" Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation are
people who want crops without plowing the ground; they want rain without
thunder and lightening; they want the ocean without the roar of its many
waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, or it
may be both. But it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without
a demand. It never did and it never will " - Fredrick Douglas 1837.
." Creating food with fish poop isn’t all that attractive to the uneducated – both those uneducated regarding the science of aquaponics and those uneducated about the methods of production of their current food stream. I am certain - I repeat – I am certain that aquaponic production will not only become viable but that it may be one of the most important scientific and social innovations of the 21st century. If I am over passionate, please forgive me, but I suggest that aquaponic technology may well feed the human race at some point in the not too distant future. In 2008, when I entered into aquaponic research & development, I was of the belief aquaponics would achieve a solid footing worldwide in 50 to 75 years. I now suspect it will be a major component of vegetable and protein production in the next 15 to 25 years. It will depend on the weather and the rapidly increasing affects of global climate change and the decreasing availability of water and fossil fuels. It will also depend on whether we know the process and can deliver on it. We must teach ourselves and our children these methods and our children must leave this knowledge to all for all times " - Jim Gibson 2015.
" This farming technique has the potential to radically alter the landscape of
local and commercial farming as we know it, using less than 6% of the water
compared to current industrial methods. The only items imported are the
original seed, fish, fish food and a small amount of electricity. The food produced is fresh and wholesome with no environmental impact. The point
of our research and development is to return - to the farmer and community -
increased independence from industrial seeds, fertilizers, herbicides and
pesticides " - Pam Cyr 2014.
THE AQUA-POD
" Develop a stand-alone aquaponics system integrating
food sources of fish and plants. To achieve the maximum nutritional value with the least footprint as applies to space requirements and environmental impact. "
Four Aqua-Pods are operated at the R & D site along with the prototype "PEE-WEE"
that was first designed in late 2008 and completed in early 2009. To the left are units
#4 and #5, the last completed units in 2012. Above is "ROSA" - the 1st Aqua-Pod -
built and finished in 2009. Due to constant and continuing discussions - often rather
heated - the 1st 3 units were named. PEE-WEE - the prototype; ROSA PARKS - the
original Aqua-Pod; and - BIG BOY. The final two units are simply named #4 and #5.
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PEE - WEE At 2/3rd the size of an Aqua-Pod - Pee-Wee remains an integral, and important, part of the research and development operation. |
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Cyrson Ranch Aquaponics Research & Development - FARM/GARDEN Lay-Out
The FISH - Tilapia
Tilapia are the sole species utilized at Cryson Aquaponics. All tilapia are "blue" tilapia due to Florida invasive species laws. Tilapia are great breeders, hearty fish and good for cooking and eating. Tilapia tolerate Florida weather and temperatures well. This breed has been partially restocked twice to introduce new fish into the bloodline. This photograph was taken during an annual "clean and count" where all fish are removed from the tanks permitting inspection and cleaning of the tanks, the counting and sizing of the fish and a balanced return to the systems as to size, sex and population.
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Fish feed withstanding, nothing passes the gates of Cyrson Ranch. No industrial pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. There are no manures used from warm blooded mammals. All plants are raised from seed or cloned. Self sustainable techniques only.