The Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility in Red Cliff is one of several participating in the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association's First Annual State Wide Fish Farm Day Aug. 23.
The facility operates as a farmer-oriented research and demonstration facility. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility is located at 36445 State Highway 13, across from Bradum Road, 1.5 miles west of Red Cliff on Highway 13. Look for sign and gated driveway on south side of road.
The event is free.
The Red Cliff facility is one of 10 fish farms will open their doors to the public promoting Wisconsin aquaculture and to explain the importance of locally grown, fresh, safe fish. Wisconsin aquaculture is a $7 million industry with more than 150 commercial fish farms raising fish for food, recreation, bait and stocking.
Free events at individual fish farms include farm tours, demonstrations, talks on fish, the importance of eating locally grown fish, ponds and weed control.
ADVERTISEMENT
Aquaculture, or fish farming, is defined as the raising of aquatic organisms in controlled settings, and Wisconsin's private aquaculture dates back to 1856 with a sound environmental history using sustainable best management practices. Wisconsin fish farming is very diverse -- raising trout, yellow perch and bluegills for food; walleye, northern pike, muskie and bass for stocking, and minnows for bait.
Wisconsin fish farmers are providing fish that is veterinarian-certified healthy and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus-free. Since 2006, they have spent more than $70,000 in testing for the virus. Also, Wisconsin fish farms have never been cited for introducing an invasive species into the state.
