FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, DEC. 18, 2007

Aquaculture Development Conference to be held in Atlantic Beach

RALEIGH – The 2008 North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference will be held in Atlantic Beach at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Hotel on Jan. 18 and 19. The conference and trade show are open to anyone interested in fish or shellfish farming, including prospective growers, researchers, teachers, students or any other job related to aquaculture.

The conference will cover a range of topics including niche marketing, sustainability, start-up strategies, recirculating systems and more. The highlight of the conference is the Aquafood Festival that showcases the state’s aquaculture industry on Saturday night.

“The state has seen continued growth in aquaculture operations since this conference was first held 20 years ago,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, who will speak to the crowd on Friday. “This conference gives prospective aquaculture farmers more insight into the business, and helps current famers stay up to date on trends and research.”

Early birds will have the opportunity to attend self-guided farm tours on Thursday, Jan. 17. The tours will include a hands-on lab that will provide attendees the tools to examine, handle and evaluate fish for market. The N.C. Shellfish Growers Association and the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association will hold a joint meeting after the final session.

The conference is organized by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the N.C. Aquaculture Association, N.C. Farm Bureau Federation, N.C. Sea Grant, the N.C. Small Business & Technology Development Center and N.C. State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Corporate sponsors include Carolina Classics Catfish Inc. and Aquatic Eco-systems Inc.

Early registration is $95 per person through Jan. 7, and includes the full conference and Aquafood Festival. Registration is $125 if completed Jan. 8-14 or $150 on site. There are discounts for students or for registrants who will not attend the Aquafood Festival. Registration can be completed online, by mail or by fax. Visit www.ncaquaculture.org or call (252) 633-1477 to learn more.

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