Classroom Aquaculture Programs
.docx
School
Unity College**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
MARINE MBAQ201
Subject
Biology
Date
Dec 18, 2024
Pages
9
Uploaded by KenzieLeeanne
Cited Aquaculture Classroom Projects1.National Agriculture in the Classrooma.https://agclassroom.org/matrix/resource/903/The National Agriculture in the Classroom organization supports grades K-12 by providing classroom aquaponics kits designed to enhance awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for aquaculture. These kits include all the necessary components and equipment, enabling students to explore the fundamental needs of fish and plants. They also allow students to discover the interactions between bacteria, animals, and plants within a symbiotic system.2.Trout Unlimiteda.https://www.tu.org/conservation/outreach-education/headwaters-youth-program/explore-watersheds/trout-in-the-classroom/Trout Unlimited is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on conserving freshwater ecosystems. One of its notable initiatives is the "Trout in the Classroom" program, which allows students of all ages to raise trout from eggs to fry within their classrooms. This hands-on experience offers invaluable lessons in fish farming and water quality management. Through engaging activities and classes, students gain insights into the trout life cycle, stream ecology, and the vital importance of cold-water conservation. The program fosters a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility by nurturing a connection between students and their local watersheds.3.University of Maryland Extension and Maryland Sea Granta.https://www.mdsg.umd.edu/topics/k-12-aquaculture-education
The University of Maryland, in collaboration with Maryland Sea Grant, supports K12 education by supplying students with aquaculture kits that enable them to raise fish, such as tilapia or catfish, in small tanks. Following the provided curriculum, students learn about fish nutritional needs, water quality monitoring, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Through hands-on experimentation, they develop critical thinking skills and gain insight into the significance of aquaculture in tackling global food security challenges.Classroom Project Proposal Project Title: Perryville Elementary School Aquaculture ProjectLocation: Cecil County, Maryland: Perryville Elementary SchoolProject Introduction As an educator dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and experiential learning, I propose establishing an aquaculture program at Perryville Elementary School. This initiative aims to engage students in sustainable aquaculture practices by cultivating tilapia within a classroom-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Students will participate in hands-on activities integrating biology, environmental science, and technology in this controlled environment. Implementing this aquaculture program will educate students about the importance of sustainable agriculture and provide the community with a valuable resource for food production and ecosystem restoration.MethodsCultured Species
Our aquaculture program will explore the complexities of culturing freshwater fish, focusing on tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). These fish are well-known for their resilience and ability to thrive in aquaculture settings. A key advantage of tilapia is their impressive growth rate, enabling quicker harvest cycles compared to many other fish species. Additionally, they are rich in protein, making them an essential source of nutrition. Tilapia’s remarkable adaptability to various environmental conditions, including varying water temperatures and fluctuating salinity levels, distinguishes them in the field. This versatility makes them ideal for novice and seasoned aquaculturists (WorldFish, 2017). Furthermore, Tilapia excels in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), a sustainable practice that conserves water and reduces waste. This characteristic makes them a practical choice for our program and provides our students with valuable insights into effective fish farming practices that align with sustainable and environmentally responsible methods.System Set-upThe proposed system will feature a 500-gallon recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) designed to create a self-sustaining aquatic environment. This RAS will have several essential components, including a mechanical filter, biofilter, air pump, water heater, and oxygenation system (Aquaculture ID, 2018). The mechanical filter effectively removes larger particles and debris from the water, ensuring the environment remains clean and minimizing potential harm to the fish. Following this, the biofilter utilizes beneficial bacteria to break down harmful ammonia and nitrites produced by fish waste, converting them into less toxic nitrates, which can be used by aquatic plants within the system.
An air pump will be integral to the system, supplying necessary aeration to the water, thus promoting a healthy level of oxygen dissolved for the fish. The water heater will help maintain an optimal temperature, which is crucial for the well-being and growth of the selected fish species. The oxygenation system will ensure the water is well-oxygenated, supporting fish and aquatic plants. The design of the RAS prioritizes water conservation, as it recycles water through multiple processes, significantly reducing overall usage compared to traditional aquaculture systems (Aquaculture ID, 2018). This educational system aims to replicate a commercial aquaculture setup on a smaller scale, giving students a deep understanding of sustainable fish farming practices. It will empower them to know how modern aquaculture operates with minimal environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and sustainability.Monitoring and MaintenanceMonitoring and maintenance are essential to managing an aquaculture project, as they play a pivotal role in supporting the farmed organisms' health, development, and survival. To ensure success, several key factors must be consistently monitored.First and foremost is water quality. Students will routinely test and document critical parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, and dissolved oxygen, creating an optimal environment for the fish.Next is diet; the fish will be fed high-quality commercial pellets that provide the necessary nutrients for their growth. These pellets will be administered twice daily, with portion sizes tailored to the specific growth stage of the fish. This customized feeding strategy promotes optimal development and well-being, allowing the fish to thrive in their surroundings.
The third factor is growth monitoring. Students will use weekly measurements to track the fish's development, carefully recording their weight and length each week. This structured approach enhances their understanding of fish biology. It allows for analyzing growth patterns and overall health, fostering a deeper appreciation for aquatic life and the factors that influence their growth.Finally, system maintenance is addressed through a scheduled weekly routine, crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. This process starts with thoroughly cleaning the tank to remove accumulated debris and maintain a pristine environment. The filtration systems will be meticulously inspected for wear or inefficiency, ensuring high water quality. Lastly, necessary water replacements will be conducted to refresh the system and support a healthy ecosystem. This comprehensive approach ensures immediate functionality and contributes to the aquaculture system's long-term sustainability.GoalsThe aquaculture program aims to provide students with practical experience in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and ecosystem restoration. It also promotes ethical and environmentally friendly food production practices. This program will teach students valuable animal husbandry, water quality management, and problem-solving skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.In addition to its educational benefits, the aquaculture program will positively impact the community by offering a local source of fresh, sustainable seafood. This initiative will help
alleviate pressure on wild fisheries and contribute to ecosystem restoration efforts. Cultivating fish in a controlled environment can support the conservation of aquatic habitats. Moreover, the aquaculture program holds the potential to generate income for the school through the sale of fish to local markets or restaurants, creating significant economic opportunities for the community.PartnersThe success of the Perryville Elementary School’s Aquaculture Program will rely heavily on collaboration with key partners who can provide essential technical expertise, resources, and support. A significant partner in this endeavor will be the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which has valuable experience managing local fisheries and can offer guidance on sustainable aquaculture practices. They may also provide resources such as educational materialsor equipment to help establish the program. Another potential collaborator is the University of Maryland, particularly its aquaculture research department. This partnership can deliver technicaladvice and may present opportunities for students to participate in research projects or seek mentorship from university experts.Collaboration with local fisheries and aquaculture companies will further enhance the program. These businesses can offer practical support by donating fish feed, providing technical guidance, and potentially creating internship opportunities for students interested in deepening their aquaculture knowledge. Such partnerships will ensure the program is educational and professionally relevant, giving students insight into potential career paths. Additionally, engaging
Cecil County community volunteers and parents will be crucial for maintaining the system during school breaks and facilitating outreach efforts, such as fish donations to local food banks.TimelineThe proposed timeline for implementing the aquaculture program is as follows:1.Program Development (Month 1):Begin consultation with subject matter experts and educators and develop a detailed curriculum outline, lesson plans, and learning materials for the aquaculture program.2.Infrastructure Setup (Month 2):Identify suitable facilities within the school premises for setting up aquaculture tanks and equipment and supply the necessary permits and approvals for water and waste management.3.Recruitment and Training (Month 3):Recruit a team of educators, volunteers, and experts to support the program. Provide training on aquaculture techniques, safety protocols, and curriculum implementation.4.Program Launch (Month 4):Launch the aquaculture program with a grand opening ceremony involving school administrators, project partners, students, and community members. Then, begin hands-on activities like fish feeding, water quality monitoring, andsystem maintenance.5.Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement (Month 5-7):Monitor the progress and impact of the aquaculture program through regular assessments, student feedback, and stakeholder engagement.
6.Mid-year Project Evaluation (Month 8): Take this time to review, evaluate, and make thenecessary adjustments and enhancements to ensure the project's long-term sustainability and effectiveness. 7.End-of-Year Review and Expansion Plans (Month 12)ReferencesAquaculture ID. (2018, March 23). Recirculating aquaculture system or RAS. Aquaculture ID. https://www.aquacultureid.com/recirculating-aquaculture-system/Furse, J. & National Center for Agricultural Literacy. (n.d.). Classroom aquaponics kit. National Agriculture in the Classroom. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://agclassroom.org/matrix/resource/903/Maryland Department of Natural Resources. (2024). Education. Maryland Department of Natural Resources. https://dnr.maryland.gov/education/Pages/default.aspxMaryland Sea Grant. (2023). Aquaculture education. Maryland Sea Grant. https://www.mdsg.umd.edu/topics/k-12-aquaculture-educationTrout Unlimited. (2024). Trout in the classroom. Trout Unlimited. https://www.tu.org/conservation/outreach-education/headwaters-youth-program/explore-watersheds/trout-in-the-classroom/WorldFish. (2017, February 14). Aquaculture and tilapia: A fish that may tip the balance. WorldFish. https://worldfishcenter.org/blog/aquaculture-and-tilapia-fish-may-tip-balance