Helping Others Help Themselves
Morningstar Fishermen is an international aquaponics research and training facility located in the beautiful rolling hills of Dade City, Florida, only 25 minutes northeast of Tampa. Our main hatchery and training facility has over 65,000 gallons of tank space, wet labs and classrooms. We also have 30,000 gallons of enclosed exterior tanks.
Our goal is always the same- educate people in a way that encourages and prepares them to teach others.
A Long History
We have been teaching aquaponics since 1993, starting in Largo, Florida, by Founder & President Hans Geissler. Hans is still going strong today in the race to end hunger. Many entrepreneurs and aquaponics proponents started their aquaponic journey here at MSF! We have trained students from every inhabited continent and we have installed systems on missions trips throughout the world. This is why MSF is considered to be the innovators of aquaponic training.
Dade City
MSF moved to Dade City in 2000, where the original tanks and buildings, built in 1974, were the largest saltwater land-based ornamental fish hatchery in the world, Instant Ocean Hatchery! The primary fish breed at Instant Ocean was clownfish. The Florida Aquaculture specialty license plate (which features clownfish), is a dedication to Frank Hoff and his work in aquaculture done at 33336 Old Saint Joe Rd. His book Plankton Culture Manual is the standard for understanding water born organisms, algae and water quality.
Space Babies!
During the space shuttle mission STS 95 in 1998 with Senator John Glenn, NASA sent fertilized tilapia eggs into space, only one hatched. NASA got the eggs from long time MSF friend Dr. Bill Falls. Dr Falls gave us some babies from the tilapia that were born in space! Come and see them! They have their own tank and are absolutely gorgeous!
Motivated by Faith
Morning Star Fishermen is a Christian organization committed to healthy and sustainable living for all. We are currently training people to implement aquaponics as one solution to world hunger. Through our actions, we hope to share God’s unconditional love for all people. Our faith is at the heart of all we do.
Serve Your Fellow Man
Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to come to our Training and Research Center and are encouraged to serve their fellow man and learn the value and importance of self-sustainability.
