International Workshop on Sturgeon Aquaculture Farming

Dear Colleagues:

On April 2nd and 3rd 2012, Sturgeon Aquafarms (SAF), will host an international workshop on Sturgeon aquaculture farming to include: sexing through ultrasound and conservation techniques. As we celebrate our 11th year as a thriving aquaculture company, we wish to invite our friends and colleagues in the industry to an event which will showcase the years of effort and devotion our team has given.

To kick off our event in Bascom, Florida this year, we have invited the following guest speakers, in no particular order:

Dr. Mikhail Chebanov, Director of the South Branch Federal Center of Genetics and Selection for Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Russia.

Dr. Elena Galich, Associate Professor at the Department of Water bio-resources, Kuban State University; Deputy Director, Head of Sturgeon Breeding and raring laboratory, South Branch Federal Center of Genetics and Selection for Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Russia.

Also in attendance will be the following special guests:

Eugene LaPointe, President IWMC World Conservation Trust, former Secretary General of CITES and a special advisor to SAF

Leslie Palmer, Director of Aquaculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Mark Berrigan, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Agriculture Development, Division of Aquaculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Kal Knickerbocker, Environmental Administrator, Bureau of Agriculture Development, Division of Aquaculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Paul Zajicek, Biological Administrator, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Neil Aymond, Division of Aquaculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Marty Tanner, President of the Florida Aquaculture Association

Dr. Chapman, Associate Professor, University of Florida Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Services

We look forward to your attendance and hope to begin a yearly program which will aid in the repopulation efforts of the sturgeon species and increase the success of local aquaculture methods.

Sincerely, Mark Zaslavsky