SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

Lindsay Hopper

Lindsay Hopper has been involved with the aquaculture industry for over 12 years.  Having completed a Masters of Applied Science in Aquaculture at the University of Tasmania, Lindsay has gained a comprehensive understanding of the many segments of the aquacultural industry, with practical and theoretical knowledge covering the wide range of species that make up this diverse and ever changing industry.

 Lindsay grew up on a family owned dairy farm before going on to study at Tocal Agricultural College.  This agricultural background has given Lindsay a good understanding of animal husbandry, which he believes is paramount for success in the aquaculture industry.  During this study at the local agricultural college, Lindsay developed an interest in aquaculture, which later grew into his lifelong passion. After obtaining the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture, Lindsay  further pursued his interest in aquaculture by enrolling at the premier aquaculture study institution in Australia, The University of Tasmania.  Six years of full time studies followed as he completed the Associate Diploma, Diploma, Post Graduate and Masters in Aquaculture.  In May 1997, Lindsay was employed by Aquasonic Pty Ltd to be part of the sales team. He is now the sales manager and heads an enthusiastic sales team. His current position involves working closely with farmers and research institutions, both nationally and internationally, including hands on installations, sizing, applying and general consultancy. His work covers virtually the entire industry, including all the commercially grown species in Australia and overseas, hatchery, grow out (indoor and outdoor) and the live seafood holding and public aquarium fields.  Lindsay recently traveled to Indonesia where he installed some of Aquasonic's recirculation systems for the farming of  Barramundi Cod, one of the most sort after marine species in the world. Lindsay's position also involves the acquisition of products and representing Aquasonic Pty Ltd at conferences and trade shows again on a national and international level. 

Lindsay's presentation will centre on recirculation systems, however much of this will be directly related to pond farmers. The aim is to dispel some of the myths and commonly misunderstood features of water quality, design and components used within recirculation systems. Lindsay will highlight a selection of factors that will help farmers to be more productive and profitable. Some of the points covered will include:

• Principles of aeration, sizing and applying to ponds and tanks.  Providing a simple to follow guide to sizing aeration for your application, including diffuser and blower/air pumps for various applications.
• Carbon Dioxide, the reason why your fish may be drowsy or lethargic.  Acting to increase FCR's and decreasing the time fish take to get to market size, greatly effecting profitability. Looking at the CO2 relationship with kH and pH and how you to control CO2 levels.
• Dissolved Oxygen, the first limiting factor to water quality.
• ORP (Oxidative Reduction Potential) what is ORP? What effects does it play on recirculation systems? How do you control it?
• Why use Ozone, how and what it does, with an understanding of the benefits that it can bring and things to be aware of when using it.  Why it is important to us both UV and Ozone and why just one will not achieve the benefits of both in recirculation systems.
• Principles of biological filtration.
• Solids filtration, options available and why some methods are better than others.
• Benefits of foam fractionation.
• Use of recirculation systems in purging, as grow out facilities to get fish to market size, as fingerling raising systems or over wintering for pond farmers.
• Importance of water quality monitoring and recording to give you a "handle" for effective and efficient farm management.
• Importance of early and on farm disease identification.

The session centers on taking a more professional and balanced approach to aquaculture.

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