The RAS Operations course will introduce you to the key activities required for operating a RAS. The first module will cover water quality parameters that need routine monitoring in RAS, including sampling, equipment, and methods for analyzing DO, pH, alkalinity, total ammonia nitrogen, and other critical parameters. The second module will provide details on system operational procedures including feeding, cleaning, backup systems, emergency response, and maintenance of common RAS equipment like pumps, drum filters, and water treatment processes. The third and final module deals with biosecurity, fish diseases, and measures to address related issues encountered in RAS.
Module 1: Monitoring RAS Water Quality
Module 2: RAS Operations & Management
Module 3: Fish Health & Biosecurity
Instructors: Natalie Redman, Travis May, Chris Good
Natalie Redman is the Water and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Manager for the Freshwater Institute, where she began her work in 2014. Natalie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Aquatic Science from Shepherd University (West Virginia, USA) and her Master’s degree in Environmental Biology from Hood College (Maryland, USA). She recently investigated the toxicity of peracetic acid to various juvenile Atlantic salmon life stages. Daily, she performs numerous chemical, physical, and biological analyses of the aquaculture water and wastewater at the facility.
Travis May has experience in every facet of aquaculture systems from the most advanced recirculation technology to traditional flow-through technology. His strong background includes HACCP implementation, SOP development and system maintenance, and bioplan creation. In addition to staff management and training, he was responsible for the production of more than 1,000 metric tons of yellow perch annually in one of the largest and most advanced food fish RAS systems in the U.S. Travis holds a MBA from Hood College (Maryland, USA) and a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Natural Resource Management from Shepherd University (West Virginia, USA).
Christopher M. Good is the Director of Research at The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute. Chris earned his B.Sc. from the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada) and went on to earn his M.Sc., D.V.M. and Ph.D. from the Ontario Veterinary College (Canada). He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (2017–), and a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian with the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (2014–).
