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CTAHR Assistant Professor Kai Fox and Jack Lee, who is developing a commercial aquaponics farm in Kahuku.
Hawaiʻi farmers are learning how to integrate aquaculture to their operations through GoFish Hawaiʻi, a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa program designed to expand food security. Led by Assistant Professor Kai Fox and Professor Ted Radovich, the program operates at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience’s Center for Applied Research and Extension Services in Waimānalo.
The program helps increase access to tasty, nutritious fish.
Since the program began in 2020, GoFish Hawaiʻi has trained more than 70 participants. The aquaculture program combines five workshops, field experience, technical assistance and online learning. Participants include beginning farmers, Native Hawaiian producers, military veterans and local educators.
Responding to community needs
The program’s goal is to increase commercial aquaculture across Hawaiʻi and boost the state’s food security.
“GoFish was developed to respond to community demand for practical, locally relevant training that helps participants pursue aquaculture as a business, career, or addition to an integrated venture on an existing farm,” Fox said.
Beginning aquaculture students study fish husbandry, aquaponic system design, water quality management, plant nutrition and business economics. Students learn to use nutrient-rich water to produce a wide variety of vegetables and fruit trees, reducing fertilizer costs and water consumption.
Part of the GoFish Hawaii program is to learn by doing.
Workforce development
Among students is Jack Lee, a Cohort 3 participant who is developing a commercial aquaponics farm in Kahuku.
“Without the GoFish program, I don’t think I would have the confidence to start up a larger-scale commercial operation,” Lee said.
The program’s next phase will expand workforce development and entrepreneurship by connecting alumni with apprenticeships, job opportunities and direct-to-consumer markets.
GoFish is supported by CTAHR, the college’s Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, and UH Sea Grant.
GoFish Hawaii participants take classes about marketing, farm finances, and entrepreneurship.
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