Aquaculture Research Lab
The Aquaculture Research Lab (ARL) at Purdue University has both indoor and outdoor facilities for the study of fish and aquatic organisms. The lab is located approximately 10 miles for the main campus within the Animal Science Research and Education Center (ASREC). Founded in the early 1990’s, the labs primary focus was aquaculture research and extension but has diversified in the 2000’s to include multiple disciplines.
Indoor Facilities consist of the following: Large Wet Lab – Approximately 4000 square feet, four environmental chambers, hot and cold water drops with mixing capabilities, central air blower system, analytical lab, feed prep room/lab, and a conference/small classroom. Outdoor facilities include 12 quarter acre ponds and twenty 200-gallon pools for mesocosm work. There are also two large equipment storage barns.
Examples of research directed by Purdue University faculty includes:
- Fish nutrition, primarily for aqua cultured species of interest to the region
- Fish genetics of Brook trout (“Coasters”)
- Toxicology studies with fathead minnows and other freshwater fishes such as lake whitefish and largemouth bass. Conducting studies with endocrine active compounds, flame retardants, herbicides, pesticides, and nanoparticles
- Fisheries studies using lake sturgeon and lampreys, lake whitefish and brook trout
There is on-going production of fish for demonstration purposes at the lab as well.
Research faculty users and disciplines
- Paul Brown Ph.D. – Fish nutrition
- Mark Christie Ph.D. - Fish biology
- Tomas Höök Ph.D. - Fisheries Biology
- Jason Hoverman Ph.D. - Ecology, ecotoxicology, disease ecology and conservation
- Marisol Sepúlveda Ph.D. - Toxicity of contaminants to fish and amphibians
Lab Manager & More About Our Research
Bob Rode, lab manager
Purdue Aquaculture Research Lab
5950 ASREC Lane
W. Lafayette IN 47906
Phone: 765-496-7910
Email:rrode@purdue.edu
Learn about our nine Research Areas and meet our world-class faculty members.
Allied research centers seek to support and enhance the research and partnership enterprise at Purdue University. The centers are valued and encouraged as they create a venue for faculty to come together to pursue common goals. Forestry and Natural Resources faculty and staff are involved in six centers at the University.
The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources maintains an impressive collection of state-of-the-art research and education facilities. These labs, green houses, and educational facilities are a fundamental component that enables our faculty and students to learn, make new discoveries, and engage our clients in using these discoveries to sustain our nation’s ecosystems and natural resources.