Horticulture Department Hosts Spring Semester Fish Fry
Not many individuals would think that the Horticulture Department at Dakota College at Bottineau would host a fish fry every semester. On May 3, 2022, the horticulture practicum students were busy harvesting tilapia. The tilapia came from the aquaponics greenhouse that is located on campus. Keith Knudson, Department Chair, and Instructor for the Horticulture Department stated that “Tilapia are preferred for aquaponics systems because they are very tolerant to water quality and water temperature, which is ideal when teaching students how to properly care for aquaponics systems.” These fish are also very food tolerant, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive fish food.
The students harvested 57 tilapia which produced about twelve pounds of filets. A fish fry was held outside the aquaponics greenhouse, by the parking lot for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy. A table was set up to include the filets, ingredients for fish tacos, vegetables, freshly squeezed lemonade, and a cheesecake for dessert.