1. Aquaponics short-course at the University of Arizona Kevin Fitzsimmons, Jason Licamele, Eric Highfield University of Arizona 6 April 2011

2. Trends in food markets F Demand for more locally grown, organic foods F Increasing demand for vegetables and fish for health reasons F Need to increase economic and environmental efficiency (energy, water, land area, recycling of nutrients)

3. Global food crisis F Rapidly increasing population F Diversion of foods to bio-fuels F Increased costs for water, fertilizer, fuel F Multiple demands for farmland (urban sprawl, industrial and mining, solar and wind generation, wildlife conservation, watershed protection, global warming, etc.) F Demand for locally produced food

4. Need new model for food production F Green Revolution – huge increase in food production, but heavy reliance on irrigation, fuel and fertilizer. F Blue Revolution – almost 50% of seafood is farm raised, but many environmental impacts (effluents causing eutrophication, algae blooms, cage and raft conflicts with other users in oceans, bays and lakes)

5. Development of hydroponics and aquaculture F Fast growing sectors of global food production F Hydroponics is more efficient use of water and nutrients, controls the environment and reduces use of pesticides and herbicides. F Aquaculture is more efficient production of domesticated aquatic animals and plants.

6. Past Projects F The Land – Disney World, Florida F Biosphere 2 – Tucson, Arizona F High school education F Commercialization

7. Disney World – EPCOT – The Land F University of Arizona provided technical design, layout, and training of staff. F Selected hydroponics and aquaculture as two critical food production systems for the future.

8. Disney World – EPCOT – The Land F 30,000 guests a day learn about hydroponics, aquaculture, tilapia, and advanced farming techniques F Products are served in the Good Turn Restaurant

9. Development trials for Biosphere 2 F Biosphere 2 – A one hectare greenhouse. Completely sealed, with eight people living inside for two years.

10. Early trials for Biosphere 2 F University of Arizona provided overall technical support and designed the food system. F Intensive food production F Healthy foods with minimal need for external inputs F Replicated trials with tilapia and lettuce

11. Various growing techniques F Growing in gravel/biofilter F Growing in floating boards

12. Density and micronutrient trials F Low density of fish F High density of fish

13. Nutrient film technique F Growing in troughs/gutters with flowing water