Aquaneering’s expertise unites biology and engineering to create durable systems for aquatics research and fish farming. Our degreed professionals in aquaculture, agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, and marine biology provide the expertise for product design. Fabrication is then executed by experienced project managers with decades of success in manufacturing, installing, and, maintaining complex systems including shrimp maturation, zebrafish, xenopus and other aquatic species research, fish breeding and fish transport. We offer a team of dedicated and talented installation and maintenance technicians. Our manufacturing facility in San Diego, California has in-house metal fabrication and system integration. We are proud to say that our products are made in the USA.
Mark Francis, President Pioneering Solutions at Aquaneering
Aquaneering has grown from a part-time aquaculture supply business to the internationally recognized leader in the manufacture and engineering of fluidized bed biofiltration systems for aquatic housing and aquaculture. Mark Francis, president and owner of Aquaneering Inc., received his B.S. in agricultural engineering from the University of Maine in 1978. He then moved to California where he worked as a manager for a commercial fish farm. Here, Mark began designing and building equipment for the farm, everything from paddlewheel aerators to feeders.
In 1988 Mark began working with Dr. Dallas Weaver, and started manufacturing his fluidized bed biofilters for recirculating systems. This revolutionary new filter system is able to maintain superior water quality with undetectable levels of ammonia, a major technological advance for the aquaculture industry.
While working as chief engineering for a manufacturing plant in San Diego, Mark founded a fish farm equipment supply business, and appropriately named it Aquaneering. The company focus shifted with the industry, and the emphasis changed from large farm equipment to recirculating systems.
Aquaneering now has an international client base with successful installations throughout the United States and the world. Since 1996, fluidized bed biofilter systems have been proven to be superior biological filtration for applications requiring the highest water quality, such as zebrafish genetics research.
Aquaneering is committed to providing the biomedical research community with the highest quality equipment, consulting, installation, and service.
Mark Francis, President Aquaneering
BS, Agricultural Engineering with emphasis in Aquaculture (University of Maine)
Founded Aquaneering, 1987
Developed fluidized bed biofilters currently used throughout the aquaculture industry
Over 25 years experience engineering in manufacturing and aquaculture environments
Current Member, Aquacultural Engineering Society
Former Board Member, California Aquaculture Association
Board Member, National Aquaculture Association
Board Member, World Aquaculture Suppliers Association.
Member, Western Regional Aquacultural Center Industry Advisory Council
Wendy Porter-Francis, Vice President, Aquaneering
BA, Sociology (University of Maine)
Business partner in Aquaneering since 1988
Over 27 years experience as a business owner/manager
Supervisor of accounting and human relations staff and staff support with Accounting and IT consultants
Master Photographer, CPP (Professional Photographers of America), A.S. Photography (San Diego City College)
Oversees public relations and marketing
Customer Sales & Support
Bobbi Baur, Sales Manager
BA, Political Science (San Diego State University)
Over 15 years of manufacturing project management experience
Responsible for adherence to stringent government and private industry requirements including specifications, documentation and inspections
MIL-I-45208 Quality Assurance program initiation and oversight
Member, AALAS
Board Member, Zebrafish Husbandry Association (ZHA)
Bill Kilgore, Western Region Sales and Technical Support
BS, Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology (Saint Francis College)
14 years experience in the biomedical research industry with responsibilities in sales, aquatic facility design, and aquatic facility project management for both domestic and international sales
2 years experience as a co-manager for a large zebrafish facility
The Aquaneering Installation Team has extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of aquatic housing and filtration systems, as well as biology, aquaculture, and water chemistry.
Mark Francis, President Aquaneering
