For over two decades, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Marine Stock Enhancement Research team has collaborated with school administrators, teachers, and students to integrate aquaculture and stock enhancement research into the classroom. The Aquaculture in the Classroom program targets students from fifth grade through college, teaching them basic principles of aquaculture, marine research, and the role of stock enhancement in supporting Florida’s marine fisheries.
In recent years, FWC has partnered with Duke Energy’s Crystal River Mariculture Center and Coastal Conservation Association Florida. These organizations have provided hatchery-reared red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fingerlings to several participating schools as well as the Energy and Marine Center in Pasco County.
Through this collaboration, schools participating in the Aquaculture in the Classroom program receive hatchery-reared red drum fingerlings, starter feed, and technical advice on raising fingerlings. Additionally, information on system development and grant opportunities is provided. FWC biologists assist teachers in developing curriculum that aligns with Florida Sunshine State Standards. This curriculum allows students to design aquaculture systems, perform daily animal husbandry routines, and conduct research projects such as salinity tolerance tests, feed studies, and water quality investigations.
Since its inception in 2001, more than 30 Florida schools have successfully reared red drum in classrooms. In the past year alone, nine schools participated statewide with 625 red drum fingerlings distributed.
To learn more about the program or refer a teacher or school, contact Gina.Russo@MyFWC.com.
The Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River is a multispecies hatchery that has cultivated and released nearly five million fish and crustaceans since 1991. The center aims to protect natural resources responsibly while contributing to local community vitality by raising up to 100,000 redfish and spotted seatrout annually for release into the Gulf of Mexico.
Coastal Conservation Association Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving Florida’s marine resources. Its mission includes advising and educating the public on marine conservation efforts while working to ensure these resources are available for future generations' benefit and enjoyment.