30.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% that should grow well in captivity, 37:30.966 --> 37:32.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% so let's give it a try. 37:32.466 --> 37:35.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And one of the fish that we started with here are Walleye. 37:35.733 --> 37:38.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Walleye show up on a lot of menus around here, 37:38.200 --> 37:40.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% especially on the Friday night fish fry, 37:40.333 --> 37:42.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% but it has always had kind of a draw back, 37:42.866 --> 37:45.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and that is, is that Walleye have always been farmed 37:45.166 --> 37:46.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:22.5% in ponds. 37:46.400 --> 37:48.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And when you raise a fish in a pond, 37:48.566 --> 37:51.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% you suffer through this, what do you want to call it, 37:51.066 --> 37:53.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% four to six month period known as winter? 37:53.400 --> 37:54.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:25% (chuckles) 37:54.566 --> 37:56.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% It really slows its growth down. 37:56.300 --> 37:59.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% So it generally takes a walleye farmer 37:59.433 --> 38:04.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% about one to two years to grow a walleye 38:04.066 --> 38:08.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% from a small size to even a one pound fish. 38:08.200 --> 38:10.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So what we have done is, is we've moved them indoors 38:10.700 --> 38:12.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% into the aquaponics system. 38:12.466 --> 38:16.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Now they're in a green house where they're growing 365 days 38:16.000 --> 38:17.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% out of the year. 38:17.466 --> 38:19.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And if you look at the blue and the purple line, 38:19.500 --> 38:21.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% this shows you the growth that we're getting 38:21.233 --> 38:24.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% between April, over a course of a year essentially, 38:24.533 --> 38:26.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% and we've been able to get a one and a half 38:26.833 --> 38:29.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% to one and three quarter-pound walleye 38:29.133 --> 38:32.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% to grow in a shorter period of about 38:32.166 --> 38:34.266 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% 10 to 12 months. 38:34.266 --> 38:36.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% Now fish farmers, aquaculture growers, they like that. 38:36.933 --> 38:39.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% That's at least one product a year. 38:39.633 --> 38:41.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% But then we're taking it a step further, 38:41.466 --> 38:44.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and we took these walleye and we basically mated them 38:44.566 --> 38:46.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% with their cousin, the sauger, 38:46.166 --> 38:48.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and created what we call hybrid walleyes. 38:48.700 --> 38:50.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Now somebody actually asked me the other day 38:50.533 --> 38:52.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and they said, oh you're creating the infamous 38:52.400 --> 38:54.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:30% Frankenfish. 38:54.166 --> 38:56.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% These are dangerous if they ever get out there. 38:56.200 --> 38:58.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% In this case, no we're not. 38:58.033 --> 39:00.000 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% Because you can go fish in the Mississippi River 39:00.000 --> 39:01.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% and you can catch a hybrid walleye. 39:01.800 --> 39:04.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% Sauger and walleye actually naturally reproduce 39:04.266 --> 39:05.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:42.5% with one another. 39:05.933 --> 39:08.000 align:start position:10% line:10% size:80% So these fish exist in the wild. 39:08.000 --> 39:09.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:45% We haven't created really anything new. 39:09.633 --> 39:11.566 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% We're just creating them in captivity. 39:11.566 --> 39:14.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% And then we added on here the green and the orange lines 39:14.466 --> 39:15.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:35% that are here. 39:15.866 --> 39:18.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And what we've been able to do is these hybrid fish, 39:18.466 --> 39:20.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% these hybrid walleye, show advanced growth. 39:20.466 --> 39:23.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% So we've been able to get them to a one and a half 39:23.066 --> 39:26.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% to two pound walleye in nine months. 39:26.566 --> 39:28.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And this is all in an aquaponics system. 39:28.966 --> 39:31.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So we basically label these as our phase one, phase two 39:31.600 --> 39:32.833 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% grow out periods. 39:32.833 --> 39:34.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% They start out this small, and over here, 39:34.933 --> 39:37.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% they're a two-pound fish, which is more than enough 39:37.400 --> 39:40.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% for a nice platter on a Friday night fish fry. 39:40.333 --> 39:42.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Most of that brought about simply by moving 39:42.800 --> 39:46.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% the whole process indoors into a green house. 39:46.233 --> 39:49.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So we do think that there's potential for introducing 39:49.266 --> 39:51.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% more and more types of local fish 39:51.633 --> 39:53.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% into the aquaponics production system, 39:53.966 --> 39:57.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and getting products out in as little as nine months, 39:57.466 --> 39:59.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% who knows, maybe if we try something else, 39:59.300 --> 40:01.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% we could even lower that and get closer to that 40:01.433 --> 40:03.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% six-month threshold with tilapia. 40:03.833 --> 40:06.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% So the potential is there, and we have some early success 40:06.400 --> 40:08.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% that's showing. 40:08.133 --> 40:10.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% And then on the other side of it, 40:10.100 --> 40:11.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% you've got to look at plants. 40:11.300 --> 40:12.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Well, the nice thing about aquaponics is, 40:12.900 --> 40:14.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% is that you can raise pretty much any plant 40:14.700 --> 40:16.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% that you want to. 40:16.133 --> 40:18.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% I just put them into four major categories here, 40:18.533 --> 40:20.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% which is leafy greens, your lettuces, 40:20.866 --> 40:23.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% your micro-greens, which a lot of restaurants like. 40:23.866 --> 40:27.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% Then your rooting crops; then of course your fruiting crops. 40:27.500 --> 40:30.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% You can raise any one of them and all of them 40:30.333 --> 40:31.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% in any type of aquaponics system. 40:31.833 --> 40:33.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% The only thing you have to keep in mind 40:33.833 --> 40:35.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% is your expectations. 40:35.333 --> 40:38.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% What I can tell is, is that your leafy greens like lettuce, 40:38.500 --> 40:42.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% you can grow from a seed to a nice full head of lettuce 40:42.100 --> 40:44.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% in six weeks. 40:44.400 --> 40:46.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So that basically gives you a rapid turnaround 40:46.700 --> 40:48.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% for your crops in that system. 40:48.566 --> 40:50.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% The microgreens, even shorter. 40:50.366 --> 40:52.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% You need about two, two and a half weeks, 40:52.400 --> 40:54.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and you can get microgreens produced. 40:54.566 --> 40:55.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% No problem there. 40:55.800 --> 40:57.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% It's your root crops and your fruit crops 40:57.766 --> 40:59.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% that basically you've got to give them a little more time. 40:59.966 --> 41:02.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% Root crops, whether they're radishes, 41:02.766 --> 41:04.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% or onions can be grown in it, 41:04.533 --> 41:06.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% but then you're talking about something more along the lines 41:06.600 --> 41:09.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% of about 10 to 12 weeks that it's going to take them. 41:09.700 --> 41:11.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% And of course, fruiting crops, 41:11.233 --> 41:13.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% that's where you've got to let the plant mature first 41:13.566 --> 41:15.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and flower, and then you've got to let the flower 41:15.700 --> 41:17.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% turn into the fruit. 41:17.133 --> 41:19.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So there you're looking at something that 41:19.033 --> 41:20.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% could be as short as three months, 41:20.633 --> 41:22.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% but more or less is usually on the same cycle 41:22.633 --> 41:24.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% as the tilapia and that you'll get your crops 41:24.800 --> 41:26.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% every six months. 41:26.733 --> 41:29.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% So they're all, possible in aquaponics, 41:29.333 --> 41:31.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% it's just you have to set your expectations 41:31.166 --> 41:33.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% where you expect to make those harvests 41:33.233 --> 41:36.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% based on the plants that you're growing. 41:36.100 --> 41:38.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% Now I wanted to bring it back to this, 41:38.900 --> 41:42.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and that is, is so you can grow any plant that you want. 41:42.233 --> 41:45.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% True, but the way or the system of the aquaponics 41:45.033 --> 41:48.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% that you raise them in has to be a little different. 41:48.733 --> 41:51.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% There are three plant production systems in aquaponics. 41:51.233 --> 41:54.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% The first one is known as the nutrient film technique. 41:54.800 --> 41:56.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% If you look at the picture over here, 41:56.866 --> 42:00.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% it should look a little familiar from a previous slide. 42:00.000 --> 42:03.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% That is what they raise hydroponic crops in. 42:03.366 --> 42:05.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% The concept is, is that you just have a gutter, 42:05.700 --> 42:07.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% and in that gutter basically is pumped in 42:07.700 --> 42:09.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% a little bit of water. 42:09.166 --> 42:11.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% If you pop the top off of the gutter, 42:11.066 --> 42:13.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% there's about a quarter to an eighth of an inch of water 42:13.633 --> 42:15.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% streaming down the middle of that gutter. 42:15.733 --> 42:19.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% The plants' roots basically kind of sway or flow into it 42:19.633 --> 42:22.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% to pick up the nutrients. 42:22.000 --> 42:24.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Why am I talking about nutrient film technique? 42:24.600 --> 42:26.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% Because it still exists in aquaponics 42:26.500 --> 42:29.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% because it's the best way to get hydroponic growers 42:29.333 --> 42:31.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% to convert over to aquaponics growers. 42:31.666 --> 42:33.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% They already have the infrastructure, 42:33.666 --> 42:35.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% they just have to add the fish into it 42:35.500 --> 42:37.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% and stop adding in all those inorganic nutrients 42:37.733 --> 42:40.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% into it instead. 42:40.000 --> 42:42.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% So it has a constant flow of water. 42:42.100 --> 42:44.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% It has a really small amount of water 42:44.400 --> 42:45.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% that has to flow through the system, 42:45.833 --> 42:47.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% since it's only about a quarter to an eighth 42:47.800 --> 42:49.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% of an inch thick. 42:49.466 --> 42:53.200 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% But the disadvantages to it, is that you need a biofilter. 42:53.200 --> 42:55.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% Because that water coming through it is so thin, 42:55.966 --> 42:58.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% not only do the plant roots grow in it, 42:58.100 --> 43:00.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% but a lot of algae tends to grow in it as well. 43:00.600 --> 43:02.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And you've got to filter out that algae, 43:02.266 --> 43:04.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% or they'll use up all the nutrients right away, 43:04.500 --> 43:06.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and then your plants will basically just start to die off. 43:06.833 --> 43:08.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% So you have to have some biofilter. 43:08.800 --> 43:10.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% The other is, is that you get lower yields 43:10.733 --> 43:12.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% from the other systems that I'll show you 43:12.866 --> 43:15.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% because the plants are nice and evenly spaced, 43:15.000 --> 43:17.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% but you're limited by the length of these gutters. 43:17.833 --> 43:20.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% The other is, is if you actually wanted to do aquaponics 43:20.700 --> 43:23.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% with nutrient film technique, you'd have to buy 43:23.133 --> 43:25.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% the hydroponic components or infrastructure, 43:25.733 --> 43:28.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% and they tend to be very pricey. 43:28.333 --> 43:30.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% So you would have a higher startup cost there. 43:30.833 --> 43:34.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And overall, the system is of a low stability. 43:34.900 --> 43:37.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And the reason for that is, is that it has the least 43:37.533 --> 43:39.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% amount of water in it compared to the other systems 43:39.700 --> 43:42.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% I'll show you because they only have that quarter inch 43:42.333 --> 43:44.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% of water flowing by the plants. 43:44.733 --> 43:46.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% So if you were to add a little bit of this 43:46.933 --> 43:48.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% or a little bit of that and then too much 43:48.566 --> 43:50.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% of a third component, there's too much of it 43:50.600 --> 43:52.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% flowing through everything. 43:52.033 --> 43:55.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% It doesn't get dilute within the system. 43:55.000 --> 43:56.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% The other is, is that these plants, 43:56.800 --> 43:59.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% because they're at a low density and you have such little water, 43:59.400 --> 44:01.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% the nutrient uptake is relatively low, 44:01.533 --> 44:05.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% which means nutrient-rich water is returning back 44:05.533 --> 44:07.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% to your fish, and they can only withstand that 44:07.900 --> 44:09.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% for a while before they start to suffer 44:09.700 --> 44:12.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% due to polluted water conditions. 44:12.633 --> 44:14.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:37.5% So like I said, nutrient film technique, 44:14.433 --> 44:17.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% generally a holdover from hydroponics. 44:17.900 --> 44:19.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% But some people like it because it's clean, 44:19.966 --> 44:22.233 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% it's compact, it fits into a nice space, 44:22.233 --> 44:25.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% and doesn't require really that much water. 44:26.033 --> 44:29.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% Another type is referred to as the media grow beds. 44:29.600 --> 44:31.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% And media grow beds, as you can see here, 44:31.966 --> 44:34.833 align:start position:10% line:10% size:75% are essentially large channels 44:34.833 --> 44:37.366 align:start position:10% line:10% size:45% in which some type of media or substrate 44:37.366 --> 44:39.366 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% is put into the bottom of it. 44:39.366 --> 44:42.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% There's really only one requirement for that substrate, 44:42.566 --> 44:46.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and that is, is that it must not dissolve in water. 44:46.266 --> 44:48.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Because the only thing the substrate is doing, 44:48.400 --> 44:51.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% is it's providing a surface for the roots of the plants 44:51.233 --> 44:52.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% to grab on to. 44:52.966 --> 44:54.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% So where we see media-based systems, 44:54.733 --> 44:56.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% and you can see it in this picture here, 44:56.666 --> 44:58.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% is where you get tall plants. 44:58.566 --> 45:01.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% Tall plants need strong root structures, 45:01.333 --> 45:03.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and they hold on to the substrate and the media 45:03.933 --> 45:05.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% that's down there. 45:05.500 --> 45:07.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% So if you start talking about growing things, like I said, 45:07.800 --> 45:11.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, 45:11.000 --> 45:12.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% you're going to want a media-based system 45:12.800 --> 45:17.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% because these plants need to dig in to grow up. 45:17.366 --> 45:19.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% As I put up here, the advantages is, 45:19.166 --> 45:22.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% the media that's in here acts as the biofilter. 45:22.700 --> 45:25.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% As the water flows through pipes in the system, 45:25.366 --> 45:27.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% that basically rains water out, 45:27.100 --> 45:30.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% it's carrying some of those waste products, 45:30.033 --> 45:33.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% fish manure in them, and they'll land in that media, 45:33.100 --> 45:34.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% and the media will cling on to them, 45:34.733 --> 45:36.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% and then have decomposition take place 45:36.733 --> 45:39.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% right in the media bed. 45:39.000 --> 45:41.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% So the solids are actually found in the media, 45:41.333 --> 45:44.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% but the other thing you find is that if you dig in there, 45:44.266 --> 45:47.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and bring it up, you'll not only come up with a handful 45:47.000 --> 45:50.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% of media, but you'll come up with a handful of fish manure. 45:50.100 --> 45:53.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% And what's there as well are the bacteria breaking it down. 45:53.833 --> 45:56.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% So instead of having a mineralization tank, 45:56.100 --> 45:58.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% you actually have bacteria growing down the bottom 45:58.900 --> 46:01.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% of these media-based beds. 46:01.133 --> 46:03.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% That helps compact the space a little bit. 46:03.300 --> 46:05.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% The disadvantages is, is that you need a lot of water 46:05.966 --> 46:08.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% flowing through the system. 46:08.566 --> 46:10.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% You also have difficulties when it comes 46:10.433 --> 46:11.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% to maintenance and cleaning. 46:11.900 --> 46:14.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% As I just said, dig your hand down into that media, 46:14.933 --> 46:17.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and you'll come up with fish manure and bacteria. 46:17.033 --> 46:19.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% A lot of people don't like the odor of that. 46:19.000 --> 46:20.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% They don't like the sight of that. 46:20.233 --> 46:21.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% Well, if you want to clean it out, 46:21.633 --> 46:23.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% you pretty much have to remove your plants, 46:23.366 --> 46:25.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% hose down the media, wash it out, 46:25.900 --> 46:28.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% re-plant your plants and start all over again. 46:28.600 --> 46:30.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% So there's a high maintenance cost when it comes to 46:30.800 --> 46:32.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% these media-based systems. 46:32.433 --> 46:34.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And obviously here, as you get those solids 46:34.566 --> 46:37.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% from the fish manure building up in here, 46:37.000 --> 46:39.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% you can get clumps of these manure, 46:39.033 --> 46:41.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% which then basically channels the water through the system. 46:41.833 --> 46:43.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And if your plants are not growing anywhere 46:43.733 --> 46:45.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% near the channel, they start to droop 46:45.400 --> 46:48.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% because they're not getting all the water that they need. 46:48.766 --> 46:51.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% On the flip side of it, is that the nutrient uptake 46:51.433 --> 46:53.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% by the plants is very high. 46:53.133 --> 46:56.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% They're sitting right there amongst the bacteria 46:56.000 --> 46:58.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% having the conversion of the nutrients done for them, 46:58.800 --> 47:00.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and they immediately take up the nutrients. 47:00.800 --> 47:03.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% So there's a rapid uptake of nutrients in these systems, 47:03.666 --> 47:06.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and you get fairly rapid growth of all these 47:06.400 --> 47:09.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% different types of plants that you're trying to grow. 47:09.600 --> 47:12.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And then that brings us to the third type, 47:12.366 --> 47:14.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% which is known as the deep water culture, 47:14.333 --> 47:16.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% or also known as the raft system. 47:16.800 --> 47:19.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% As more of a fish biologist than a plant grower, 47:19.666 --> 47:21.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I always laugh when I see deep water culture, 47:21.700 --> 47:24.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% because these are basically what they refer to 47:24.333 --> 47:26.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% as large ponds or pools that you're going to put 47:26.533 --> 47:27.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% the plants in. 47:27.700 --> 47:29.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% They're a foot deep. 47:29.800 --> 47:32.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Maybe for a botanist, that's a deep water culture. 47:32.400 --> 47:35.000 align:start position:10% line:74% size:52.5% For a fish biologist, I'm thinking thirty, forty-feet deep. 47:35.000 --> 47:36.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:20% (laughs) 47:36.333 --> 47:38.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% So essentially, they're a foot deep. 47:38.466 --> 47:40.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% Where they get their raft name from 47:40.300 --> 47:43.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% is that you have Styrofoam rafts that literally float 47:43.033 --> 47:44.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% on top of that water, 47:44.566 --> 47:47.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and your plants are planted in holes that poke through 47:47.533 --> 47:49.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% the styrofoam. 47:49.333 --> 47:53.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% The roots dangle down into this deep pool full of nutrients, 47:53.233 --> 47:56.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and the plants grow on the top side of that. 47:56.233 --> 47:59.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% It's probably the most common system in aquaponics 47:59.133 --> 48:02.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% for raising the plants because you can build these rafts 48:02.866 --> 48:05.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% of any different sizes. 48:05.200 --> 48:08.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% It's easy to float foam right on top of the water. 48:08.200 --> 48:10.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And the other thing, as you can see in the picture, 48:10.933 --> 48:13.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% it's primarily used for growing the leafy greens. 48:13.666 --> 48:15.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% The ones that have a six-week turnaround 48:15.600 --> 48:17.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% from seed to harvest. 48:17.733 --> 48:19.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% You can probably also see the drawback. 48:19.566 --> 48:22.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% I mean, why do they not use these for growing tomato plants? 48:22.166 --> 48:24.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Well, the roots would grow down into the deep water, 48:24.366 --> 48:26.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% the plant would grow up on the top, 48:26.100 --> 48:29.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% as soon as the plant's top growth is bigger than the roots, 48:29.333 --> 48:31.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% it would flip over. 48:31.166 --> 48:33.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% Because it's just floating as a raft. 48:33.533 --> 48:36.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So they use shorter growing plants such as the microgreens 48:36.500 --> 48:38.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% and the leafy greens. 48:38.633 --> 48:41.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% There's a constant flow of water going through it. 48:41.600 --> 48:44.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% You don't have to have an enormous amount of water. 48:44.300 --> 48:46.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% It basically sits in these pools until the water 48:46.700 --> 48:48.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% gets replenished by a pump. 48:48.600 --> 48:50.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% And it's easy to maintain and clean 48:50.566 --> 48:53.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% because you literally just lift up the rafts, 48:53.700 --> 48:54.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% scrub them down. 48:54.966 --> 48:57.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% If the deep water looks dirty, you flush it out. 48:57.900 --> 49:00.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% You fill it with more water and you seal it back up again 49:00.533 --> 49:01.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% and it's all ready to grow. 49:01.866 --> 49:04.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% And you can do that in an hour or so. 49:04.600 --> 49:07.233 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% You may need a biofilter. 49:07.233 --> 49:09.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% Another nice thing about it is the bacteria, 49:09.266 --> 49:11.200 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% those beneficial bacteria really like to grow 49:11.200 --> 49:13.333 align:start position:10% line:10% size:72.5% in these deep water cultures. 49:13.333 --> 49:14.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:77.5% But sometimes, it's not enough. 49:14.933 --> 49:16.433 align:start position:10% line:10% size:75% You need more of the bacteria. 49:16.433 --> 49:18.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% So you may actually have to have one of those 49:18.533 --> 49:20.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% mineralization tanks. 49:20.466 --> 49:23.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% There is a large volume of water going through it. 49:23.100 --> 49:24.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% You can also aerate the roots, 49:24.966 --> 49:26.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% so that you get healthy root growth, 49:26.933 --> 49:29.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% which usually leads to healthy leafy growth, 49:29.333 --> 49:32.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% and the nutrient uptake by the plants is really, really high 49:32.400 --> 49:33.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% in these systems. 49:33.733 --> 49:35.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So again, they are the most common. 49:35.766 --> 49:37.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% They're the most talked about and studied 49:37.866 --> 49:40.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% not only because they seem to be the most efficient 49:40.533 --> 49:42.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and productive, but on the flip side, 49:42.300 --> 49:44.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% you have to look at it and say, 49:44.066 --> 49:46.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% I can't grow all the different crops I want. 49:46.066 --> 49:48.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I can only grow those that will float on top 49:48.033 --> 49:50.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% of these rafts and not turn the thing over 49:50.133 --> 49:54.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% and drown out all your plants. 49:54.066 --> 49:55.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% Now I didn't forget about them, 49:55.666 --> 49:57.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and I wanted to come back and that is, 49:57.500 --> 50:00.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% whether you call them beneficial bacteria 50:00.166 --> 50:02.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% or you call them aquaponic biofilm, 50:02.566 --> 50:05.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% you have to remember that if you're an aquaponic producer, 50:05.600 --> 50:07.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% you're growing the fish and you're growing the plants, 50:07.933 --> 50:11.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% which you can see, but you're also cultivating bacteria. 50:11.100 --> 50:13.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Before you look at that and say, wow, those bacteria 50:13.833 --> 50:15.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% they look fascinating. 50:15.400 --> 50:17.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% No, that's just plastic. 50:17.066 --> 50:18.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% The brown, goopy stuff? 50:18.400 --> 50:19.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% That's the bacteria. 50:21.033 --> 50:24.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% All the plastic does is, is that if you didn't give 50:24.166 --> 50:25.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% the bacteria something to hold on to, 50:25.833 --> 50:28.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% it would be going on a water park ride 50:28.266 --> 50:30.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% all throughout your aquaponics system 50:30.400 --> 50:31.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% and suffering pretty bad. 50:31.900 --> 50:34.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% You want them to sit still and you want them to do 50:34.300 --> 50:35.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% the conversions that you want, 50:35.800 --> 50:39.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% so you just give them things like plastic to hold on to. 50:39.266 --> 50:41.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And then they'll stay in your filtration systems 50:41.333 --> 50:43.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% or your filtration tanks. 50:43.866 --> 50:45.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% What are they? 50:45.300 --> 50:47.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Well, there's their official name in case you wanted 50:47.266 --> 50:51.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% to memorize it for the quiz after the presentation. 50:51.233 --> 50:53.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Nitrifying autotrophic bacteria consortium. 50:53.666 --> 50:55.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% Sounds intimidating, actually. 50:55.466 --> 50:56.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:20% (laughs) 50:56.633 --> 50:58.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% It's made up of two groups: the nitroso-bacteria 50:58.866 --> 51:00.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% and the nitro-bacteria. 51:00.766 --> 51:02.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% What do they do? 51:02.100 --> 51:04.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Well, as I mentioned before, fish give off a lot 51:04.933 --> 51:07.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% of their waste in the form of ammonia. 51:07.166 --> 51:08.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% What do we know about ammonia? 51:08.733 --> 51:12.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% It's highly toxic to fish, and it's very toxic to plants. 51:12.733 --> 51:15.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% That would shut down your aquaponics system in an instant. 51:15.766 --> 51:18.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% So instead, your nitroso-bacteria group 51:18.800 --> 51:22.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% essentially converts it to nitrite, 51:22.033 --> 51:24.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% an important step because fish are a lot more tolerant 51:24.866 --> 51:27.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% to nitrite, and some plants don't mind taking up nitrite 51:27.833 --> 51:31.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% and they do further conversion in their roots to nitrate. 51:31.033 --> 51:34.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% But luckily, we have the nitro-bacteria here as well, 51:34.666 --> 51:38.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% and they complete the conversion of nitrite to nitrate. 51:38.366 --> 51:40.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% What's beneficial about that? 51:40.100 --> 51:42.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% That's the form of nitrogen that plants will readily 51:42.500 --> 51:45.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% uptake and automatically put it into actual growth. 51:45.733 --> 51:48.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And the other thing is, is fish are very tolerant 51:48.766 --> 51:50.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% of high nitrate levels. 51:50.533 --> 51:52.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% So if they do build up in your system 51:52.333 --> 51:54.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% because the plants aren't taking the nitrates up 51:54.200 --> 51:55.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% fast enough, it doesn't matter. 51:55.933 --> 51:58.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% It's just like water over the fish's back. 51:58.300 --> 52:00.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% It'll just pass right by them in the water. 52:00.866 --> 52:05.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% It's not toxic to them, except at extremely high levels, 52:05.166 --> 52:07.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% which are usually never achieved. 52:07.200 --> 52:08.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% So always keep that in mind. 52:08.466 --> 52:10.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% If you ever visit an aquaponics facility, 52:10.400 --> 52:12.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% most of the growers will show off their fish, 52:12.400 --> 52:13.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% they'll show you the little ones, 52:13.766 --> 52:15.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% they'll show you the big ones 52:15.100 --> 52:16.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and they'll say, look at the growth we're getting. 52:16.800 --> 52:18.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Then they'll show you the plants and they'll say, 52:18.666 --> 52:20.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% do you want to try some and taste it? 52:20.333 --> 52:21.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% Now you know the secret, 52:21.666 --> 52:24.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% walk up to them and say, yeah, that's all well and good, 52:24.033 --> 52:26.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% but show me the real stars of the system. 52:26.000 --> 52:27.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% Show me the bacteria. 52:27.766 --> 52:29.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% They'll probably either look at you very funny 52:29.700 --> 52:31.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% or kick you out. (laughs) 52:31.533 --> 52:33.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% But they'll immediately know, 52:33.000 --> 52:35.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% you know a lot about aquaponics at that point, 52:35.333 --> 52:37.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% because that's really the star of the system. 52:37.333 --> 52:40.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Without their conversion, the whole system of fish 52:40.100 --> 52:41.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% and plants doesn't work. 52:44.433 --> 52:46.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And that basically brings full circle, 52:46.266 --> 52:48.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% this aquaponics cycle. 52:48.400 --> 52:51.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% It's a symbiotic relationship, as you now know, 52:51.533 --> 52:54.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% between fish, microorganisms and plants. 52:54.800 --> 52:57.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Each one of them feeding off of the next one 52:57.333 --> 53:00.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and replenishing the water in the system. 53:00.300 --> 53:02.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% The other aspect about it, 53:02.133 --> 53:04.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% and I've heard so many talks by different 53:04.066 --> 53:06.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% aquaponics scientists, is they said, 53:06.400 --> 53:09.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% aquaculture has some drawbacks. 53:09.433 --> 53:12.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Especially if you talk about recycling aquaculture. 53:12.133 --> 53:13.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% Well, why is that? 53:13.500 --> 53:14.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% We just covered it. 53:14.733 --> 53:17.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Fish produce ammonia, which is toxic to them. 53:17.266 --> 53:20.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So aquaculture spends an enormous amount of time 53:20.266 --> 53:23.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% either mechanically or chemically trying to get ammonia 53:23.666 --> 53:25.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% out of the system. 53:25.100 --> 53:26.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% And it's a tough thing to do. 53:26.766 --> 53:29.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% On the hydroponics side, 53:29.333 --> 53:31.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% the negative part is, is you're totally dependent 53:31.566 --> 53:36.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% upon industrialized or mined minerals and nutrients 53:36.133 --> 53:38.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% to put into your system. 53:38.333 --> 53:41.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% If the shipment comes late, or if the price goes up, 53:41.366 --> 53:43.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% it impacts your hydroponic system. 53:43.600 --> 53:45.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% But if you take the best of those worlds, 53:45.866 --> 53:47.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% the fish and the plants, put them together 53:47.800 --> 53:49.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% with the bacteria, all of a sudden, 53:49.966 --> 53:53.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% everything seems to hit this symbiosis or equilibrium. 53:53.966 --> 53:55.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% The fish are producing the minerals, 53:55.733 --> 53:57.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% the minerals are converted by the bacteria, 53:57.966 --> 53:59.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% the plants absorb the minerals, 53:59.966 --> 54:02.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and the water goes right back to the fish. 54:02.900 --> 54:06.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And most aquaculturists, most aquaponic growers 54:06.633 --> 54:08.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% will look at you and you'll say, 54:08.033 --> 54:09.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% well how is that possible? 54:09.433 --> 54:12.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% And they said, I don't know, it just happens. 54:12.766 --> 54:14.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% It's amazing how the three of these organisms, 54:14.866 --> 54:17.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% or group of organisms, relate to one another 54:17.033 --> 54:18.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% and help each other out. 54:18.666 --> 54:21.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% I put together a little slide here, 54:21.500 --> 54:23.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% and these are some of the answers 54:23.100 --> 54:24.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% I've heard these experts say. 54:24.600 --> 54:26.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% They've said, why does it work? 54:26.200 --> 54:28.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% As a scientist, you can't just sit there and say, 54:28.800 --> 54:31.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% wow that sounds great, it's a symbiotic relationship, 54:31.400 --> 54:33.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% let's all watch them sing Kumbaya, 54:33.700 --> 54:36.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% and everybody will grow nicely. 54:36.766 --> 54:39.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% But scientists say, but why does it work. 54:39.733 --> 54:42.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Well, one of the things is, is that you get this 54:42.200 --> 54:45.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% optimal ratio between the fish and the plants. 54:45.666 --> 54:48.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% It's based upon that nutrient uptake. 54:48.800 --> 54:50.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% I put this little table together over here 54:50.733 --> 54:52.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% because as a scientist, I want to know the answers 54:52.900 --> 54:54.833 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% to why it works. 54:54.833 --> 54:58.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% What I did was, is I took a label off of a bag of fish food. 54:58.433 --> 55:00.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And those are the ingredients that they listed 55:00.366 --> 55:01.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% on that label. 55:01.600 --> 55:04.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% And then I picked out my book on plant growth 55:04.466 --> 55:06.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% and horticulture, and I put down a list 55:06.633 --> 55:08.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% of all the minerals and nutrients that a plant 55:08.966 --> 55:10.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% needs to grow. 55:10.466 --> 55:12.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% Just take a look at that list. 55:12.866 --> 55:17.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% All the same, until you get down to this level right here. 55:17.200 --> 55:19.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% Now one of them I highlighted on the bottom, 55:19.633 --> 55:22.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% that is plants need nitrogen while fish waste contains 55:22.133 --> 55:24.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% protein, protein is made up of nitrogen, 55:24.733 --> 55:26.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% so the plants are getting the nitrogen. 55:26.633 --> 55:28.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% So it's really this little group here. 55:28.733 --> 55:31.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% The plants are not getting all the boron, molybdenum 55:31.000 --> 55:33.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% and sulphur that they could possibly want 55:33.133 --> 55:35.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% that you would have to monitor. 55:35.200 --> 55:37.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Well, the nice thing is, is those three have asterisks 55:37.700 --> 55:40.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% because they're micro-nutrients for plants. 55:40.200 --> 55:42.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% In other words, they need trace quantities. 55:42.900 --> 55:45.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And it actually turns out that there may be a chance 55:45.400 --> 55:47.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% that the water you're putting into the system, 55:47.366 --> 55:50.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% say, from a well, already contains trace quantities 55:50.166 --> 55:52.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% of these micro-nutrients. 55:52.633 --> 55:55.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So there have been very little studies or reports 55:55.700 --> 55:58.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% that have come out that have said aquaponics didn't work 55:58.566 --> 56:01.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% because my boron or molybdenum was too low. 56:01.933 --> 56:03.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% Most people find it actually finds its way 56:03.533 --> 56:04.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% into the system. 56:04.866 --> 56:06.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% There have been a couple that have said 56:06.633 --> 56:08.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% you may have to supplement just little trace quantities 56:08.766 --> 56:11.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% of sulphur into the system, but it really depends 56:11.233 --> 56:13.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% upon what fish you're growing since the source 56:13.766 --> 56:16.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% is the fish food for these nutrients. 56:16.433 --> 56:18.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% This is tilapia food, there are some fish foods 56:18.900 --> 56:20.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% that have a little bit of sulphur in them 56:20.866 --> 56:22.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% so they may be getting it anyhow. 56:22.866 --> 56:25.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% And if you're wondering, the cobalt, selenium and iodine, 56:25.100 --> 56:27.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% those are trace elements in fish food anyhow, 56:27.566 --> 56:30.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% so they're not accumulating within the system. 56:30.133 --> 56:32.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% The plants aren't using them, and they probably, 56:32.966 --> 56:35.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% through evaporation, through cleaning of the system, 56:35.233 --> 56:37.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% you'll probably flush them out anyhow. 56:37.633 --> 56:39.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% So that's one aspect of it. 56:39.766 --> 56:42.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Again, what they find is, is that for aquaponics 56:42.900 --> 56:45.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% to work efficiently, you have to feed about 60 56:45.900 --> 56:48.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% to 100 grams of fish food per day 56:48.833 --> 56:52.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% to a square meter of plants that you're growing 56:52.033 --> 56:53.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% within the system. 56:53.400 --> 56:55.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Turns out that if you compare that to aquaculture, 56:55.900 --> 56:57.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% that's actually a really low feeding rate. 56:57.833 --> 57:00.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% So technically, you can underfeed your fish 57:00.433 --> 57:03.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% in an aquaponics system and still get abundant 57:03.066 --> 57:04.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% plant growth. 57:04.500 --> 57:06.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Now I'm not saying you should do that 57:06.300 --> 57:08.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% because you probably also want to harvest your fish 57:08.133 --> 57:09.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:35% after a while. 57:09.566 --> 57:11.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% So you're probably feeding the fish all they need, 57:11.933 --> 57:13.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% and the plants are actually getting an abundance 57:13.566 --> 57:16.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% of nutrients that they need. 57:16.233 --> 57:18.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% But that right balance as I mentioned 57:18.466 --> 57:20.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% is really based upon a couple of things. 57:20.700 --> 57:22.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% The types of fish that you're growing, 57:22.466 --> 57:26.066 align:start position:10% line:74% size:40% the plant growth platform, whether it was the nutrient film, 57:26.066 --> 57:28.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% the media-based or the raft, 57:28.600 --> 57:30.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% as well as the type of plant. 57:30.966 --> 57:33.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% Some plants such as your flowering plants 57:33.066 --> 57:36.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% won't actually set fruit unless they have higher 57:36.300 --> 57:39.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% or elevated levels of nitrate in the system. 57:39.400 --> 57:41.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So you may actually have to increase your fish feeding 57:41.966 --> 57:43.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% to get that spike in nitrate 57:43.666 --> 57:45.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and then your flowering plants will suddenly start 57:45.400 --> 57:47.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% to grow their fruits on them. 57:47.100 --> 57:50.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And then it also depends on your chemical composition 57:50.000 --> 57:51.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% of the water. 57:51.433 --> 57:53.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Again, where are you getting your water source from? 57:53.266 --> 57:56.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% Does it have boron, molybdenum or suplhur already in it, 57:56.100 --> 57:58.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% So it's always good to get a water chemistry test done 57:58.700 --> 58:00.500 align:start position:10% line:10% size:80% of your well water to figure out 58:00.500 --> 58:04.000 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% what all the compounds are that are inside of it. 58:04.000 --> 58:07.266 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% And again, the study we're doing now with those walleye, 58:07.266 --> 58:09.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% to me, is going to be an intriguing study. 58:09.700 --> 58:12.300 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% Because tilapia are more kind of like the herbivores, 58:12.300 --> 58:14.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:37.5% but walleye are obviously carnivores. 58:14.966 --> 58:17.766 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% Therefore, what's in their diet or in their fish food 58:17.766 --> 58:19.666 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% is dramatically different between the two of them. 58:19.666 --> 58:21.600 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% I wish I could stand here and show you, 58:21.600 --> 58:22.833 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% now here's the results, 58:22.833 --> 58:25.133 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% but our walleye are now four months old. 58:25.133 --> 58:27.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% And I told you they have to grow 10 to 12 months, 58:27.533 --> 58:30.233 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% and we've been harvesting plants out of the system 58:30.233 --> 58:32.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:50% at actually the same rate as the tilapia. 58:32.533 --> 58:34.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% So it appears the plants are getting what they need, 58:34.700 --> 58:36.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% but we're kind of looking to see if their nutrient 58:36.900 --> 58:38.033 align:start position:10% line:10% size:40% composition is a little different. 58:38.033 --> 58:39.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% You'll just have stay tuned for that, 58:39.566 --> 58:41.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% we still got at least another six months 58:41.066 --> 58:43.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% before we've got the results from that to share with you. 58:43.300 --> 58:45.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And then the other part I mentioned is, 58:45.200 --> 58:48.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% is that it allows for year-round farming. 58:48.333 --> 58:50.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% And that shouldn't be ignored. 58:50.000 --> 58:52.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% If you're living down, say, in Florida, 58:52.066 --> 58:54.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% they already do year-round agricultural production 58:54.633 --> 58:55.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% down there. 58:55.866 --> 58:57.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% But as I said, how nice would it be 58:57.600 --> 59:00.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% to walk into a greenhouse in the middle of January 59:00.133 --> 59:02.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% or February in Wisconsin and hand-pick your fresh, 59:02.733 --> 59:05.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% well, I shy away from picking cucumbers, 59:05.166 --> 59:08.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% but your hand-picked tomatoes or your corn 59:08.366 --> 59:11.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% or your peppers that are growing right there 59:11.166 --> 59:13.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% in the middle of February in this tropical environment 59:13.966 --> 59:15.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% in the middle of Wisconsin? 59:15.500 --> 59:17.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% So it has a lot of potential there 59:17.100 --> 59:19.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% to get people back to eating their fresh fruits 59:19.333 --> 59:21.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% and vegetables in the middle of winter, 59:21.700 --> 59:23.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% that were grown right next door. 59:23.600 --> 59:27.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% And again, I don't want to make it sound like aquaponics 59:27.900 --> 59:29.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% is the savior of all. 59:29.966 --> 59:32.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% Aquaponics is a compromise. 59:32.733 --> 59:35.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Again, putting the major players up there. 59:35.266 --> 59:36.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% Consider their tolerances. 59:36.700 --> 59:39.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% As I mentioned, the fish are between 60 to 80 degrees. 59:39.600 --> 59:42.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% There's also pH, they like seven to eight. 59:42.866 --> 59:45.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% If we look at plants, most plants like 60 to 80. 59:45.866 --> 59:48.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% Hey, there's a good match-up right there. 59:48.500 --> 59:51.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% On the other hand, plants actually prefer a pH 59:51.733 --> 59:54.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% that's a little acidic, fish don't. 59:54.533 --> 59:57.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Uh oh, they're not directly on par with one another. 59:57.533 --> 01:00:01.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Well, don't forget these guys, the beneficial bacteria, 01:00:01.000 --> 01:00:02.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% you're farming them as well. 01:00:02.466 --> 01:00:04.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% And what you see is, is there were two different groups 01:00:04.833 --> 01:00:07.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% of bacteria, one doing the ammonia to nitrite, 01:00:07.133 --> 01:00:09.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% another doing the nitrite to nitrate. 01:00:09.466 --> 01:00:13.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Well, the nitrous ammonus is pretty good, 68 to 86 01:00:13.100 --> 01:00:14.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% and 7.8 to eight. 01:00:14.866 --> 01:00:16.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% That matches up well with the fish. 01:00:16.500 --> 01:00:20.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% But those nitrobacter converting the nitrite to nitrate, 01:00:20.200 --> 01:00:22.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% they're heat lovers. 01:00:22.166 --> 01:00:23.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% They really want that system 01:00:23.333 --> 01:00:24.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% running at a much higher temperature. 01:00:24.866 --> 01:00:27.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And as you can see, their pH is pretty neutral. 01:00:27.866 --> 01:00:30.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So if you really look at all three of those crops 01:00:30.233 --> 01:00:32.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% you're raising, you have to have to pick something 01:00:32.533 --> 01:00:34.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:27.5% to set your aquaponics system at. 01:00:34.600 --> 01:00:36.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% I mean, what temperature do you want it at? 01:00:36.600 --> 01:00:38.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% What pH do you want the water at? 01:00:38.566 --> 01:00:41.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Turns out that what most aquaponics operates at 01:00:41.766 --> 01:00:43.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% is a compromise. 01:00:43.733 --> 01:00:45.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% It's about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit 01:00:45.833 --> 01:00:48.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% and about a pH of seven or neutral. 01:00:48.833 --> 01:00:50.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% What does it mean? 01:00:50.300 --> 01:00:52.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Well, it means you can do aquaponics. 01:00:52.233 --> 01:00:54.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% You can grow fish, plants and bacteria. 01:00:54.800 --> 01:00:56.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% But you're probably not going to grow them 01:00:56.566 --> 01:00:58.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% at the fastest rate possible. 01:00:58.866 --> 01:01:00.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% You have to set your expectations 01:01:00.566 --> 01:01:02.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% right where they need to be, which is, 01:01:02.300 --> 01:01:05.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% I'll get great growth, I won't get super great growth 01:01:05.466 --> 01:01:08.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% out of my system, because everything is being compromised 01:01:08.000 --> 01:01:09.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% a little bit. 01:01:09.133 --> 01:01:10.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And that's something to keep in mind. 01:01:10.600 --> 01:01:13.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% As I said, it's not the answer to all the problems, 01:01:13.100 --> 01:01:15.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% but it is one of the potential solutions. 01:01:17.033 --> 01:01:19.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Another question, and I actually was asked this, 01:01:19.200 --> 01:01:21.266 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% this morning on the radio, 01:01:21.266 --> 01:01:22.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and that is somebody said to me, well, 01:01:22.966 --> 01:01:24.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% but who's doing aquaponics? 01:01:24.566 --> 01:01:26.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Is this just for that person who wants something set up 01:01:26.966 --> 01:01:28.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% in their garage? 01:01:28.233 --> 01:01:31.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% Or is this an industrial complex? 01:01:31.233 --> 01:01:34.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Well, my answer is, is that aquaponics is scalable. 01:01:34.466 --> 01:01:36.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% I suggest anybody getting into it, 01:01:36.233 --> 01:01:37.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% gets into it on a small scale. 01:01:37.933 --> 01:01:40.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Set up your own home or hobby system, 01:01:40.833 --> 01:01:43.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% in your backyard or in your garage, 01:01:43.366 --> 01:01:44.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% and have some fun with it. 01:01:44.766 --> 01:01:47.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Try the fish and the plants and try to match up 01:01:47.100 --> 01:01:50.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% what you'd like to grow and what is a good compromise. 01:01:50.133 --> 01:01:52.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% Most people get into it that way. 01:01:52.600 --> 01:01:54.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And what they find is, is they're suddenly raising 01:01:54.433 --> 01:01:56.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% a lot more vegetables than they can eat. 01:01:56.533 --> 01:01:58.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So that takes it to the next one and they say, 01:01:58.800 --> 01:02:00.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% well, if I'm doing that, I might as well start selling 01:02:00.700 --> 01:02:01.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:27.5% some of it. 01:02:01.933 --> 01:02:04.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% So they go to the Farmer's Market, a nice local market, 01:02:04.066 --> 01:02:05.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% where they can sell all their crops. 01:02:05.733 --> 01:02:07.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% The next thing you know, their system has outgrown 01:02:07.933 --> 01:02:10.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% their little shed and it's sticking now into their lawn. 01:02:10.566 --> 01:02:13.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% And now they're into a slightly larger size system. 01:02:13.766 --> 01:02:15.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% They also look at that and say, 01:02:15.300 --> 01:02:18.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% well, a lot of people stop by and want to see 01:02:18.033 --> 01:02:19.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% what it is I'm doing. 01:02:19.500 --> 01:02:22.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% So now we get into the social and community aquaponics. 01:02:22.500 --> 01:02:24.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% One of the more famous ones is right here, 01:02:24.700 --> 01:02:26.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% it's Growing Power in Milwaukee. 01:02:26.300 --> 01:02:28.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% They get people in their own neighborhoods 01:02:28.366 --> 01:02:32.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% to grow their own food, to get a job at the location, 01:02:32.366 --> 01:02:34.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% and see that their food is actually coming 01:02:34.600 --> 01:02:36.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% from just down the block. 01:02:36.866 --> 01:02:38.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Well, now you got all the neighbors involved, 01:02:38.866 --> 01:02:40.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% and they're all interested 01:02:40.066 --> 01:02:41.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% and you're starting to build up a staff. 01:02:41.600 --> 01:02:44.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So now you got a commercial food production at that point 01:02:44.266 --> 01:02:46.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and you start getting all these fish tanks set up 01:02:46.333 --> 01:02:48.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% and you start setting up hundreds of feet 01:02:48.500 --> 01:02:50.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% of plant production. 01:02:50.000 --> 01:02:51.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% And what you find is, is that all these people 01:02:51.966 --> 01:02:53.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% that were interested, 01:02:53.233 --> 01:02:54.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% the Farmer's Market you started selling it at, 01:02:54.966 --> 01:02:56.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% suddenly, people are knocking down your door. 01:02:56.766 --> 01:02:58.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% They're ringing the doorbell, they're sending the email 01:02:58.433 --> 01:03:00.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% saying, but I want more. 01:03:00.333 --> 01:03:02.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% So you've increased the size of your production. 01:03:02.900 --> 01:03:05.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% But as I said before, it's scalable. 01:03:05.500 --> 01:03:07.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Keep in mind, it was one fish tank there, 01:03:07.666 --> 01:03:10.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and now there's five fish tanks there. 01:03:10.066 --> 01:03:11.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% That's really all you're doing. 01:03:11.633 --> 01:03:13.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% You're adding in another fish tank. 01:03:13.500 --> 01:03:15.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% You're adding into another raft system. 01:03:15.766 --> 01:03:18.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And then another fish tank, and another raft. 01:03:18.833 --> 01:03:20.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% So you can watch the system grow, 01:03:20.666 --> 01:03:23.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% as well as all the products that are coming out of it. 01:03:23.166 --> 01:03:25.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% As well as your business. 01:03:25.366 --> 01:03:27.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So as most businesses, start small 01:03:27.500 --> 01:03:29.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% and then watch the system actually grow. 01:03:29.400 --> 01:03:31.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% There are places now which I've seen 01:03:31.400 --> 01:03:33.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% in which they've got 20 tanks. 01:03:33.200 --> 01:03:35.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And they've got over an acre to two acres 01:03:35.400 --> 01:03:38.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% of these raft systems set up. 01:03:38.200 --> 01:03:40.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% So they're really growing in size. 01:03:40.133 --> 01:03:41.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% A lot of it depends, of course, 01:03:41.566 --> 01:03:44.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% do you have the consumers to buy all that? 01:03:44.566 --> 01:03:46.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% And then of course, the other ones here, 01:03:46.333 --> 01:03:48.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% and that is education. 01:03:48.066 --> 01:03:49.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% The last time I counted, which was the beginning 01:03:49.966 --> 01:03:53.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% of the summer, there were 63 high schools in Wisconsin 01:03:53.100 --> 01:03:56.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% that had aquaponics systems in the schools. 01:03:56.333 --> 01:03:57.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% And it keeps growing. 01:03:57.600 --> 01:04:00.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% I mean, we're helping a lot of them set them up, 01:04:00.033 --> 01:04:02.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% and it's like another one or two a week. 01:04:02.066 --> 01:04:03.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:30% Why is that? 01:04:03.300 --> 01:04:05.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I'll go into a little more detail in a minute, 01:04:05.266 --> 01:04:07.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% but the students find it fascinating. 01:04:07.233 --> 01:04:08.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And they're learning about biology. 01:04:08.933 --> 01:04:10.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% They're learning about the environment. 01:04:10.966 --> 01:04:13.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% So it's a great teaching tool as well. 01:04:13.000 --> 01:04:15.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And then, of course, the other is the research, 01:04:15.100 --> 01:04:16.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% such as the Aquaponics Innovation Center, 01:04:16.733 --> 01:04:18.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% which I'll show you in a minute. 01:04:18.200 --> 01:04:19.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% But I just love this photo right here, 01:04:19.833 --> 01:04:21.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% and that is is we had a 4K class 01:04:21.800 --> 01:04:23.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% come to the Aquaponics Innovation Center, 01:04:23.733 --> 01:04:25.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% and the kids basically all, 01:04:25.166 --> 01:04:27.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% immediately, as soon they leaned in and they saw the fish 01:04:27.466 --> 01:04:29.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% swimming by, you could just see their faces 01:04:29.466 --> 01:04:31.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% and you're like, oh, they're hooked. 01:04:31.266 --> 01:04:33.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% They're going home tonight and whether it's fish sticks 01:04:33.666 --> 01:04:36.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% or whether they're going to have real fish, 01:04:36.400 --> 01:04:38.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% those kids are going to eat fish tonight, 01:04:38.200 --> 01:04:40.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and hey, maybe we just had them eat their vegetables 01:04:40.166 --> 01:04:41.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% for the first time as well. 01:04:41.800 --> 01:04:43.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% They just get excited about it. 01:04:43.500 --> 01:04:45.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Many of them want to come back with their parents 01:04:45.466 --> 01:04:46.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% and see it all over again. 01:04:46.800 --> 01:04:49.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% A lot of those kids in 4K go into elementary school, 01:04:49.166 --> 01:04:51.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% go to the high school, they have a system, 01:04:51.166 --> 01:04:52.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% and then we start to see them 01:04:52.766 --> 01:04:53.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% at the university afterwards. 01:04:53.933 --> 01:04:56.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% It's amazing how it just has this appeal to it, 01:04:56.900 --> 01:04:59.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% this fascinating appeal that you're watching 01:04:59.266 --> 01:05:01.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% living things grow, and you're growing them. 01:05:01.600 --> 01:05:03.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And everybody just seems to look at that and say 01:05:03.766 --> 01:05:06.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% I could do that as well. 01:05:06.466 --> 01:05:08.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% I wanted to put this up here, 01:05:08.033 --> 01:05:09.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% because that is a big question. 01:05:09.400 --> 01:05:11.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% Who is doing aquaponics? 01:05:11.400 --> 01:05:14.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Well, unfortunately, there has only been one survey done 01:05:14.400 --> 01:05:16.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% on aquaponics that I'm aware of 01:05:16.933 --> 01:05:19.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% over the past 20 years. 01:05:19.233 --> 01:05:21.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% It was published in 2015 this year 01:05:21.600 --> 01:05:24.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and they basically sent out an email survey 01:05:24.800 --> 01:05:27.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and said, tell us what is the size of your system? 01:05:27.966 --> 01:05:29.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% How long have you been in business? 01:05:29.666 --> 01:05:31.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% And what are you producing? 01:05:31.166 --> 01:05:33.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% And you can see this here, and that is, is that 01:05:33.800 --> 01:05:35.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% these are the years that these respondents said 01:05:35.533 --> 01:05:38.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% they started doing aquaponics. 01:05:38.133 --> 01:05:39.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% I find it remarkable. 01:05:39.533 --> 01:05:43.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% It really only started a count five years ago. 01:05:43.433 --> 01:05:45.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Before that, very few people were doing it. 01:05:45.300 --> 01:05:48.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% And all of a sudden, growth of aquaponics and who's doing it 01:05:48.066 --> 01:05:49.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% started to skyrocket. 01:05:49.466 --> 01:05:51.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% But it also shows you most of the people doing it 01:05:51.633 --> 01:05:53.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% have only been doing it for five years or less. 01:05:53.633 --> 01:05:55.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% So if it's something you're considering, 01:05:55.266 --> 01:05:56.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% you're in good company. 01:05:56.766 --> 01:05:59.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% There's nobody out there that has vast years of experience 01:05:59.200 --> 01:06:01.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% unless you consider five years vast. 01:06:01.733 --> 01:06:04.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% The other they want to know is how large is your systems? 01:06:04.866 --> 01:06:06.700 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% And you can see there's a large range here. 01:06:06.700 --> 01:06:09.233 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% But if you look at the system volume, most of these 01:06:09.233 --> 01:06:11.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% on this end are the home or hobby systems. 01:06:11.400 --> 01:06:13.166 align:start position:10% line:10% size:45% These are like the Farmer's Market. 01:06:13.166 --> 01:06:15.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% It's just some people now, the brave ones, 01:06:15.533 --> 01:06:17.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% venturing out into commercial aquaponics. 01:06:17.866 --> 01:06:20.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So the industry is just starting to grow. 01:06:20.566 --> 01:06:23.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% But it had to gain its momentum to launch it 01:06:23.166 --> 01:06:25.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% to get these larger systems to start to show up 01:06:25.600 --> 01:06:29.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% as people make it more and more scalable or upscale it. 01:06:29.833 --> 01:06:31.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% The other part of the survey, 01:06:31.933 --> 01:06:34.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% I kind of take this, take it with a grain of salt, 01:06:34.566 --> 01:06:37.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% if you would, and that was, is remember what I said, 01:06:37.233 --> 01:06:39.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% it was an email survey. 01:06:39.333 --> 01:06:41.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% How many of those do you get a day? 01:06:41.833 --> 01:06:42.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:20% (laughs) 01:06:42.966 --> 01:06:45.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So they even admitted, they sent out the survey 01:06:45.466 --> 01:06:47.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% across all email lists, 01:06:47.633 --> 01:06:50.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% and they received 800 replies in three months, 01:06:50.600 --> 01:06:53.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and that's what they based the results on. 01:06:53.033 --> 01:06:55.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Most certainly, it underestimates the size 01:06:55.266 --> 01:06:58.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% of the aquaponics industry or individuals in the U.S. 01:06:58.233 --> 01:07:00.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% because like most of us, we'd probably just delete it 01:07:00.600 --> 01:07:02.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% if the email came in. 01:07:02.066 --> 01:07:04.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% But I look at it and that is, they got 800 responses 01:07:04.900 --> 01:07:08.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% in three months using a very faulty system 01:07:08.066 --> 01:07:09.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% for collecting data. 01:07:09.466 --> 01:07:11.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% That's pretty remarkable to begin with. 01:07:11.866 --> 01:07:13.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And you can see, they're scattered everywhere. 01:07:13.866 --> 01:07:15.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And then they went global with it, 01:07:15.800 --> 01:07:17.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% and they basically asked a simple question, 01:07:17.433 --> 01:07:19.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% and that is, is do you do aquaponics or not? 01:07:19.766 --> 01:07:22.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% And they got responses from a large portion of the world. 01:07:22.800 --> 01:07:25.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Again, it's a faulty study because who knows? 01:07:25.400 --> 01:07:27.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% In half of these countries, the email could have been 01:07:27.400 --> 01:07:29.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% blocked or just never got out to any of the people 01:07:29.466 --> 01:07:30.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% that were in it. 01:07:30.733 --> 01:07:33.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% But again, as you start to see these dots, 01:07:33.100 --> 01:07:34.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% and as the dots get larger, 01:07:34.600 --> 01:07:37.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% it starts to show you there's some momentum building here. 01:07:37.100 --> 01:07:39.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% More and more people are getting into aquaponics 01:07:39.366 --> 01:07:40.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% and are starting to use it. 01:07:40.766 --> 01:07:43.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% And I think you'd be surprised if you start looking around 01:07:43.100 --> 01:07:44.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% where they start popping up, even right here 01:07:44.600 --> 01:07:45.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% in Stevens Point. 01:07:47.533 --> 01:07:51.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% Now, again, we come back to that question, 01:07:51.066 --> 01:07:53.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% well, in order for aquaponics to be a sustainable 01:07:53.233 --> 01:07:55.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% food production system, it's going to have to compete 01:07:55.833 --> 01:07:58.400 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% with traditional agriculture. 01:07:58.400 --> 01:08:00.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% To do that, it's going to have to meet 01:08:00.233 --> 01:08:04.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% some socio-economic challenges that are out there. 01:08:04.800 --> 01:08:06.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% It can meet a lot of them. 01:08:06.600 --> 01:08:07.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% We talked about this already. 01:08:07.900 --> 01:08:09.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% Mineral recycling. 01:08:09.733 --> 01:08:11.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:30% That is what aquaponics is about. 01:08:11.433 --> 01:08:14.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% The fish put the nutrients in, the bacteria convert it, 01:08:14.500 --> 01:08:17.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% the plants use it, and the cycle begins again. 01:08:17.600 --> 01:08:21.500 align:start position:10% line:74% size:50% Consider traditional agriculture, consider hydroponics. 01:08:21.500 --> 01:08:24.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% It's a matter of mining or creating the minerals, 01:08:24.533 --> 01:08:27.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% dumping them in and then going back and doing it 01:08:27.233 --> 01:08:30.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% over and over again to get those crops to be produced. 01:08:30.133 --> 01:08:32.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% It's not a recycling system. 01:08:32.566 --> 01:08:34.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% We already talked about water. 01:08:34.200 --> 01:08:36.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% Water is going to become more and more 01:08:36.066 --> 01:08:38.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% the world's scarcest resource. 01:08:38.366 --> 01:08:42.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% This is a system here in which aquaponics only uses 01:08:42.033 --> 01:08:46.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% 10% of the water that traditional agriculture uses. 01:08:46.133 --> 01:08:48.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:10% Why? Because it's recycled. 01:08:48.566 --> 01:08:50.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Traditional agriculture sprays it on a field. 01:08:50.600 --> 01:08:53.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% I once had a person say to me, yeah, but it finds its way 01:08:53.533 --> 01:08:55.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% into the well, and it's pumped back up again. 01:08:55.533 --> 01:08:58.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% But do you really know the rate at which it takes for water 01:08:58.366 --> 01:09:00.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% to get from a plant, back to the aquifer and back up? 01:09:00.933 --> 01:09:03.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% It's measured in years or decades. 01:09:03.866 --> 01:09:05.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% So it's a recycled system, but it's a really slow 01:09:05.900 --> 01:09:07.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% recycle system. 01:09:07.233 --> 01:09:09.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% What is the turnover in aquaponics? 01:09:09.733 --> 01:09:13.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% You get two complete cycles in one hour. 01:09:13.033 --> 01:09:17.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So that's a lot faster than say, 10 to 15 years. 01:09:17.266 --> 01:09:18.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% Energy efficiency? 01:09:18.600 --> 01:09:20.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Aquaponics is kind of leading the way again. 01:09:20.266 --> 01:09:22.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% You know, like I said, more and more people are doing it 01:09:22.666 --> 01:09:23.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% in green houses. 01:09:23.900 --> 01:09:25.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% They're using solar heat. 01:09:25.100 --> 01:09:27.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% They're using solar panels to produce the electricity 01:09:27.400 --> 01:09:29.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% that they need to run the systems. 01:09:29.833 --> 01:09:31.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% We discussed over-fishing. 01:09:31.633 --> 01:09:34.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% More and more of your fish is going to come from farms, 01:09:34.233 --> 01:09:36.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% which farm would you like it to come from? 01:09:36.400 --> 01:09:37.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% The one next door to you, 01:09:37.600 --> 01:09:39.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% where they have an aquaponics system, 01:09:39.066 --> 01:09:42.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% or the one over in China where it's being raised somehow, 01:09:42.166 --> 01:09:44.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% imported here and not inspected, 01:09:44.100 --> 01:09:46.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% and winding up on your plate. 01:09:46.533 --> 01:09:48.866 align:start position:10% line:10% size:35% As I mentioned before, it's scalable, 01:09:48.866 --> 01:09:51.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:65% but you can put aquaponics everywhere. 01:09:51.466 --> 01:09:53.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% Some people I think sell it a little short 01:09:53.400 --> 01:09:55.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% and they say, well urban aquaponics is just the future, 01:09:55.933 --> 01:09:57.533 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% that's the only one that's going to matter. 01:09:57.533 --> 01:10:00.066 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% Urban aquaponics is tricky. 01:10:00.066 --> 01:10:02.066 align:start position:10% line:10% size:47.5% Most cities are not zoned for agriculture. 01:10:02.066 --> 01:10:04.500 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% And therefore, you've got to go through a lot of permits 01:10:04.500 --> 01:10:05.833 align:start position:10% line:10% size:40% and regulations. 01:10:05.833 --> 01:10:08.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% The other is, is where are you going to put it? 01:10:08.100 --> 01:10:10.666 align:start position:10% line:10% size:60% If you have a vacant lot or the top of a building, 01:10:10.666 --> 01:10:12.166 align:start position:10% line:10% size:80% that's probably a good location. 01:10:12.166 --> 01:10:14.466 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% But a lot of people are trying to shove them 01:10:14.466 --> 01:10:16.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:45% into warehouses or condemned buildings. 01:10:16.100 --> 01:10:18.800 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% There's potential there, but I haven't seen any of them 01:10:18.800 --> 01:10:20.166 align:start position:10% line:10% size:57.5% succeed on a high level 01:10:20.166 --> 01:10:21.900 align:start position:10% line:10% size:55% because now you've got to heat the building 01:10:21.900 --> 01:10:24.633 align:start position:10% line:10% size:67.5% and now you have to provide the sunlight. 01:10:24.633 --> 01:10:26.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:52.5% And you do so through lighting. 01:10:26.400 --> 01:10:28.933 align:start position:10% line:10% size:62.5% That all costs money, and now you've got to make sure 01:10:28.933 --> 01:10:32.100 align:start position:10% line:10% size:70% you're still producing those crops at a profitable level. 01:10:32.100 --> 01:10:34.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% So I think when you look at more of the peri-urban 01:10:34.966 --> 01:10:36.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% or more of the rural areas, 01:10:36.600 --> 01:10:38.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% I think this is where you're going to see the greatest 01:10:38.866 --> 01:10:40.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% aquaponics growth right now. 01:10:40.533 --> 01:10:43.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% Now when I say rural, I don't mean 100 miles from here. 01:10:43.400 --> 01:10:45.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% I'm talking about just get outside the suburbs 01:10:45.300 --> 01:10:47.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% and plant it right there. 01:10:47.100 --> 01:10:49.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% You're still within 50 miles of your consumers. 01:10:49.766 --> 01:10:51.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% I think that's where there's a lot of potential. 01:10:51.800 --> 01:10:53.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% Or, in the suburbs themselves, 01:10:53.966 --> 01:10:57.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% where some areas are zoned both residential and agricultural 01:10:57.233 --> 01:11:00.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% and you can actually put these facilities. 01:11:00.233 --> 01:11:02.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And then the other challenges is, is that 01:11:02.000 --> 01:11:03.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% as more people want to get into it, 01:11:03.866 --> 01:11:05.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% they have to learn about it. 01:11:05.666 --> 01:11:08.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And as I've said before, what you have to know about 01:11:08.133 --> 01:11:10.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% is aquaculture, you have to know about hydroponics, 01:11:10.233 --> 01:11:12.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% and you know how they work together with aquaponics. 01:11:12.400 --> 01:11:14.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And that can be a little challenging. 01:11:14.200 --> 01:11:17.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% I just saw a survey that surveyed the Midwestern U.S. 01:11:17.900 --> 01:11:20.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and then said there are a total of three universities 01:11:20.533 --> 01:11:23.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% in the Midwestern U.S. teaching aquaculture. 01:11:23.566 --> 01:11:26.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Keep in mind, Stevens Point is one of them. 01:11:26.633 --> 01:11:28.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% But that's it, three. 01:11:28.300 --> 01:11:30.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% How many universities are teaching aquaponics? 01:11:30.800 --> 01:11:32.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% Well, as of last year, one. 01:11:32.966 --> 01:11:34.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% Stevens Point was it. 01:11:34.500 --> 01:11:37.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% Now there's three that are out there that are teaching it. 01:11:37.166 --> 01:11:39.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% So there's a limited supply of courses out there 01:11:39.300 --> 01:11:42.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% and programs right now to get into to learn about it. 01:11:42.000 --> 01:11:43.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% You just happen to be sitting right next door 01:11:43.900 --> 01:11:47.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% to a university that's ahead of the curve there. 01:11:47.200 --> 01:11:49.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% And speaking ahead of the curve, 01:11:49.200 --> 01:11:51.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% I've got to put a little plug in for this as well, 01:11:51.733 --> 01:11:53.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% and that was I mentioned in April. 01:11:53.566 --> 01:11:56.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% UW-Stevens Point launched the Aquaponics Innovation Center. 01:11:56.500 --> 01:11:58.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% And Chris Cirmo mentioned it was paid for 01:11:58.533 --> 01:12:01.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% by a UW System economic development incentive grant 01:12:01.200 --> 01:12:02.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% for $700,000. 01:12:02.900 --> 01:12:07.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% It's built at the Nelson and Pade facility, 01:12:07.400 --> 01:12:10.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% which is in Montello, Wisconsin, one hour south of here, 01:12:10.300 --> 01:12:12.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% but it was actually a really great opportunity 01:12:12.500 --> 01:12:13.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% for the university. 01:12:13.733 --> 01:12:15.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Our facility is this one here that you see 01:12:15.633 --> 01:12:17.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% with the blue tanks. 01:12:17.033 --> 01:12:19.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Their demonstration system is on the other side. 01:12:19.400 --> 01:12:21.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Nelson & Pade is one of the world leaders 01:12:21.566 --> 01:12:23.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% in aquaponics system design, engineering 01:12:23.833 --> 01:12:25.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% and system-building. 01:12:25.200 --> 01:12:28.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% So they use this as a showroom for their systems. 01:12:28.300 --> 01:12:30.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Well, we wanted to use their systems as part 01:12:30.966 --> 01:12:32.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% of our Innovation Center, and I couldn't think 01:12:32.766 --> 01:12:34.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% of a better place to build our Innovation Center 01:12:34.566 --> 01:12:36.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% than next door to the manufacturer. 01:12:36.833 --> 01:12:38.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% Think about everything, something you have that breaks. 01:12:38.833 --> 01:12:40.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Wouldn't you like to have lived next door 01:12:40.700 --> 01:12:43.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% to the manufacturer of it, so at least you can go over there 01:12:43.666 --> 01:12:45.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% and complain? 01:12:45.166 --> 01:12:46.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% So we're located right there, 01:12:46.733 --> 01:12:49.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% and this is open to the public so they can come in. 01:12:49.233 --> 01:12:52.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And as you can see, what we have are six replicate 01:12:52.366 --> 01:12:54.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:75% commercial aquaponics systems. 01:12:54.033 --> 01:12:57.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% This allows us to do a lot of side-by-side comparisons 01:12:57.033 --> 01:12:59.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% of the different crops, fish, plants, 01:12:59.266 --> 01:13:02.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% different systems, different temperatures, anything we want. 01:13:02.400 --> 01:13:04.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Because it's all located inside of a green house, 01:13:04.633 --> 01:13:08.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% we can set the environment and test its parameters. 01:13:08.633 --> 01:13:10.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% What we use the facility for? 01:13:10.633 --> 01:13:12.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% We use it a lot for teaching. 01:13:12.200 --> 01:13:13.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% A lot for student research. 01:13:13.600 --> 01:13:15.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% We have educational opportunities. 01:13:15.466 --> 01:13:19.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% We invite people in to come talk with us, share ideas. 01:13:19.900 --> 01:13:22.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% The nice thing about research centers is, 01:13:22.066 --> 01:13:24.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% is that we can try things, and we can fail. 01:13:24.266 --> 01:13:25.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% And that's results. 01:13:25.566 --> 01:13:27.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Whereas a business does it and fails, 01:13:27.233 --> 01:13:29.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% they're out of business. 01:13:29.300 --> 01:13:31.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So we can help the industry in that case. 01:13:31.466 --> 01:13:34.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% We can help commercialize the discoveries. 01:13:34.233 --> 01:13:35.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% Maybe you have a new idea. 01:13:35.600 --> 01:13:37.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% A twist on some idea. 01:13:37.100 --> 01:13:39.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% We can help you test it to see if it's worth then patenting 01:13:39.900 --> 01:13:41.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% or promoting it. 01:13:41.333 --> 01:13:44.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% As we put it, what we're there for is, is that we serve 01:13:44.266 --> 01:13:46.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% the economic development of a blue-green industry. 01:13:46.800 --> 01:13:49.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And we're hoping to see it grow more and more 01:13:49.233 --> 01:13:52.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% throughout the state of Wisconsin. 01:13:52.000 --> 01:13:54.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% Well, what are the results from this? 01:13:54.200 --> 01:13:56.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Well, as I said, we work with a lot of partners. 01:13:56.533 --> 01:14:00.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% We've got dozens of businesses, current, future businesses 01:14:00.000 --> 01:14:03.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% that want to try different species, try different systems. 01:14:03.533 --> 01:14:05.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% We're also, as I mentioned, one of the sources 01:14:05.400 --> 01:14:06.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% of education. 01:14:06.866 --> 01:14:08.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% I mentioned the aquaponics course that we teach here 01:14:08.966 --> 01:14:10.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% at the university. 01:14:10.233 --> 01:14:11.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% We've taught it for four years. 01:14:11.466 --> 01:14:13.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% The first year, we got 20 of the bravest, 01:14:13.466 --> 01:14:15.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% most courageous students who said, 01:14:15.333 --> 01:14:17.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% I'm going to try the U.S.'s first aquaponics course, 01:14:17.566 --> 01:14:18.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% and see where it goes. 01:14:18.933 --> 01:14:21.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% And we had bumps and bruises, but we all made it through it. 01:14:21.666 --> 01:14:23.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% That was the first year. 01:14:23.133 --> 01:14:25.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% This last year, we had 74 students take the course. 01:14:25.933 --> 01:14:27.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% They came from, I think it was 24 states 01:14:27.733 --> 01:14:29.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% and seven foreign countries. 01:14:29.966 --> 01:14:32.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% So they're basically coming here to Central Wisconsin 01:14:32.600 --> 01:14:34.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% to learn aquaponics. 01:14:34.600 --> 01:14:36.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Like I said, research and innovation. 01:14:36.533 --> 01:14:39.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% There are two parts of the course that I absolutely love, 01:14:39.333 --> 01:14:41.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% and that is we make every student 01:14:41.133 --> 01:14:43.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:30% create their aquaponics business. 01:14:43.133 --> 01:14:45.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% They can't graduate until they actually put out there 01:14:45.533 --> 01:14:48.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% the blueprints for their aquaponics business. 01:14:48.866 --> 01:14:50.500 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:77.5% And then everybody sits around, 01:14:50.500 --> 01:14:52.266 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% they criticize and they critique them 01:14:52.266 --> 01:14:53.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% and they compliment them. 01:14:53.566 --> 01:14:55.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% And they say that's either a good idea 01:14:55.300 --> 01:14:56.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% or a go back to the drawing board. 01:14:56.866 --> 01:14:58.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% What I find amazing is, is we've taught the course 01:14:58.966 --> 01:15:01.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% for four years, and I know at least seven students 01:15:01.366 --> 01:15:03.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% who have gone on to launch their aquaponic business. 01:15:03.666 --> 01:15:06.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% When they send me a note saying, here it is, I launched it, 01:15:06.333 --> 01:15:08.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% it's the same name as the poster board they put up 01:15:08.433 --> 01:15:09.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% in front of the class. 01:15:09.933 --> 01:15:11.266 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:20% (laughs) 01:15:11.266 --> 01:15:12.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:50% So they're thinking. 01:15:12.733 --> 01:15:14.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% They're thinking really well. 01:15:14.366 --> 01:15:19.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% All of this, as I said, is part of a localvore movement. 01:15:19.533 --> 01:15:21.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% People want more and more to know where their food 01:15:21.900 --> 01:15:23.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% is coming from. 01:15:23.366 --> 01:15:25.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% And they want to know what has happened to it. 01:15:25.566 --> 01:15:29.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And aquaponics is a way of achieving that. 01:15:29.333 --> 01:15:31.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% There's less fossil fuel needed to deliver 01:15:31.233 --> 01:15:34.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% aquaponics products because most of these aquaponics farms 01:15:34.600 --> 01:15:38.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% are located right next to their customers. 01:15:38.033 --> 01:15:40.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Also, as I said, aquaponics uses less than 10% 01:15:40.966 --> 01:15:44.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% of the water as traditional agriculture does. 01:15:44.200 --> 01:15:46.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Purchasing from your local farm keeps the dollars 01:15:46.633 --> 01:15:49.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% closer and invests into the local economy. 01:15:49.600 --> 01:15:51.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% We see economic boons there as well. 01:15:51.633 --> 01:15:53.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And I said, its an innovative, sustainable 01:15:53.566 --> 01:15:55.066 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% production system. 01:15:55.066 --> 01:15:56.633 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% Innovative is the key there. 01:15:56.633 --> 01:15:59.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% People want to see these systems. 01:15:59.600 --> 01:16:01.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Most aquaponics growers, once they get to, say, 01:16:01.966 --> 01:16:03.533 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% the Farmer's Market model, 01:16:03.533 --> 01:16:05.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% or move to more of the commercial, 01:16:05.233 --> 01:16:07.033 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% they not only produce the crops, 01:16:07.033 --> 01:16:09.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% but they have a side business which is tours. 01:16:09.300 --> 01:16:11.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% And they charge for those tours. 01:16:11.233 --> 01:16:13.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And people come in there, $10 a person, 01:16:13.900 --> 01:16:16.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% to spend an hour wandering around, watching plants grow, 01:16:16.800 --> 01:16:18.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% and watching fish swim. 01:16:18.100 --> 01:16:19.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:20% (laughs) 01:16:19.333 --> 01:16:21.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% The basics, but they do it. 01:16:21.733 --> 01:16:23.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% In many cases, here's our Lieutenant Governor. 01:16:23.933 --> 01:16:26.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% She heard about the Aquaponic Innovation Center and said, 01:16:26.766 --> 01:16:28.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:32.5% "What is it?" 01:16:28.300 --> 01:16:30.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Well, we invited her there to come and see it. 01:16:30.500 --> 01:16:32.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% She spent over three hours there wandering around 01:16:32.566 --> 01:16:34.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% looking at it, and she said, "I'm fascinated." 01:16:34.966 --> 01:16:36.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% I said to her, I hear that from everybody 01:16:36.966 --> 01:16:38.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% who comes through here. 01:16:38.466 --> 01:16:43.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% It's a fascinating process to actually see your food grow. 01:16:43.566 --> 01:16:45.833 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% Now the other thing they ask is, 01:16:45.833 --> 01:16:48.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% is well, what does the future look like. 01:16:48.200 --> 01:16:50.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% It's only going to be good if a commercial industry 01:16:50.700 --> 01:16:51.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:30% is launched. 01:16:51.966 --> 01:16:54.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Well, I think we're at the forefront of that. 01:16:54.433 --> 01:16:56.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% And that is, is that it's a small but a rapidly 01:16:56.700 --> 01:16:58.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:42.5% growing industry. 01:16:58.100 --> 01:17:00.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% As I said, more and more people are getting into it. 01:17:00.300 --> 01:17:01.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:10% Why? 01:17:01.766 --> 01:17:04.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% These are kind of like the main reasons they tell us. 01:17:04.066 --> 01:17:06.166 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% Food security is number one. 01:17:06.166 --> 01:17:07.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% Where does my food come from? 01:17:07.600 --> 01:17:09.833 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:65% Number two, locally grown. 01:17:09.833 --> 01:17:11.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% That has a lot of weight to it nowadays 01:17:11.966 --> 01:17:13.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% when it comes to what food you eat. 01:17:13.633 --> 01:17:16.600 align:start position:10% line:74% size:50% And the other is, is that they're running out of fresh water 01:17:16.600 --> 01:17:20.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% or running out of agricultural land to grow these crops in. 01:17:20.800 --> 01:17:22.800 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% What do we know? 01:17:22.800 --> 01:17:24.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% When we talk to people who run aquaponics businesses 01:17:24.766 --> 01:17:26.266 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% and we say, are you hiring? 01:17:26.266 --> 01:17:28.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% Almost every one of them says yes. 01:17:28.866 --> 01:17:31.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% And we say, well, who are you hiring? 01:17:31.100 --> 01:17:32.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% And I love this expression, and they said, 01:17:32.900 --> 01:17:36.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% we need college-trained students who have taken 01:17:36.666 --> 01:17:40.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% aquaponics courses and know the science behind aquaponics. 01:17:40.366 --> 01:17:42.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Because they said right now, the industry is an industry 01:17:42.666 --> 01:17:46.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% driven by enthusiasm more than knowledge. 01:17:46.833 --> 01:17:48.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% And I see that a lot. 01:17:48.300 --> 01:17:50.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% People jump into it thinking, well, that sounded great, 01:17:50.433 --> 01:17:52.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% I'm going to do it, but they have no idea 01:17:52.900 --> 01:17:55.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% how many hours in day does a fish need light? 01:17:55.766 --> 01:17:58.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Do plants need light 24 hours a day? 01:17:58.233 --> 01:17:59.433 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% Or is it less than that? 01:17:59.433 --> 01:18:00.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% They don't know the basics. 01:18:00.766 --> 01:18:02.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% So they're asking us, they're saying, 01:18:02.466 --> 01:18:04.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% we basically have employment opportunities, 01:18:04.800 --> 01:18:06.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% we need people to run these systems. 01:18:06.866 --> 01:18:09.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% We've built them, but we don't know how to run them. 01:18:09.133 --> 01:18:11.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And therefore there are investors that are out there, 01:18:11.466 --> 01:18:13.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% and we have students now who are interested in taking on 01:18:13.833 --> 01:18:15.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% aquaponics as a career. 01:18:15.300 --> 01:18:17.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% They want to run those facilities. 01:18:17.066 --> 01:18:20.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% As I said, the need for the industry as well, 01:18:20.366 --> 01:18:22.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:32.5% is we need to explore other crops. 01:18:22.533 --> 01:18:25.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% Tilapia are good, I actually recommend to people, 01:18:25.200 --> 01:18:26.666 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% start with tilapia. 01:18:26.666 --> 01:18:28.133 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% When they smile at you, 01:18:28.133 --> 01:18:29.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% when there's no oxygen in the water, 01:18:29.833 --> 01:18:32.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and they're flopping on a dry pan, 01:18:32.666 --> 01:18:34.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:35% they're a good fish to start with. 01:18:34.466 --> 01:18:37.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% But once you've mastered that, then start diversifying. 01:18:37.666 --> 01:18:38.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:67.5% See what else is out there. 01:18:38.966 --> 01:18:40.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% Because unfortunately, for the tilapia, 01:18:40.766 --> 01:18:44.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% your main competition is some farmer over in China. 01:18:44.366 --> 01:18:47.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% It's not somebody right in your neighborhood. 01:18:47.166 --> 01:18:49.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% Now I don't want to paint the rosiest picture and say 01:18:49.533 --> 01:18:51.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:47.5% we should all leave here right now 01:18:51.033 --> 01:18:52.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% and launch aquaponics businesses. 01:18:52.633 --> 01:18:54.300 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% There are tremendous challenges out there 01:18:54.300 --> 01:18:57.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% for any new or innovative agricultural industry. 01:18:57.566 --> 01:18:59.566 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% The number one item up there, 01:18:59.566 --> 01:19:01.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:42.5% which most people would agree with is, 01:19:01.466 --> 01:19:04.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% there is no long-term economic data for aquaponics. 01:19:04.833 --> 01:19:07.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% If you looked at that survey, most people got into it 01:19:07.233 --> 01:19:08.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% less than five years ago. 01:19:08.700 --> 01:19:10.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% So will there be a business in 10 years? 01:19:10.833 --> 01:19:12.300 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:80% I don't know the answer to that. 01:19:12.300 --> 01:19:14.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% Will you be making a profit in seven years? 01:19:14.566 --> 01:19:16.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% I don't know the answer to that. 01:19:16.700 --> 01:19:18.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% We need more of that economic data, 01:19:18.466 --> 01:19:20.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% but it's only going to come as more of these farms 01:19:20.766 --> 01:19:23.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% come online and we start to analyze it. 01:19:23.100 --> 01:19:24.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:25% All right? 01:19:24.466 --> 01:19:27.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% The other is, is that aquaponics does need or require 01:19:27.700 --> 01:19:31.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% a multi-disciplinary approach. 01:19:31.166 --> 01:19:33.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% Being at the university, I constantly here about STEM. 01:19:33.766 --> 01:19:37.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% STEM, STEM, Science, technology, engineering, and math. 01:19:37.700 --> 01:19:38.900 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% They're almost there. 01:19:38.900 --> 01:19:40.233 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% The true word is STEAM. 01:19:40.233 --> 01:19:41.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:47.5% They're missing it. 01:19:41.766 --> 01:19:45.333 align:start position:10% line:74% size:32.5% It's science, technology, engineering, agriculture and math. 01:19:45.333 --> 01:19:48.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% Now you've developed a crop that people will pay for. 01:19:48.433 --> 01:19:50.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% I don't know what they're paying for in the technology, 01:19:50.566 --> 01:19:51.933 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% science and math areas, 01:19:51.933 --> 01:19:53.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% but now they're buying something that they can eat. 01:19:53.933 --> 01:19:55.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% And you need to apply it. 01:19:55.333 --> 01:19:58.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Aquaponics needs fish and plant biology. 01:19:58.366 --> 01:20:00.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% It needs microbiology. 01:20:00.333 --> 01:20:03.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% It needs engineering, computer science, economics, 01:20:03.066 --> 01:20:05.366 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:52.5% financing, marketing. 01:20:05.366 --> 01:20:08.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% You need a background obviously in all of these things, 01:20:08.000 --> 01:20:12.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:65% or you need to hire people who do have those backgrounds. 01:20:12.700 --> 01:20:14.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% As I mentioned before, there's a gap of knowledge 01:20:14.866 --> 01:20:19.033 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% in aquaponics for that fish-plant coupling system. 01:20:19.033 --> 01:20:21.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:67.5% I had somebody at the start of this lecture say to me, 01:20:21.633 --> 01:20:23.766 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% I really want to grow salmon. 01:20:23.766 --> 01:20:26.000 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And I said, great, it's a cold-water fish, 01:20:26.000 --> 01:20:28.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% known for the Arctic waters. 01:20:28.000 --> 01:20:30.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% What vegetables do they grow there. 01:20:30.633 --> 01:20:32.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% You've got to find a plant that grows 01:20:32.933 --> 01:20:34.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:62.5% at freezing temperatures. 01:20:34.966 --> 01:20:37.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% So you've got to match that coupling of the fish 01:20:37.133 --> 01:20:38.600 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:37.5% and the plants. 01:20:38.600 --> 01:20:40.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Pick your fish, but pick your plants at the same time. 01:20:40.866 --> 01:20:42.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% They both need the same temperature. 01:20:42.633 --> 01:20:44.433 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% If you can't match them together, 01:20:44.433 --> 01:20:46.100 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% you've got to try again. 01:20:46.100 --> 01:20:48.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% And then as I said here, the nice thing is, is that 01:20:48.566 --> 01:20:50.266 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% it's a recycling system. 01:20:50.266 --> 01:20:52.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:62.5% So we're replenishing the water that's in there. 01:20:52.366 --> 01:20:54.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% We're cleaning out those waste and turning them 01:20:54.200 --> 01:20:55.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:55% into usable resources. 01:20:55.700 --> 01:20:57.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:45% And that has to be incorporated more and more 01:20:57.500 --> 01:20:58.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:40% into aquaponics. 01:20:58.733 --> 01:21:00.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% When I hear people say, well I do aquaponics, 01:21:00.700 --> 01:21:02.333 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% but it's a flow through. 01:21:02.333 --> 01:21:04.700 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% I question them and say, I'm not sure that's aquaponics. 01:21:04.700 --> 01:21:07.600 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:70% That means the water goes in one end, and come out the other 01:21:07.600 --> 01:21:10.133 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:55% and is discharged into your waste stream. 01:21:10.133 --> 01:21:11.733 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:70% I said, it's got to recycle. 01:21:11.733 --> 01:21:13.000 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:45% That's aquaponics. 01:21:13.000 --> 01:21:15.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:57.5% And people have to look at it in that manner. 01:21:15.933 --> 01:21:17.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% So that's kind of an overview of aquaponics. 01:21:17.933 --> 01:21:19.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% And again, kind of my take on a sustainable 01:21:19.866 --> 01:21:21.700 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:57.5% food production system. 01:21:21.700 --> 01:21:24.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% And hopefully, it gives you a little bit more information, 01:21:24.233 --> 01:21:26.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:50% and like I said, get a chance if you can. 01:21:26.833 --> 01:21:28.833 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% Get out there and see some aquaponics systems. 01:21:28.833 --> 01:21:31.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:60% Stop by the university's Aquaponics Innovation Center. 01:21:31.666 --> 01:21:32.966 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:72.5% We'd love to show you around. 01:21:32.966 --> 01:21:34.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:40% And like I said, take a look at it. 01:21:34.933 --> 01:21:36.500 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:52.5% It's really important for you to know 01:21:36.500 --> 01:21:38.766 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:72.5% where is my food coming from. How safe is it? 01:21:38.766 --> 01:21:40.633 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:37.5% And is it right around the corner? 01:21:40.633 --> 01:21:41.466 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:25% All right? 01:21:41.466 --> 01:21:43.200 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:60% So, thank you very much. 01:21:43.200 --> 01:21:44.866 align:start position:10% line:84.66% size:25% (applause)