Building on the success of previous research and training initiatives, Dr. Wenresti Gallardo, Associate Professor in the Department of Marine Science and Fisheries at the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, conducted a comprehensive training programme on aquaponics in December 2024.
The programme began with an online seminar held on 24 December 2024, which attracted 22 participants from six countries. The session introduced aquaponics as one of the top ten technologies with the potential to transform lives. Participants explored the differences between aquaponics, aquaculture, and hydroponics, and discussed the advantages, limitations, and various system types associated with aquaponics. The seminar also covered suitable fish and plant species, current trends, research gaps, and the work being done at SQU in this field.
The second part of the training took place on 26 December 2024, with a hands-on session conducted at the University’s newly established aquaponic system. Thirteen participants from SQU and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources attended. Dr. Gallardo was joined by his research team, comprising Dr. Ahmed Al-Sooti, Ahlam Al-Kharusi, and Said Al-Harthi.
As a continuation of these efforts, a follow-up online seminar is scheduled for 3 June 2025, from 10:00 to 12:00 (Muscat Time), via Google Meet. This upcoming session aims to reach a wider international audience and will include presentations on various aspects of aquaponics. Dr. Gallardo will provide an introduction and speak on system management and troubleshooting. Dr. Ahmed Al-Sooti will present an overview of aquaponic farms in Oman, while PhD student Ahlam Al-Kharusi will share a case study of a small-scale aquaponic farm. Arvind Venkat, consultant to the largest aquaponic farm in Oman, will discuss key performance indicators for commercial operations.
Those interested in attending may register through the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hmcf9k482_Xm1XhCzqTC1dLP0UbqieWOAzo-dhn68HI/preview
The deadline for registration is 29 May 2025, and for further information, contact Dr. Wenresti Gallardo at: gallardo@squ.edu.om.