Below, Brown and Armstrong discuss their research at Kentucky State.

Brown: My research focuses on comparing the flow rates produced from different aerator types in raceway systems. We are comparing the performance of a grid airlift system and a propeller circulator. Grid airlifts systems are most common for inducing flow in these raceway systems; we are seeing how well propellers perform in the same system.

Armstrong: The research I conducted was a proof of concept that largemouth bass fry can be successfully grown in the first phase of their life in a floating raceway. This concept takes both intensive indoor production and nursery pond production of largemouth bass fry and combines them into one production that has great advantages. Some advantages of this production were abundance of natural food for first life and the confinement of the fish for easy access. There were three ponds managed as nursery ponds and three ponds managed with the floating nursery. Statistically, growth between the raceways and nursery ponds was not significant after harvest. Showing that largemouth bass fry can be grown in a floating nursery that is low cost, easily accessible, labor efficient, and with many other advantages was very encouraging, as many further studies can be done on this concept.

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great advantages. Some advantages of this production were abundance of natural food for first life and the confinement of the fish for easy access. There were three ponds managed as nursery ponds and three ponds managed with the floating nursery. Statistically, growth between the raceways and nursery ponds was not significant after harvest. Showing that largemouth bass fry can be grown in a floating nursery that is low cost, easily accessible, labor efficient, and with many other advantages was very encouraging, as many further studies can be done on this concept.

Brown: The most rewarding aspect of the research has been the fabrication of the systems. I feel that most research projects are usually “add-ons” to previous

research performed, and systems are usually already set in place for the student. With my project, we have had to start from scratch; my first year as a graduate student was spent actually building the systems we now have in place. Even now, near the end of my study, we are still building and adjusting our system and have been doing so since I entered the program in 2018. I feel a great sense of pride that I believe most students can’t relate to.

Armstrong: Being able to conduct this project with the help of Dr. Semmens and the team was special. To my knowledge, nobody has conducted a study locally in the U.S. about growing largemouth bass fry in a floating raceway/nursery. Showing that it can be done successfully is very encouraging. I hope others will be able to look at my research and conduct further studies on the production of largemouth bass fry in a raceway.

Brown: I have always heard of raceway systems and shared some interest in the production of the systems. Having the opportunity to build and manage these systems gives me the confidence needed to implement raceway technology for myself. I plan on owning my own aquaculture operation one day, and because of my current research experience, I would be surprised if I did not include raceway technology.

Armstrong: After graduation in May, I plan to keep working in the fisheries division. I hope one day the hatchery that I will be working at will consider using my methods of the floating nursery.

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