CIGR Section II (Farm Buildings, Equipment, Structures and Livestock Environment) announced that it will organize a new and innovative topic of "Aquaculture".  Under the initiative of Professor Eberhard Hartung (Secretary of Section II) and his colleague, Dr. Eiko Thiessen from the University of Kiel (Germany), contacts have been made with the international organization Aquacultural Engineering Society (AES).

Dr. Steven G. Hall, President of AES and Associate Professor at Louisiana State University, wrote:  “We look forward to a productive and interesting session at CIGR.”  AES Board Member Mr. Ed Aneshanesley, Systems Engineer with Waterlife Design Group in Beverly, Massachusetts, added:  “There are a number of directors and others interested in contributing or co-organizing.  We do have interest to avoid excess overlap with our biennial "Aquacultural Engineering Forum" to be held in August in Roanoke, Virginia, USA.  I have started to put together a list of potential presenters that I believe may wish to participate.  This may imply a slight change to the overall format but could result in some very good presentations and a good showing in Quebec.”

A new technical track will appear on the web site www.cigr2010.ca entitled: Section II-B: Aquacultural Engineering.  This will facilitate downloading and regrouping volunteer presentations in this area.

The invitation to present volunteer papers is presently open until November 20, 2009.  The sessions will focus on onshore aquaculture and precision aqua-farming associated with the following topics:

• Recirculating aquaculture: systems layout, water treatment, feeding and harvest technique
• Fish quality and welfare: quantification, control, and grading
• Sensors and regulation: water, waste, and fish
• Management: production management, energy,  and system economy

The program will provide CIGR with a unique opportunity to better understand the challenges of aquaculture and the role of engineering to develop sustainable systems.

Visit the web site for more information on this and other technical programs offered during the XVII^th World Congress of CIGR organized in Quebec City on June 13-17, 2010.