Aquaculture Research Studies Objectives: Determine the effect of stocking density on the growth characteristics of bluegill fingerling raised in a water recirculation aquaculture system. To evaluate the economic feasibility of water recirculation tank culture of bluegill sunfish. Develop component equipment and methodology to commercially raise fish in a swine confinement facility. Develop bluegill brood stock that produces young that exhibit superior growth in recirculation systems. An indoor research facility and six outdoor ponds have been developed to use applied research to aid local Missouri fish farmers. Currently, research is addressing methodology for fast growing bluegill. Eight test tanks were utilized in the study, six experimental tanks and two controls. Selective grading for fast growing fish adjusted total weight of fish in each tank. Tanks are adjusted to maintain original stocking density throughout the experiment. Fish are examined for disease and environmental conditions regularly. Treatments are adjusted are made accordingly. Length-weight data are evaluated for each sampling. Analysis parameters include differences in Standard Growth Rates, percent gain, and condition factors. No significant differences exist between treatments, however differences exist between sampling dates. Preliminary results indicate treatment densities have no effect on bluegill fingerling growth and performance. An experiment using higher densities compared standard growth rates and percent gains. Preliminary data suggest that for the sampling periods, changes in density over time did affect growth rates and growth performance at the higher densities. New ponds are conditioned to initiate a food supply for stocked fish. Spawning enclosures are used in four ponds. Their progeny are used for the grow-out experiment. Fish from the largest and smallest brood will be brought into the recirculation system and tested over winter for growth and performance. Brood fish in the enclosures were removed in June to hold for future selective breeding. Larger bluegill from the first test have been stocked in 4 by 4 cages and are used as experimental fish in cage grow-out. The cages will be harvested in the fall and length-weight and growth data will be taken. The conversion of the swine facility to aquaculture was initiated July 1, 2004. Preparing the facility includes removing and replacing equipment, cleaning and disinfecting and assembly of the aquaculture equipment. A weekly photographic documentation will demonstrate the process. Our goal is to utilize as much existing equipment and minimize the cost for conversion. The facility is anticipated to be operational in fall 2004. The impact of the applied research on bluegill sunfish selective breeding will be to provide methods to grow marketable fish in a reasonable amount of time with positive economic data. In addition we are in the process of developing a strain of bluegill that will be domesticated and show superior growth performance under feasible culture conditions. The ultimate goal is to produce the techniques and the animal that be used to develop a substantial food fish industry in Missouri.   For More Information, Contact: Charles E. Hicks, Principle Investigator Russell Gerlach, Aquaculture Project Coordinator Arlene Stewart, Research Technician Lincoln University Carver Farm 3804 Bald Hill Road Jefferson City, MO  65102-0029 Phone: (573) 681-5540 E-mail: Charles Hicks hicksc@lincolnu.edu