Production, distribution and selling cocahoe minnows as live baitfish will be the focus of a workshop hosted by the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the Aquaculture Research Station, 2410 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge.
The program is open to the public but registration is required by Sept. 20. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
The workshop will focus on pond and tank culture. Topics to be covered include: history of cocahoe aquaculture; fish diseases; advantages and disadvantages of captive breeding; brood stock and reproduction methods; proper holding, handling and transportation of live minnows; infrastructure considerations; and culture system diversity/scenarios..
Live bait for saltwater angling in Louisiana is a seasonally available commodity, due to the reliance on wild-caught bait. Cultured cocahoe minnows could help supplement the wild-caught baitfish supply, and be a valuable revenue source for cocahoe growers. The cocahoe minnow is popular bait for redfish, speckled trout, flounder and many other species.
If the weather does not permit, the workshop rain date is Oct. 26.
For more information or to register please contact Sunny Brogan at: Phone: (225) 765-2848, Fax: (225) 765-2877, Email: sbrogan@agcenter.lsu.edu
