The AES Issues Forum occurs immediately before the Recirculating Aquaculture conference and is also held at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. Gregory Boardman (Past AES President) and George Flick are hosting this "Members Only" Issues Forum. The forum is designed specifically for AES members to gather and discuss advances and current issues in the field of aquacultural engineering. The 2 day forum focuses on three special topics: (1) Biofloc Session, (2) Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP) in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, and (3) Marine Aquaculture Systems. The sessions consist of a mix of invited and contributed presentations.

Check-in registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on August 18. The sessions conclude at 5:00 p.m. on both days. A reception and dinner will be held at the close of the first day's sessions on August 18. Continuous refreshments are provided throughout the program and lunch is served on both days. Registration also includes a CD of the forum proceedings. Selected papers from the Issues Forum will be published in a special issue of Aquacultural Engineering. Visit the web site for abstract submission guidelines. Abstracts are due by February 26, 2010. Papers not accepted for the forum will automatically be considered for the Recirculating Aquaculture conference.

Registrations received before July 19 will be $300 and can be submitted on-line or by using the form in the brochure. You can download the paper form here. Those who are not members of AES can participate in the forum by simply joining AES and paying the $30 AES membership fee (also on the registration form). After July 19, registration will go up to $350 per person. Please contact Greg Boardman by phone at (540) 231-1376, or e-mail: gboard@vt.edu for more information about the 2010 AES Issues Forum.

Special Session (half day): BIOFLOC
The term biofloc refers to an agglomeration of microbes and cellular by-products. The make-up of biofloc can be complicated, consisting of a mix of metabolic by-products, bacteria, higher organisms (e.g., rotifers), and/or algae. For years, aquaculturists have relied on the biofloc that forms in ponds, raceways, and recirculating systems as a supplemental food source for various types of fish and shrimp. The growth of microbes in these systems can occur naturally, or may be stimulated by the addition of nutrients such as molasses. More recently, investigators have considered generating and harvesting biofloc outside of the aquaculture system to be added to the aquacultural system as a feed. The nutritional benefits of using biofloc are generally recognized, but there are still many fundamental aspects of the use and composition of biofloc that are poorly understood. For example, some researchers have suggested that biofloc exhibits probiotic properties when used as an aquaculture feed ingredient. The papers presented during this session will cover the nature of bioflocs, production practices, applications, and potential benefits.

Special Session (half day): ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESSES (AOP) IN RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS (RAS)
Particulates in recirculating aquaculture systems (including feces, uneaten feed, bacteria, and algae) can cause several problems. They may harbor pathogens, can physically irritate the fish, and upon decomposition, may release ammonia and consume oxygen. Mechanical filters, foam fractionators, and other engineered devices are used to remove particles quickly from aquaculture systems, in order to improve fish health and decrease the load on biofilters and oxygenators. Advanced Oxidation Processes - AOP (i.e. Ozone, UV light, Hydrogen peroxide, Titanium dioxide, etc.) can be used in RAS as a disinfectant, to remove organic carbon or algae, reduce turbidity, modify the color, odor, or taste of the water, or to effectively inactivate a range of bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan fish pathogens. However, the effectiveness of these treatments depends on oxidant concentration, contact time, pathogen loads, and the overall level of organic matter in the water. It can also be necessary to destroy AOP residuals (mainly ozone and others oxidants) before they enter the culture tanks. This session will explore the use and control of AOP to improve outcomes in RAS.

Special Session (One day): MARINE AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS
The ongoing intensification of the marine aquaculture sector has led to development of various novel water reuse systems (RAS). Presentations of such systems will be the main focus of the Marine Aquaculture Systems session. This emphasis on RAS does not exclude contributions describing flow-through or partial flow-through land-based systems. Topics may include system design, operation and performance management, and growth and welfare of cultured animals, as well as different systems for production of fish vs. shellfish, warm water vs. cold water species, or fry vs. adults.