Dr. Kevin Fitsimmons, a professor and environmental science extension agent at the University of Arizona, has played many key roles in ensuring the continued growth of aquaculture throughout much of Southeast Asia. He also holds an adjunct professorship at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand and is a consultant to China’s Department of Agriculture on the development of tilapia production and processing.
He also served as president of the United States Aquaculture Society from 1999 to 2000 and then went global in 2004 and was elected president of the World Aquaculture Society, a global community of aquaculture specialists that organizes annual conferences for the spread of new and improved information and technology. Most recently, he served as chairman of Aquaculture without Frontiers, a global charity that supports small-scale sustainable aquaculture projects in developing countries.
“Since most of our local aquatic farmers have invested in tilapia production, we thought it best to bring out an expert with the species,” said NMC’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Program team leader Michael Ogo. “Dr. Fitzsimmons has dedicated much of his life to the study and improvement of tilapia production and harvest.”
The workshop, entitled “Tilapia and its Role in Sustainable Aquaculture Systems in the Pacific, will be held on March 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Napu Room at the Pacific Islands Club. It is sponsored by NMC’s Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service, the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and the CNMI Aquaculture Producers Association.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Dr. Fitzsimmon’s caliber visit us to share his extensive knowledge in tilapia production with our local aquatic farmers,” said NMC interim President Lorraine T. Cabrera.
For more information or to register, contact Michael Ogo at 234-5498 ext. 1708 or michaelo@nmcnet.edu. Interested individuals are advised to register in advance as seating is limited to 50 participants.
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