Got Nature? Blog

Bluegill, also called bream, brim, sunfish, or panfish, are freshwater finfish in the Centrarchidae family. The native range includes the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins from New York to Minnesota south to the Gulf; and Atlantic and Gulf Slope drainages from Virginia to Florida and Texas to New Mexico. They are found in slow moving streams, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. They have deep bodies; tall and flat sides; and bluish coloration on the gill covers, or operculum. A dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin, small mouth, and vertical bars on the sides distinguish them from similar species. Often breeding with other sunfish species, resulting offspring can be distinctly shaped and colored.

Where do the bluegill I eat come from?

Bluegill and hybrid bluegill are farmed primarily for recreational stocking or for forage/bait for larger gamefish, and naturally occur in the wild. Due to over-abundance, bluegill are often caught as an angler’s first fish or during kid’s fishing events. They are typically not commercially harvested from the wild for food. The majority of all bluegill raised for food are farmed in ponds, however, there appears to be growing interest in using aquaponics systems. Bluegill, hybrid bluegill, and other sunfish species can be purchased directly from farmers or pond and lake management companies. To find local businesses in the Great Lakes region selling bluegill visit the Great Lakes Fresh.

To receive the free download and recipe visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Bluegill Farmed Fish Fact Sheet.

Resources:
Hybrid Striped Bass Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Freshwater Prawn Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Ask An Expert: What is Aquaculture?, Purdue Extension FNR YouTube Channel
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Pacific White Shrimp Farmed Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
American Paddlefish, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Aquaculture Family Coloring Book Development, The Education Store
Channel Catfish, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program

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Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: In 2023, we saw wildlife wins for many rare and endangered species. We found a very young hellbender salamander in the Blue River and increased public awareness and interest in bat conservation. We discovered the banded pygmy sunfish at Twin Swamps Nature Preserve and doubled the number of active barn owl nests from five years ago.

These wildlife wins would not have been possible without those who support the Nongame Wildlife Fund. To all of you who help care for Indiana’s rare and endangered wildlife, thank you!

If you’d like to make a positive impact on Indiana’s wildlife, consider getting involved today. Subscribe to the Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife Newsletter, IN Fish & Wildlife Instagram, and IN Fish & Wildlife Facebook to stay up to date with the IN DNR-Division of Fish & Wildlife’s latest wildlife wins. Make a volunteer profile and learn more about how to become a DNR volunteer, or make a donation to the Nongame Wildlife Fund. For every $50 given to the Nongame Wildlife Fund, an additional $43 is unlocked in federal funding, making every dollar you donate go even further for Indiana’s wildlife.

To learn more please visit DNR: Nongame and Endangered Wildlife.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources:
Researchers Discover Young Hellbender in Blue River, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources News & Stories
Help the Hellbender, North America’s Giant Salamander, The Education Store
Help the Hellbender website
Help the Hellbender Facebook page
Barn Owl, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Bats in Indiana, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Bat Houses, Bat Conservation International
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Ask an Expert: Turtles and Snakes, video
Ask an Expert: Managing Your Property for Fish and Wildlife, video
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, publication
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings, video
Connecting Youth to Wildlife Webinar
Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: Indiana DNR has been working with neighboring states to address the invasive carp problem in our waters. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has been using contract fishers to harvest invasive carp from the middle Ohio River at the leading edge of invasive carp’s established population, and the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife provides support as needed. The contract fishing program will be operating through the winter and spring. Most fishing will occur from Leavenworth to Cannelton, Indiana, in small tributaries and backwaters off the Ohio River. Agency staff will ride along with contract fishers to collect data and ensure native fish populations are not negatively impacted.

Throughout the year, biologists are involved in several other collaborative research and monitoring projects to slow the spread of invasive carp within the Ohio River basin. If you encounter an invasive carp and are wondering what to do with it, try eating it! Our website includes information on how to clean and prepare silver carp for a tasty meal, as well as descriptions of other DNR projects that address invasive carp.

To learn more please visit DNR: Invasive Carp.

Subscribe to Wild Bulletin.

Resources:
Asian carp solutions: Take them to market, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Asian carp, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Asian carp, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Pacific White Shrimp Farmed Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
American Paddlefish, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Newsroom: The 2023 issue of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s magazine, The Helm, is now available. This annual publication is a collection of program research, outreach and education success stories as well as ongoing activities to address coastal concerns. This issue is focused on stormwater management with green infrastructure, PFAS, and more, including how students are learning about water quality through hands-on opportunities.

Here are some headlines from this issue:

• Green infrastructure helps communities—large and small—be ready for the future
• With a Hydrolab, Students study their own environment
• Study finds PFAS in all tested Lake Michigan sportfish and their prey
• Aquaponics offers high schoolers a hands-on way to learn science, math, and more

For full article and videos please visit New issue of IISG’s The Helm highlights green infrastructure projects – IISG

To download this new issue please visit IISG’s Publications and Products.

Resources
Aquaculture Industry in Indiana Growing, Purdue Today
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
Pond and Wildlife Management website, Purdue Extension
Fish University Podcasts, NR University, Collaboration with Mississippi, Florida, Iowa and Indiana Extension Services
Fish Cleaning with Purdue Extension County Extension Director, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Aquatics & Fisheries, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub
Ask An Expert: Hot and Cold, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel
Informing the Development of the Great Lakes Region Decision Support System, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Improving Water Quality Around Your Farm, The Education Store
Scientists bring the Great Lakes to students learning from home, Got Nature? Blog
Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians Activity 2: Water Quality Sneak Peak, Purdue Nature of Teaching

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)

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Seafood is more than just fish caught in the ocean. It includes a wide variety of product types, forms, flavors, and textures. One of the great things about using seafood is its versatility—it can be served as a main course or be used as an ingredient for appetizers, salads, and soups. Packed with important nutrients the human body needs to maintain good health, it is an excellent source of protein to include on your shopping list. Being informed about both the benefits and potential concerns with different types of seafood can help you decide which products to add to your cart or order at a restaurant.

This toolkit, designed specifically for nutrition and wellness professionals and educators, will provide you with information and resources to help you talk to your clients about the complex food category known as seafood. You will learn about the basics of seafood, nutrition benefits of including seafood as part of a healthy eating pattern, concerns about safety, tips for purchasing seafood, and ideas for cooking demonstrations. We’ve included simple and tasty recipes that you can use to introduce your clients to the many flavors of fish and shellfish, links to downloadable and printable handouts, and sample social media posts that you can use to inform and inspire.

This toolkit is geared toward extension staff who teach nutrition and wellness. It includes both printable and digital elements that can be shared with clients based on interest and need.

To receive the free download and recipe visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Seafood Basics: A Toolkit for Understanding Seafood, Nutrition, Safety and Preparation, and Sourcing.

Resources:
Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources– Subscribe to the Youtube channel
Freshwater Prawn Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Ask An Expert: What is Aquaculture?, Purdue Extension FNR YouTube Channel
Largemouth Bass Market Trends, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
American Paddlefish, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Aquaculture Family Coloring Book Development, The Education Store
Channel Catfish, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program

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Hybrid plants and animals can occur in wild environments and are produced by artificially crossing species for the purpose of selective breeding. An example of a popular commercial application is hybrid striped bass, a striped (Morone saxatilis) and white bass (Morone chrysops) cross. Common names include palmetto and sunshine bass. Hybrid striped bass have broken stripes running the length of their bodies, and forked tails. They have two unconnected dorsal fins—one with hard spines. They often are silver above and white below. Coloration depends on environmental factors, like the color of the water. Their flesh has a mild flavor and flakey texture when cooked.

Where do hybrid striped bass I eat come from?
Hybrid striped bass are farmed for food and for recreational stocking. Commercial production of hybrid striped bass started in the US in the 1970s and has expanded to many other countries since. Hybrid striped bass are commonly sold two ways: live market and fresh, whole fish on ice. US farm raised hybrid striped bass are raised in commercial ponds, tanks, and cages. You are most likely to find US farm-raised hybrid striped bass at ethnic grocery stores selling live fish, where seafood professionals process fish to order.

To receive the free download and recipe visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Hybrid Striped Bass Farmed Fish Fact Sheet.

Resources:
Freshwater Prawn Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Ask An Expert: What is Aquaculture?, Purdue Extension FNR YouTube Channel
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Pacific White Shrimp Farmed Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
American Paddlefish, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Aquaculture Family Coloring Book Development, The Education Store
Channel Catfish, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program

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Freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), also known as the giant river prawn and giant tiger prawn, is a close relative to marine shrimp. They are one of over 950 species in the Palaemonidae family. Freshwater prawn males can reach a total length of 12.6 inches (320 mm); females 9.8 inches (250 mm). Their long and slender claws (chelipeds) are blue or orange in color. Their shell (exoskeleton) turns pink when cooked. Freshwater prawns are known for having succulent tail meat with a firm, lobster like, texture and sweet flavor.

Where do the freshwater prawn I eat come from?
Macrobrachium rosenbergii are tropical crustaceans native to Malaysia. They are commercially harvested from the wild and have been introduced to every continent, except Antarctica, for the purpose of commercial farming. In the US, freshwater prawn are commercially farmed in the Midwest, the South, and Hawaii. The freshwater prawn industry is small, making up less than 1% of annual domestic aquaculture production. In 2018, 45% of farms that reported raising freshwater prawn to food size, were located in the Midwest. Freshwater prawn are commonly raised in ponds and sold fresh, with heads intact, from the farm, at local farmers markets, and Asian markets. Midwest farm-raised freshwater prawn are typically sold seasonally—in early fall.

To receive the free download and recipe visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Freshwater Prawn Farmed Fish Fact Sheet.

Resources:
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Pacific White Shrimp Farmed Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Yellow Perch Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Tilapia Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Rainbow Trout Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
American Paddlefish, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Aquaculture Family Coloring Book Development, The Education Store
Channel Catfish, The Education Store
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) Newsroom: At the recent Great Lakes Sea Grant Network meeting in Evanston, Illinois, Amy Shambach, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquaculture marketing outreach associate, was presented with the 2023 Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Early Career Award.

Shambach has been in her role with IISG since 2019. Since then, she has developed numerous outreach products, including videos, factsheets, and websites. She has organized and led webinars and workshops in the two states and helped lead Great Lakes-wide projects.

Throughout her four years with the program, Shambach has worked closely with fish farmers—she has been someone they can turn to for guidance and information. As a result, she was able to help some farmers successfully secure federal support during COVID and then when an ice storm hit southern Illinois.

“It is unusual for someone to launch so many high-output, high-impact programs so early in their Sea Grant career, especially when they begin the job with little outreach experience,” said Stuart Carlton, IISG assistant director. “However, Amy is not usual, she is special, and is well deserving of recognition for her work.”
To see full article, please visit: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant recognized for outstanding outreach efforts.

Amy provides outreach and extension services to producers, potential producers, and consumers, which is also shared through IISG partner Purdue Extension.

To view Amy’s publications and products, please visit Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s Resources Page.
For free downloads of the publications, view The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center, and place “Amy Shambach” in the search field.

Resources:
Freshwater Prawn Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Largemouth Bass Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Atlantic Salmon Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
Center For Great Lakes Literacy (CGLL), Website
Scientists bring the Great Lakes to students learning from home, Got Nature? Blog
Aquaculture Industry in Indiana Growing, Purdue Today
Largemouth Bass Market Trends, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Ask An Expert: Hot and Cold, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Video: Cage Culture and Aquaponics, FNR Youtube Channel
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)

 

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This one-day workshop will focus on aquaponics in the classroom. Topics that will be covered include fish culture basics, plant culture, water quality, systems, and more. 

Workshop Participants will:

• Participate in hands-on activities.
• Learn about IISG’s NEW aquaponics curriculum.
• Tour the High School for Ag Sciences aquaponics space.
• Become eligible for a new IISG loan program.
• Hear about IISG programs.
• Be inspired to incorporate aquaponics in the classroom.

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM Central (CST)
Location: Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 West 111th Street, Chicago, IL, 60655

Program partners include Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the Center for Great Lakes Literacy, the Indiana Aquaculture Association, University of Illinois Extension, and Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

To learn more about this event and how to register please visit Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Events.

What is Aquaponics: Fish and Plants Grow Sustainabley Through Aquaponics, IISG Newsroom

About IISG: These are trying times for the environment. Climate change and other concerns such as population growth, aquatic invasive species, contaminated waters, and loss of natural habitat, the southern Lake Michigan region faces many challenges. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), with its unique mandate to bring the latest science to those who can best use the information, serves a critical role in empowering people to solve problems in sustainable ways. The program is funded through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Illinois and Purdue University, but IISG also works in partnerships with key organizations, institutions, and agencies in the region to reach more audiences and multiply opportunities for success. IISG brings together scientists, educators, policy makers, community decision makers, outreach specialists, business leaders, and the general public to work towards a healthy environment and economy.

Resources:
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Freshwater Prawn Farmed Fish Fact Sheet, The Education Store
Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Nature of Teaching, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Purdue Extension
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Aquaculture Industry in Indiana Growing, Purdue Today
Purdue Aquaponics: Cut Water Usage, Purdue University YouTube Channel
Largemouth Bass Market Trends, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program

Andrew Coursey, Aquaculture Specialist
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Newsroom: Navigating the dos and don’ts of seafood consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding can be quite challenging and even confusing at times. With a dozen or more seafood choices to navigate, making the right decision for you and your baby is not always easy. In the past, even medical professionals and dietitians offered conflicting advice, cautioning against seafood consumption during pregnancy.

However, things have changed significantly, thanks to the extensive efforts of experts like Charles Santerre, a former food toxicology professor at the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences.

Santerre, along with student researchers and a team of experts from across the United States, dedicated over a decade to unraveling the developmental benefits and risks associated with seafood consumption during pregnancy. Their research played a crucial role in establishing the foundation for seafood consumption standards that prioritize the health of babies and children.

Today, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with university-created websites such as Fish for Your Health™, provide science-based seafood consumption advice that advocates for eating seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury and PCBs twice per week.

For full article and videos please visit Fish for Your Health website offers quick safety and nutrition info – IISG

Resources
Aquaculture Industry in Indiana Growing, Purdue Today
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
Fish: Healthy Protein Handout, The Education Store
The Benefits of Seafood Consumption The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Pond and Wildlife Management website, Purdue Extension
Natural Resources University Podcasts, Collaboration with Mississippi, Florida, Iowa and Indiana Extension Services
Fish Cleaning with Purdue Extension County Extension Director, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Aquatics & Fisheries, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)

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