Government is to host a workshop for persons interested in commercial aquaculture.

Called Intensive Indoor Aquaculture and Aquaponics, the workshop is specifically designed for Bermudians interested in aquaculture as a business, investment or career choice.

The Department of Environmental Protection will host the workshop on Saturday, March 24. Talks will be led by international aquaculture expert Doug Burdette.

Aquaculture is the farming of water-based organisms including fish, shellfish and algae. Most commonly used for food production, aquaculture represents the world’s fastest growing food sector, a Government spokeswoman said.

Environment Minister Marc Bean said there are a number of benefits that Bermuda stands to gain from pursuing aquaculture.

“The emergence of a new aquaculture industry will provide new business, employment, and investment opportunities for Bermudians. Furthermore, local production of farmed fish will contribute to our food security.

“Presently, 75 percent of the seafood consumed in Bermuda is imported and, while there are a number of reasons that make it unlikely that Bermuda could be entirely self-sufficient, any aquaculture operation would serve to reduce our dependence on imported seafood.”

The workshop will take place in the Visitors’ Centre of the Botanical Gardens from 10am until 4pm.

Contact the Department of Environmental Protection to register for the workshop: 239-2300, 239-2317, or environmentalprotection[AT]gov.bm.

www.growfish.com.