Great Lakes Aquaponics

Since 2008, this urban farm in Royal Oak, Michigan has been dedicated to growing green leafy vegetables and herbs. The farm's design is based on the University of Virgin Island system, fine-tuned by Dr. Jim Rakocy over 25 years. Known for its lower fish load compared to most commercial aquaponics systems, the farm has managed to simplify operations and reduce energy costs while maintaining high vegetable production rates.

The farm employs a poly-culture system of Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Minnows, and Bluegill, avoiding Tilapia due to the Northern climate. The combination of tank and cage culture in the aquaponics troughs allows for the maintenance of various fish species. The trout are stocked in the fall and grown over eight months, harvested before the warmer summer months. The farm also runs a smaller two raft system using worm castings in a vermiponics mode to provide plant nutrients, with trials underway to compare it to the aquaponics system.

Produce is primarily sold at a local farmer's market in Clawson, MI, and through a nearby retail outlet, Water to Go. The farm also engages in contract growing of niche herbs for local restaurants. Future plans include installing a vertical grow system to optimize greenhouse space and establishing a Tilapia hatchery to support a smaller four raft system for over-wintering Tilapia and providing live food for the Largemouth Bass.