Creation of the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility

The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request that the legislature:

• Support and fund the recommendations of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aquaculture
• Establish an aquaculture development center in Northwest Wisconsin to expand fish farming capacity and job development in Wisconsin.

As a result of discussions with the State of Wisconsin officials during the 19998 Superior Days visit to Madison, Governor Thompson announced the creation of a "Blue Ribbon Task Force" to provide recommendations on how the State can support the growth of fish farming enterprises. The Task Force on Aquaculture has been meeting since November 1998 and expects to forward its formal report to the Governor before the end of April 1999. Among the many recommendations forwarded by the Task Force will be a proposal for the creation of an aquaculture development center.

Wisconsin will reap substantial economic benefits from funding an aquaculture development center. A profitable and growing aquaculture sector contributes to rural development, diversification of agriculture, and business opportunity. Fish products represent one of the new rapidly growing agricultural markets. Encouragement of fish farming operations will create needed jobs and help Wisconsin to become a national leader in the aquaculture industry.

Currently, the State of Wisconsin does not provide enough technical and business assistance to help existing prospective fish farmers to overcome the significant challenges to successful expansion of this industry. Fish farming is a highly sophisticated industry requiring understanding of fish biology, water chemistry, fish nutrition and health, environmental regulation and product marketing. The Fish Creek Aquaculture Development Center will provide information and services to farmers via an extensive outreach program that will help remove the obstacles that fish farmers may face in developing their businesses.

The center will feature a strong commitment to technology transfer and production scale demonstration activities. Specifically, the Center will:

• Provide strategic planning for business start-ups; provide assistance regarding initial set-up, rearing facilities, and processing through hands-on training services.
• Collect and distribute information on job development and training; organize and present workshops and seminars on critical aquaculture topics.
• Analyze various aspects of fish health and nutrition; provide laboratory support services.
• Coordinate state and federal programs and resources; assist in securing applied technology grants and financing for aquaculture.
• Develop marketing strategies for fish products; work with established cooperatives and work to create new cooperatives to increase marketing opportunities.
• Provide technical assistance in obtaining required licenses and permits.

The facility is located off State Highway 2 near Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay, just outside of Ashland, Wisconsin. Historically, fish resources have had a tremendous influence in this region. The proposed site is adjacent to the new visitor and interpretive center where historical displays depict the life and times of early settlers and their relationship to natural resources - in particular, fish.

The Fish Creek Center will promote and advance development of the commercial aquaculture industry. Legislative action can turn this opportunity into a reality.