Texas A&M AgriLife Workshop on Fish Waste in Aquaponics

Dallas, October 15, 2025

News Summary

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is hosting a workshop in Dallas, focusing on how fish waste can be utilized as a nutrient source in aquaponic systems. Taking place on October 24 at the Water Education Building, the workshop aims to educate participants about sustainable food production practices. With a registration fee of $30 for in-person attendance, which includes lunch, and $10 for virtual participation, the event features expert speakers who will share their knowledge on integrating fish waste into agricultural practices.

Dallas — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is hosting a workshop on October 24 in Dallas to teach how fish waste can be used as a nutrient source for plants in aquaponic systems. The half-day event will be held at the Water Education Building at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, located at 17360 Coit Road, Dallas, and runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Key facts

The workshop focuses on utilizing fish waste as a nutrient source for plants in aquaponic systems. Time: Workshop runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. and the program starting at 9 a.m. Venue: Water Education Building at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, located at 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Cost: $30 for in-person attendance which includes lunch; $10 for virtual attendance. Registration link available for those interested in attending.

What attendees will learn

Participants will learn practical methods for integrating fish waste into agricultural practices. The workshop aims to educate on improving sustainability in food production through aquaponics. Content will cover the nutrient cycles in aquaponic systems, practical steps to capture and convert fish waste for plant use, and system components that support water quality and plant growth. Instruction is intended to be applicable to small-scale growers, educational programs, and practitioners seeking more sustainable production methods.

Speakers and program

Featured speakers include:

• Joe Masabni, Ph.D., professor and AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences
• T.C. Beckett, executive director of Veterans Produce
• Ron Malone, Ph.D., owner of AST Bead Filter, Aquaculture Systems Technologies

Speakers will present on technical approaches, operational considerations, and real-world applications of aquaponic systems and fish-waste management. The program schedule allows for presentations, practical demonstrations, and time for questions from attendees. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m., with the workshop concluding by 1 p.m.

Logistics and registration

Cost: $30 for in-person attendance which includes lunch; $10 for virtual attendance. In-person attendees should expect a program focused on practical, hands-on content and a provided lunch. Virtual attendance will provide access to the program content at a reduced fee. Registration link available for those interested in attending. Organizers recommend registering in advance to secure a place and confirm attendance type.

Organizational context

The event highlights Texas A&M AgriLife’s commitment to advancing agricultural research and education. The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable production methods and provide practical training for growers, educators, and others involved in food production systems. Presentations will draw on extension research, technical experience from industry practitioners, and applied examples relevant to aquaponics and integrated aquaculture-horticulture operations.

Who should consider attending

The workshop is suited to small farmers, educators, aquaculture and horticulture practitioners, students, community growers, and others interested in sustainable food production. Content is presented at a level intended to be accessible to those new to aquaponics while still offering technical details useful to experienced practitioners.

Additional notes

Attendees should plan for a morning session with a provided lunch for in-person registrants. Virtual participants will receive access according to directions provided at registration. The workshop is hosted by a university extension program with the objective of sharing research-based practices and practical techniques for improving sustainability in food production through aquaponics.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Vertical Farm Daily: Texas A&M to Host Aquaponics Workshop
• HortiDaily: IFCO Opens New Service Center in Dallas, TX
• Produce Grower: Texas A&M AgriLife CEA Greenhouse Construction
• Dallas News: Aquaponics Strategy in Dallas
• Wikipedia: Aquaponics
• Google Search: Aquaponics

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