PIKETON, Ohio — Ohio State University’s South Centers at Piketon, located off state Route 32 in Pike County, may not look like the ideal place for lake sturgeon, largemouth bass and blue gill. But it’s full of surprises.
The facility boasts the only fish genetics lab in the Midwest and is the cornerstone of research and education for Ohio’s $6 million aquaculture industry.
Field day
Farmers, businesses and fish enthusiasts may attend OSU South Centers Aquaculture Field Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 13 to learn more about the aquaculture program, how its research benefits the industry and gain knowledge about aquaculture species from the popular (yellow perch) to the new (baitfish) to the unique (shrimp).
Admission is $5, which includes handouts, snacks and drinks.
Walking tours
The field day will consist of self-guided walking tours of the facility and visitors can stop at various stations to learn more about fish breeding and genetics, pond management and construction, indoor aquaculture production and culture demonstrations.
OSU Extension educators and aquaculture researchers will be on hand to explain research, exhibit various fish species and answers questions.
Resources
Visitors will also have access to books, videos and other resources on aquaculture.
The aquaculture research at OSU South Centers at Piketon focuses on Ohio’s top three aquacultural and recreational fish: yellow perch, bluegill and largemouth bass and important baitfish species.
According to the USDA, aquaculture sales in Ohio have increased 73 percent since 1998, and the state ranks in the top 10 for yellow perch, bluegill and largemouth bass production.
Ohio ranks number one in sales of yellow perch for food and is number one for bluegill production. Ohio ranks fourth in baitfish sales and fourth in largemouth bass production sold for sport.
The state also ranks sixth in sales of hybrid striped bass sold as a food fish.
More information
For more information on the field day visit http://southcenters.osu.edu or contact Julie Strawser at 740-289-2071, ext. 223 or e-mail strawser.35@osu.edu.
