Current News
What a summer!!!  

10-30-2009 

Hello from the Fishheads of HCC:

Happy Halloween all.  We spent the better part of the late summer getting in our broodfish (Discus) and focusing on increasing our Malawi brood fish condition.  The majority of the new group are spawning every 7 days now.  This will likley change as the winter approaches and daylight decreases, but hey, it's all good!  Discus are spawning every week as well, but haven't figured out quite how to raise fry on their own yet.  It has been quite a learning experience for all involved as we try to make them more comfortable and nurture them along. 

Along with that news, Dr. Kasper presented his results of the Task Force meeting to President Stephenson's Cabinet in September, with excellent results and fresh direction for the program.  Oh, ya, we'll all be working doubles the next few weeks (thanks for that Dr. K.)                                                                                                                                                                          --the Fishheads  

Fishheads Fall 2009 (left to right): Amanda, Adam, Alex, Dan, Rich, Doc K, Mike, Robert, Maryellen, Joe; (seated) Danielle, Gonzalo                  

Not pictured because he's got the lens: Ryan.

10-30-2009

Note from Doc K: We would ALL like to express special thanks to the Program Review Task Force, Dr. Nagy's office(Julie Redcay can be my lawyer ANYTIME because she rocks!!), Dean Peacock, as well as President Stephenson and her Cabinet for all the hard work, guidance and suggestions through the process.

Work still continues as we train more students!

Several hundred man-hours later....

 4-20-2009  Wow!!  It has been an incredible semester!  I appologize to those who visit this site on occasion.  I've just been way to swamped with work and paying attention to my students and their amazing success.  I think we are all pleased.  As you can see, we have been busy.  After successful partnership with the University of Florida and a mighty bit of fine work by Dr. Cortney Oh's, myself and others, we were able to secure funding to finish the greenhouse at Ruskin.  Students worked long, hard hours to build 3 new systems for raising fish.  Good job guys!  With all the new installs, we will be capable of providing enhanced hands-on experience for those interested in designing, building and operating a recirculating aquaculture system.

We also sold enough fish this year to fund several projects, obtain some equipment and prove to ourselves we could do it!  Again, thanks to those involved in husbandry, marketing and sales!

With the help of several great folks, we've entered the world of aquaculture research again.  (I am personally stoked about this!!) Current projects include evaluation of novel feed ingredients for aquaculture species as well as improvement of growth and maintenance diets for high-end cichlids.

 We're looking forward to the future and thankful to everyone involved with the program in the past.   

                                                                                                                                   Cheers,

                                                                                                                                     doc K

http://www.hccfl.edu/faculty-info/ckasper.aspx