Proposal Submitted to the
Western Regional Aquaculture Center
School of Fisheries, Box 357980
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-7980
Project title: NATIONAL AQUACULTURE EXTENSION CONFERENCE
Submitted: Jan 15, 2002`
Participating Institutions
Kevin Fitzsimmons Raymond RaLonde
University of Arizona University of Alaska
Steve Harbell Gary Fornshell
Washington State University University of Idaho
Martin Frick James Bergeron
Montana State University Oregon State University
Fred Conte Jon Boren
University of California, Davis New Mexico State University
Chris Myrick Terry Messmer
Colorado State University Utah State University
James Bennage Ray Pardini
Sheridan College, Sheridan, WY University of Nevada, Reno
Project title: NATIONAL AQUACULTURE EXTENSION CONFERENCE
Funding levels: Total Request: $4,500
Duration of Project: One year
Technical Advisor: Gary Jensen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Justification...... 3
Related Current and Previous Work...... 3
Objectives...... 3
Procedures...... 4
Facilities...... 5
Project Leaders...... 5
Proposed Budget...... 6
Budget Justification...... 6
Schedule For Completion Of Objectives...... 7
JUSTIFICATION
Two prior national extension conferences have stimulated the development of a national extension network that has played an important role in supporting U.S. aquaculture. With the advent of new technologies of computer systems, distance education satellite programs and a movement towards sharing expertise and talents across state and regional boundaries there are opportunities for multi-state collaborative efforts that raise standards for excellence and service. Because of declining state budgets and staff there is a need to leverage existing resources in cases of mutual interest and need. This can be accomplished through regional and national collaborative initiatives with a clear vision of anticipated outcomes and targeted beneficiaries.
The 1992 and 1997 National Aquaculture Extension Conferences were interregional projects funded by the USDA supported Regional Aquaculture Centers. The role of extension education within the RAC Program is evidenced by the realization of the need for an effective extension component in most if not all RAC funded projects. The National Office of Sea Grant has likewise considered aquaculture research and outreach an important part of program efforts and has funded projects in many states over the years that have led to real advances in the aquaculture industry. The National Office of Sea Grant has already committed $20,000 to the 2003 National Aquaculture Extension Conference. While Land Grant and Sea Grant agents and specialists work together in some parts of the nation, this is not the case in all areas. Linking these organizations can only result in the whole being far stronger than the sum of the parts and result in benefits that would be perceived by industry and others as utilizing our professional resources for the maximum benefit of the industry and the nation.
RELATED AND PREVIOUS WORK
This proposed National Conference builds on the previous conferences held in March of 1992 in Little Rock, AR and April of 1997 in Annapolis, Maryland. It will bring together both Sea Grant and Land Grant agents and specialists to explore common program bonds and ways to collaborate professionally to enhance the program activities of both.
The WRAC was been offered and has accepted the chance to host the Third National Conference.
This conference is expected to strengthen research and extension linkages in a manner that is complementary and in partnership with private sector interests. The inclusion of a research based science and technology theme that leads to implementation plans to better service and impact industry development through state, regional and national actions is both timely and essential.
OBJECTIVES
1. Learn successful approaches to problem-solving through case studies that can be replicated in other states, i.e., lessons learned.
2. Demonstrate and conduct hands-on experience with state-of-the-art computer applications for improving delivery of extension programs.
3. Identify national extension priorities and critical issues with development of corresponding action plans for implementation.
4. Identify potential interregional extension projects, such as curriculum development or national decision-support databases.
5. Share educational materials and programs in addition to expertise.
6. Strengthen regional and national communication networks to improve services to our clientele.
7. Develop international linkages with extension professionals in Mexico and Canada.
8. Examine successful extension components and outcomes to research projects and develop approaches to improve integration nationwide.
9. Develop a collective strategy to define extension's role in measuring impacts of RAC projects and collaboration with others in academia and private sector.
10. Improve business management skills related to aquaculture and enhance knowledge concerning marketing of aquatic products
11. Develop a method to evaluate the impact and accomplishments associated with conference after six months.
PROCEDURES
The conference will be planned by a National Steering Committee composed of representatives appointed by Directors from each of the five RACs. Each RAC has appointed at least one but no more than two extension professionals to serve on this Committee and represent the interests and ideas of other extension professionals in their region. The Steering Committee has been and will continue to utilize teleconferencing and an e-mail list serve for efficient and cost effective communications. To date the committee has surveyed extension professionals in their regions to choose a site for the conference and has developed this proposal to be submitted to each RAC to request funding support. An extension mailgroup will be used to solicit input and suggestions from US aquaculture extension community in developing the conference program. This should serve to increase the level of engagement and participation of the broader extension community. The Steering Committee will also take the opportunity to meet at the Aquaculture America meetings in San Diego and Lexington where many of the members will be in attendance. This will provide an additional opportunity to generate interest and input from the wider aquaculture extension community.
The Steering Committee will be responsible for developing the program for the conference and its implementation. The University of Arizona and Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons will serve as the lead institution and lead P.I. respectively, and will be responsible for working with the University of Arizona sponsored research office to setup accounts and any subcontracts that may be required.
A proceedings subcommittee will be created by the National Steering Committee and will be charged with establishing lists of peer reviewers and assignments for final paper editing. The Steering Committee has determined that the proceedings will be made available in electronic forms on CD-ROM and in PDF format on a Web site.
At the conclusion of the conference a written evaluation will be completed by all participants for feedback and reporting purposes. This instrument will be developed as assigned by the National Steering Committee. A post-conference evaluation instrument will also be developed and mailed to all participants to determine the application and outcomes related to the workshop. This will be conducted six months after the conclusion of the conference. The National Steering Committee will make appropriate assignments and develop procedures for implementation.
The conference will draw a diverse audience and participants who will be critical for contributing to the uniqueness of this program and its success. The format for the Conference is anticipated to be a blend of invited papers, panel discussions, hands-on exercises and informal issue targeted sessions. The National Steering Committee has developed the format of a two-day conference, followed by one day of short courses and a day of tours to research and production facilities. The Steering Committee has selected Tucson, Arizona as the site for the 3rd National Conference. Conference and hotel facilities are readily available and bids have been requested from 3 potential sites.
The following persons have already agreed to serve on the Local Arrangement Committee (LAC):
--Kevin Fitzsimmons, University of Arizona
--Dennis McIntosh, University of Arizona
--George Brooks, Gila River Community
--Fred Conte, University of California at Davis
--Ray RaLonde, University of Alaska
FACILITIES
Conference facilities are available at the meeting location in Tucson. Three hotels are being considered. Each is near the University of Arizona main campus. Tucson International airport hosts most major airlines including low cost carrier Southwest Airlines. Aquaculture facilities at the University of Arizona will be open as well as several commercial operations. Computer lab facilities on the campus will also be available for intensive Internet training.
PROJECT LEADER
Principal Investigator: Kevin Fitzsimmons, Aquaculture Extension Specialist
University of Arizona, Soil, Water, and Environmental Science Environmental Research Lab
2601 E. Airport Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85706
PROPOSED WRAC BUDGET
CONFERENCE COSTS Request FY 2002
A. Expendable supplies and equipment $1,400
B. Travel $1,000
C. Publication and Documentation Costs $ 900
D. Conference Facilities $ 1,200
CONFERENCE COSTS $4,500
BUDGET JUSTIFICATION for WRAC
A. Expendable Supplies and Equipment
Copy charges, postage, paper, pre-conference announcements and brochures, signage, and other related expenses used to organize and operate national conference and attract national audience $ 1,400
B. Travel
Transportation for participants to attend planned short course(s); transportation to attend tours to research and commercial aquaculture sites, and related charges $ 1,000
C. Publication and Documentation Costs
Preparation and printing of estimated 150 CD copies of proceedings (in place of more expensive printed proceedings in 3-ring binders) for attendees and archives; printing training materials for short courses; registration, educational materials, and related expenses $ 900
D. Conference Facilities
For meeting and training areas for conference, tours, and short course(s) including two days use of
days use of plenary meeting room to hold 150 attendees in classroom; setup and separate rooms for
computer training and state program materials display; use of facilities for short course(s); audio-visual equipment; other technical equipment; morning and afternoon breaks for general sessions, tours, and short course(s); aquaculture product introduction and other functions $ 1,200
TOTAL $ 4,500
SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION OF OBJECTIVES
Summer 2001 Project Leaders appointed by RAC Directors. Organizational information on workshop developed by e-mail group to facilitate communication.
Fall 2001 Workshop location of Tucson, AZ selected by National Steering Committee. Proposal for National Aquaculture Extension Conference developed by Steering Committee and submitted to RACs to request cost-sharing for inter-regional project. Advisors to the project chosen. Local arrangement committee named. First announcement of meeting dates and location distributed to aquaculture community.
Jan 2002 National Steering Committee and advisors meet at Aquaculture America convention in San Diego, CA to organize and initiate program planning. Solicit suggestions from extension community for session and workshop topics.
Spring 2002 Program development, topics chosen, and speakers contacted. Papers requested where required to assess relevance for national conference.
Summer 2002 First mass contact with to potential audience concerning dates, location and program information about conference.
Fall 2002 Conference material with updated program, finalized short courses, and other information mailed to potential attendees.
Jan 2003 Final conference material mailed to attendees with registration and accommodation information, and tour and short course selections.
Feb 2003 Steering Committee meets at Aquaculture America in Lexington KY to finalize plans for National Aquaculture Extension Conference.
April 7-11 03 Conference held. Two-day program with one day of tours and one day of optional short course(s). Proceeding distributed at conference with archive copies to relevant depositories. Evaluation at conclusion of program.
Fall 2003 Final evaluation mailed to attendees seeking information on the impact and benefits that resulted from the conference held earlier in the year. This six month post-conference evaluation provides time for application of new information, methods, experiences and strengthening regional and national professional contact networks and allows input for future professional development activities.
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