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Our Mission Statement...
Provide support for those people who are most in need,
following Jesus's example.
AND
Attain sustainability and teach others to do the same.
Education
Training Others
The aquaponics courses held at the training center
will teach students all of the basic skills and
knowledge necessary to successfully breed and grow Tilapia and culture plants and vegetables “aquaponically” on a practical, self sustaining, "back yard" scale, as well as larger commercial scale. The courses include topics in Tilapia and aquaponic plant culture, breeding setups, equipment, reproduction, growth procedures, purging or cleaning, and harvesting of the fish and vegetables.
Our Training Center
Our center is on a 10 acre site in the hills of Central Florida, elevation 210'. It is located about 50 minutes north of the Tampa Florida International Airport.
We have a two story dormitory building suitable for 16 people. This building has 4 separate dorm rooms, 2 baths, a living room and kitchen.
Our main facility is 200' long x 57' wide, and contains a fish hatchery, a commercial scale aquaponic system, a wet lab, and a classroom. The hatchery has a tank capacity of 9,000 gallons of water, the fish grow-out section has a capacity of 36,000 gal., and the plant cultivation section has 1,000 ft2 of growing surface area under a greenhouse. This building also contains a variety of smaller scale aquaponic, aquaculture and hydroponics demonstration systems.
There are several other aquaponics and aquaculture systems on the property, like our solar powered system and our tank aquaculture system with 50,000 gal. capacity, as well as smaller organic gardens and sustainable agriculture demonstration system.
 
 
Our Training Programs
The Residential Programs can be scheduled on a weekly basis Monday through Friday. If required, housing and board can be provided on site. Morning classes focus on in-classroom seminars and lectures on the fundamentals of aquaponics and the specific needs of tilapia and aquaponically grown plants, while afternoons are spend working on existing systems, or building new systems, focusing on the importance of hands on experience, and the importance of vigilance and maintenance in fish farming. We also offer supplemental information on, solar energy, photovoltaic and wind powered systems as well as more traditional aquaculture methods. Most importantly we offer a “hands on” experience working with fish and vegetables in working systems, where you can get your hands wet and help us with our day to day chores and activities while learning what it is really like to be an aquaponic farmer.
- Our Offerings
We offer short term courses in aquaculture and aquaponics. These courses are designed to teach basic knowledge and the methods of successfully growing tilapia and aquaponics plants. Our focus is on simple, sustainable techniques that can be used by the back yard farmer, missionary, Peace Corps worker or any others who wish to help improve the nutrition of the poor and needy.
- Our Home Units and Books
Morning Star Fishermen offers a number of education resources for those interesting in tilapia aquaculture and aquaponics, including training manuals, educational presentations, and small scale systems perfect for use in a classroom or other learning environment.
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Training Seminar:
Fundamentals of Raising Tilapia
Description:
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A one-day training seminar designed to teach the basics of raising tilapia and aquaponic plants in a naturally balanced, integrated culture system (aquaponics). Participants will learn about the basic needs and habits of tilapia and how they should be cared for and raised to marketable size. Participants will also learn how to use the wastewater from the fish to raise pesticide-free, nutritious healthy vegetables without soil.
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Methodology:
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All courses at MSF include lecture, small group discussion, and hands on experience with fish and aquaponic systems. Courses are fast paced, interactive and challenging. Course setting is informal, allowing plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
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Target Audience:
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Perfect for middle and secondary school or vocational students and teachers of science, ecology, and agriculture, gardening clubs, FFA clubs, or individuals interested in learning an innovative way to produce a constant supply of fish and vegetables using a simple, naturally balanced, ecologically sound system. No prior knowledge of aquaponics is required or assumed.
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Topics Covered:
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- Basic characteristics, needs, habits, and advantages of Tilapia
- Dos and Don’ts of raising Tilapia
- Integrating hydroponics to Tilapia culture (aquaponics)
- Building and managing a small backyard or demonstration sized system
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Cost:
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See Fees Table Below
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Training Seminar:
Tilapia
Culture with
Aquaponics
Course Description:
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A four-day, more in-depth course than the one-day seminar that teaches the fundamentals of aquaponic systems, tilapia biology and aquaculture. Students will learn the different options that exist setting up aquaponic systems and the principles that you need to know for efficient operation. Lots of invaluable hands-on training that will allow participants to get a feel of what it takes to be a successful aquaponics farmer.
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Methodology:
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Course focuses on in-classroom lectures as well as hands-on experience and training. Course is fast paced, interactive and challenging. Informal course setting which allows plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
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Target Audience:
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Intended for individuals that are seriously considering investing in their own aquaponic system to produce safe, healthy and nutritious fish and vegetables for their own consumption, or as an innovative business. Students, professors or industry professionals looking to expand their skills, knowledge or career opportunities, missionaries and community workers interested in aquaponics or aquaculture as a way to produce a constant supply of high quality protein and nutritious vegetables for community development and enrichment.
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Topics Covered:
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- Aquaponics systems, components and design
- Basic characteristics, needs, habits and advantages of Tilapia
- Dos and Don’ts of breeding and raising Tilapia
- Integrating hydroponics to Tilapia culture (aquaponics)
- Plant selection, culture, propagation, pest control, and harvesting
- Building and managing small backyard or demo-sized systems
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Cost:
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See Fees Table Below
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Train the Trainer Seminar:
Raising Tilapia
with Aquaponics
for Community
Development
Course Description:
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An intensive course in raising Tilapia and aquaponic plants in order to provide a protein rich food source and economic growth to developing communities. The course is designed to help students master the basic information and technologies necessary to raise Tilapia and hydroponic plants successfully. It emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning and provides actual experience with working systems at the MSF aquaponic facility. Participants will also learn basic principles of effective community development to help them create self-sustaining projects in their communities. Students will leave the course with practical experience in training others. Course duration is four weeks.
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Methodology:
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All courses at MSF include lecture, small group discussion, hands on experience with fish and aquaponics systems, laboratory work, role play, simulation and reciprocal teaching methods.
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Target Audience:
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Community development workers, missionaries, or others who are in a position of leadership in their communities and see themselves as becoming learners and trainers in Aquaponics. Also for individuals considering aquaponics as a business enterprise or career. Students interested in doing a research project or school project can use our facilities, results of experiments can be published in the Aquaponics Journal.
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Topics Covered:
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- Basic characteristics, needs, habits and advantages of Tilapia
- Fish culture systems and design
- Tilapia breeding and hatchery operation on management
- Aquaponic production of plants and vegetables
- Aquaponics systems, components and design
- Management and operation of large scale aquaponic facilities
- Principles of community involvement and development
- Principles of training others to raise Tilapia
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Cost:
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The course is available in a short or full duration version depending on the needs and interest of the participant.
- Four Week (short version)
Course focuses on in-classroom lectures and the fundamentals of aquaponics systems and tilapia biology. Its primary aim is to introduce the basics of Tilapia aquaculture and aquaponics theory. The short version of the course provides sufficient practical hands-on experience to allow the participant to understand the requirements of operating a full scale aquaponics facility, and train others.
Twelve Week (full version)
A more in depth course for those interested in pursuing aquaculture as a possible career, or for those interested in working in the mission field establishing community fish farms and teaching others the knowledge and skills of aquaculture. At the end of the course you will be able to design aquaponic facilities, estimate the economic potential and socioeconomic impact of a project, and operate and manage a full scale aquaponics facility.
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Times and Place:
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Morning Star Fishermen Training and Research Center
33336 Old Saint Joe Road
Dade City, Florida 33525
U.S.A.
(352) 523-2722
Please e-mail us to find out the time of the next available class.
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Quick Reference Fees Table
Course and Dormitory Costs Listed Separately
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| Length of Program |
Course Cost |
Total |
| 1 Day |
$175.00 |
$175.00 |
| 4 Days |
$650.00 |
$650.00 |
| 4 Weeks |
$2,000.00 |
$2,000.00 |
| 12 Weeks |
$6,000.00 |
$6,000.00 |
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Educational materials are included in classes. To purchase course materials separately (see below).
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Dormitory |
| Length of Program |
Dormitory Cost |
Total |
| 1 Day |
$50.00 |
$50.00 |
| 4 Days |
$250.00 |
$250.00 |
| 4 Weeks |
$1,300.00 |
$1,300.00 |
| 12 Weeks |
$4,100.00 |
$4,100.00 |
Materials |
Course Materials
(Soft Cover) |
Manual Price |
| The Fundamentals of Raising Tilapia Manual |
$35.00 |
| Raising Tilapia for Community Development |
$50.00 |
SHIPPING & HANDLING
• $10.00 (1 item)
• For 2 or more items, S/H adjusted accordingly
• S/H for global packages adjusted for individual orders
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Morning Star Theme Song
“Let’s Fight World Hunger” is now available on CD for a donation. The song is sung by Earl Harrigan, and written by Mike Roberts. This wonderful song can be yours for a $5.00 gift. Please contact the office at (352)523-2722 if you would like a copy.
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