Today we’d like to introduce you to John Franse.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My interest in aquaponics began decades ago while studying aquaponics and aquaculture at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix. The program, led by Dr. James Rakocy, was internationally recognized for pioneering modern aquaponics systems and developing the first successful commercial-scale aquaponics model. His work helped establish aquaponics as a sustainable method of food production worldwide, and that foundation had a lasting influence on me and my career path.
After completing that coursework, I continued learning through hands-on experimentation, research, and collaboration with experts in the field. While living in South Carolina, I built and operated a backyard aquaponics system on my farm, raising tilapia and refining my understanding of system balance, water quality, fish health, and sustainable production. Over the years, I stayed deeply engaged in the aquaponics community, continually learning and evolving alongside the industry.
In 2019, I purchased Live Aquaponics, which at the time was a small startup with a unique approach to shipping live fish nationwide. What stood out to me was the company’s innovative packing and transport methods, which made it possible to safely deliver live aquatic animals to customers across the country. Since then, my team and I have grown the business significantly. Today, Live Aquaponics operates out of a 15,000-square-foot facility dedicated to aquaculture production, fulfillment, and education.
What began as a small, hands-on operation has evolved into a nationally recognized business. Live Aquaponics now serves customers across the United States and is regarded as a trusted voice in the aquaponics and aquaculture space, known for both product quality and hands-on expertise.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any business involving live animals, the journey has come with unique challenges. One of the most complex aspects has been shipping. Fish and crustaceans are living creatures, and transporting them safely requires precise timing, specialized packaging, temperature control, and close coordination with shipping carriers.
Ensuring live arrival – especially across long distances – has required constant refinement of our processes and strong partnerships with shipping providers. We’ve invested heavily in testing, packaging innovation, and logistics planning to minimize stress on the animals and ensure successful delivery. Weather delays, carrier disruptions and seasonal fluctuations all add layers of complexity, but we’ve worked diligently to overcome these challenges while maintaining our live arrival guarantee.
Beyond logistics, scaling responsibly while maintaining animal health and customer education has been another major focus. Growth has required careful planning, expanded infrastructure, and a commitment to doing things the right way rather than the fastest way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Live Aquaponics is a Florida fish hatchery specializing in live fish, crayfish and freshwater prawns for aquaponics, aquaculture and pond stocking. Operating from a 15,000-square-foot facility near its breeding farm, the company raises a wide range of species, including Australian Redclaw crayfish, freshwater prawns, tilapia, bluegill, bass, channel catfish, koi and minnows.
All livestock is raised using carefully managed, chemical-free systems designed to ensure healthy, disease-free stock. In addition to live aquatic species, Live Aquaponics offers breeding colonies, farm and pond-stocking packages, high-quality equipment and premium high-protein feed. The company serves customers nationwide and is widely known for its live arrival guarantee, hands-on customer support, and deep technical expertise.
Live Aquaponics works with a broad range of customers – from backyard hobbyists to K-12 and university educators to large-scale growers – and takes pride in helping clients succeed at every stage of their aquaponics journey.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories goes back to when I was very young and living in Chicago. I grew up near Wrigley Field, and I used to take the city bus across town to a small lake that was home to koi fish. I would carefully catch them, place them in a bucket, and take the bus back to a local pet store near my house, where I sold them.
At the time, it was simply something I loved doing – being around fish, learning how to care for them, and figuring out how to make a little money along the way. Looking back now, it’s clear that those early experiences planted the seeds for what would eventually become a lifelong passion. It was my first introduction to working with aquatic life and understanding the value of hard work, responsibility and entrepreneurship even at a very young age.
Pricing:
- Pricing for Live Aquaponics products varies based on species, quantity, and shipping requirements. Detailed pricing for live fish, breeding stock, feed, and equipment is available directly on the company’s website at https://liveaquaponics.com.
- Live Aquaponics serves a wide range of customers – from first-time hobbyists and educational programs to commercial-scale growers – so offerings are structured to accommodate different experience levels, project sizes, and budgets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://liveaquaponics.com
