Kentucky State University hosted the 2026 Shrimp Farming Symposium on April 22, bringing together more than 160 in-person attendees from 19 states and five countries, as well as additional virtual participants. The two-day event took place at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort and focused on the science, systems, and market realities of inland shrimp production.
The symposium aimed to connect research with commercial opportunities for shrimp farming away from coastal areas. This comes at a time when demand for shrimp remains high across the United States, highlighting the importance of developing domestic production methods that can contribute to food security.
Attendees toured Kentucky State University’s Aquatic Research Center, which features extensive facilities including research ponds, hatcheries, nutrition laboratories, and technology buildings designed to support year-round research and student learning. Dr. Andrew Ray presented findings showing that intensive recirculating aquaculture systems have achieved production levels above 15 kilograms per square meter at the university.
Speakers included Khalid Al-Naif of Black Iris Farms in Michigan and Andre Faul of Faul Family Riverside Farm in Kentucky, who discussed how indoor shrimp farming is transitioning from academic research into commercial operations influenced by practices developed at Kentucky State University. Other speakers represented organizations such as the Center for Responsible Seafood, SyAqua Group, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company in Thailand, Ocean Loop in Germany, and several universities.
Topics covered during sessions ranged from global trends in aquaculture to biosecure production methods, hatchery development strategies, niche-market economics for shrimp producers, artificial intelligence applications in aquaculture systems, and carbon-reduction approaches. The event also facilitated networking among researchers, producers, students, equipment suppliers and industry representatives.
Kentucky State University’s School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science has introduced a new Bachelor of Science degree program designed to prepare graduates for careers related to water resources management. The program includes coursework in aquatic ecology; limnology; water chemistry; marine biology; fisheries science; as well as hands-on experience through access to campus facilities.
