By Kentucky State University’s School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
Kentucky State University’s School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science will host the 2026 Shrimp Farming Symposium on April 10–11, 2026, at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky. The event will also offer a virtual participation option, allowing attendees from around the world to engage remotely.
This ground-breaking international symposium will bring together leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals from across the global shrimp farming sector. The program will feature presentations and discussions on the latest advances in shrimp farming, as well as broader cross-cutting topics impacting the industry.
The symposium will include a distinguished lineup of confirmed speakers, including:
- Khalid Al-Naif, Owner, Black Iris Farms — on developing commercial shrimp farming operations in the United States under challenging climatic and business conditions.
- Dr. Craig Browdy, CTO, SyAqua Group — on biosecure systems for high-value shrimp production.
- Dr. George Chamberlain, President, The Center for Responsible Seafood — on global shrimp farming trends and strengthening U.S. production.
- Dr. Arun Dhar, University of Arizona — on the global status of shrimp diseases and the importance of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) programs.
- Andre Faul, M.S., Faul Family Riverside Farm — on opportunities and challenges in niche-market shrimp farming.
- Robins McIntosh, Executive Vice President, Charoen Pokphand Foods — on inland shrimp hatchery construction and management.
- Dr. Andrew Ray, Indoor shrimp farming expert — on intensive RAS production achieving yields over 15 kg/m².
- Dr. Waldemar Rossi, Aquatic animal nutritionist — on current shrimp diet formulations and future feed innovations.
- Dr. Bert Wecker, CTO, Oceanloop — on AI applications, CO₂ reduction, and emerging technologies in shrimp RAS.
A student research spotlight session will also be featured, with additional details to be announced.
Event Schedule Highlights
- April 9: Evening welcome reception
- April 10: Expert presentations and facilitated discussions; evening social event
- April 11: Morning presentations followed by guided tours of Kentucky State University’s Aquatic Research Center, which includes 33 research ponds, hatchery facilities, advanced genetics and nutrition labs, intensive indoor recirculating systems, and year-round research programs covering multiple aquatic species, including Pacific white shrimp.
Businesses and organizations interested in industry visibility may participate through financial partnership opportunities, with multiple levels available. Get your logo posted on our marketing and event materials, set up a table at the event, and even acquire a speaking role for your company at the event.
Registration is limited. Early registration is encouraged. Additional event details, registration links, partnership details, and updates are available at:
https://www.kysu.edu/academics/college-ahnr/events/shrimp-symposium.php
April is also an ideal time to visit central Kentucky, offering opportunities for bourbon distillery tours, outdoor activities, and thoroughbred horse racing.
Media Contact:
Marissa Bermeo M.Sc.
Kentucky State University – School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
marissa.bermeo@kysu.edu
