Dive into aquaculture at the 2007 Aquaculture Forum Saturday, Jan. 20, in Jackson Hall at Cedar Lakes near Ripley.

The annual event will be from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will showcase West Virginias aquaculture products and research.

Aquaculture is the farming of plants and animalsincluding trout, catfish and bassthat live in water. Generally raised in ponds, tanks and other controlled areas, farm-raised fish are used for recreation and harvested as food.

The forum is sponsored by the West Virginia University Extension Service, West Virginia Department of Agriculture and West Virginia Aquaculture Association. Participants will be able to mingle with aquaculture experts as well as learn where to get fish, feed and supplies and how to grow fish for food or sport.

In addition, the West Virginia Aquaculture Association will hold a business meeting during the forum.

The general session will open with the annual industry update covering advances in aquaculture research, what to do about too many geese and how to control predatory birds. It will also include a presentation about the health benefits of eating fish.

The afternoon session for pond owners will feature presentations on controlling aquatic weeds, handling sick fish and growing fish for home consumption. It will conclude with a panel addressing specific pond management questions.

A concurrent afternoon session for commercial growers will feature a presentation on a proposed fish stocking initiative for public waters to enhance tourism and a panel discussion on regulations affecting the aquaculture industry.

The forum is open to aquaculture enthusiasts from West Virginia and adjacent states. The $10 early registration fee must be received by Sunday, Jan. 14. To download a registration form, go to http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/aquaculture/ and click onregistration.

On-site registration is $20 per person and will be collected at the door beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The registration fee covers lunch and an afternoon break showcasing West Virginia aquaculture products.

For more information, contact a WVU Extension Service county office; Becky Casteel, becky.casteel@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-6131 ext. 4231; or Ken Semmens, ken.semmons@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-6131 ext. 4211.

On the Net: http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/aquaculture/