FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 14, 2016

Contact: William Gee, Marketing & Communications Dept., 804-524-5005, wgee@vsu.edu

Armenians Seek Aquatic Advice from VSU

As part of an eastern U.S. tour agenda, a three-member Armenian delegation will visit Virginia State University’s aquaculture facilities on Sept. 15 to learn about best management practices used to help limited-resource fish farmers utilize water resources more efficiently.

Armenia is a nation and former Soviet republic located in Western Asia. Under the auspices of a PEER (Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research) grant supported by USAID (United States Agency for International Development), project staffers are working with approximately 20 small fish producers growing trout and sturgeon in Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Fish farmers there are using inefficient water technologies and experiencing a depletion of artesian water resources. Project objectives include developing an educational outreach program and fostering sustainable fisheries that use water resources more efficiently.

Dr. Brian Nerrie, VSU aquaculture extension specialist who will direct the tour, cites distinct similarities between VSU and Armenian aquatic programming efforts and considers fish farmers concerns to be universal. Nerrie said VSU has worked with more than 300 fish farmers across the state who grow hybrid striped bass, catfish, trout, tilapia and freshwater shrimp.

The Armenians realize they’re wasting water and experiencing water quality issues, so they seek enlightenment on successful strategies we’ve implemented to address many of the same concerns, said Nerrie. We’ll not only share our accomplishments with them, but demonstrate how they might apply some of the same strategies to address their current dilemma. For more information on the Armenian visit or VSU’s Aquaculture Program, contact Nerrie at (804) 534-5903 or email bnerrie@vsu.edu.

Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

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