2026 Kentucky State University Shrimp Farming Symposium
2026 Kentucky State University Shrimp Farming Symposium
2026 Shrimp Farming Symposium
April 10-11, 2026
Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm
1525 Mills Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky
This biennial international symposium will bring together aquaculture experts and
businesses from around the country and the world. Expert speakers will present and
discuss the latest information on shrimp farming and broader cross-cutting topics
affecting the industry. Below is a preliminary list of confirmed speakers; ultimately,
we expect to have about 15 presenters.
Preliminary confirmed speakers:
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Khalid Al-Naif, EXDG – owner, Black Iris Farms, a 10,000-square-foot commercial marine shrimp farming facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan – will discuss how implementation of a commercial project concept can change when setting up a commercial shrimp farm in the United States, focusing on how to succeed in both a harsh northern climate and today’s challenging business landscape.
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Dr. Craig Browdy – CTO, SyAqua Group, the global leader in shrimp genetics, with decades of experience in multiple shrimp sectors – will provide perspectives on bio-secure systems for high-value shrimp production.
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Angela Caporelli, M.S. – Marketing Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture and an expert in aquaculture certification programs – will discuss food safety, development of HACCP plans, and how these practices can improve marketing opportunities for shrimp producers.
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Andre Faul, M.S. – owner and manager of Faul Family Riverside Farm, a mid-size, highly productive shrimp farm in Sulphur, Kentucky – will discuss the opportunities and challenges faced in building and managing a shrimp farm targeting a niche market.
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Dr. Andrew Ray – world-renowned indoor shrimp farming expert with more than 20 years of experience – will discuss recent research resulting in shrimp production levels over 15 kg/m² in intensive RAS, as well as key system components and management considerations.
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Dr. Waldemar Rossi – aquatic animal nutritionist with more than 15 years of research experience, involved in testing a wide variety of innovative diets for shrimp – will discuss the current status of shrimp diet formulations and prospects for the feed industry.
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Dr. Bert Wecker – CTO, Oceanloop, a high-tech shrimp and fish farming innovation leader in Germany – will discuss the use of AI and reducing CO₂ emissions in shrimp RAS, as well as other technological advancements.
Transportation Details:
- Information Coming Soon
Airport:
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF): https://www.flylouisville.com/
- Bluegrass Airport Lexington (LEX): https://www.bluegrassairport.com/
- Cincinnati/Northern KY International Airport (CVG): https://www.cvgairport.com/
Maps:
- From Louisville International Airport (SDF): https://maps.app.goo.gl/KmbZgejik2wriyJQ9
- From Bluegrass Airport - Lexington KY (LEX): https://maps.app.goo.gl/GHLQN3KhU5VYk4Rz5
- From Cincinnati/Northern KY International Airport (CVG): https://maps.app.goo.gl/QRq3vXV6of42fPgJA
Schedule
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April 9 – Evening welcome reception
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April 10 – Pioneering presentations and discussions facilitated by world-leading experts; evening social
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April 11 – Engaging presentations and exchanges in the morning; afternoon tours of Kentucky State University’s Aquatic Research Center, which includes 33 research ponds, a hatchery, advanced genetics and nutrition facilities, intensive indoor recirculating systems, and specialized labs that support year-round research on largemouth bass, aquaponics, catfish, hybrid striped bass, tilapia, koi, paddlefish, olive flounder, and Pacific white shrimp.
Look out for additional updates. Spots are limited, so register early to save your place at this unforgettable event. In addition to the symposium, April
is a great time for bourbon distillery tours, outdoor activities, and the excitement
of thoroughbred horse racing in central Kentucky.
Registration Information
Registration Link: rebrand.ly/ksushrimp
Hotel Accommodations
Capital Plaza Hotel
405 Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40601
- Check in: Thursday, April 9
- Check out: Saturday, April 11
- Rate: $110 a night + tax – includes breakfast
- Block of 50 rooms
- www.capitalplazaky.com and use the 4 digit code (6389) to book your room.
- Last day to reserve rooms is March 9
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lexington Frankfort
55 Mill Road, Frankfort, KY 40601
- Check in: Thursday, April 9 (guests can check in on March 8 if needed)
- Check out: Saturday, April 11
- Rate: King Suites $159 or Queen/Queen Suites $169 + tax – includes full hot breakfast buffet
- Block of 30 rooms
- https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1763717510122&key=GRP&app=resvlink
- Last day to reserve rooms is March 8
Past Publication & Conference Talks
For additional information, please contact:
- Andrew Ray at Andrew.Ray@kysu.edu or 502-597-8109
- Margaret Wolford at Margaret.Wolford@kysu.edu or 502-597-6672