Aquaculture in the Classroom

Two male high students stand next to a large blue portable tank filled with water.

The FWC’s Aquaculture in the Classroom Program engages students in hands-on activities that introduce aquaculture and stock enhancement, and their role in supporting Florida’s marine fisheries. Designed for students ranging from fifth grade through college, this program provides the resources for educators to teach the basic principles of marine aquaculture, research, and natural resource stewardship.

This program is managed and maintained by the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) and Division of Marine Fisheries Management (DMFM). Together, they bring education about aquaculture and conservation management into the classroom in a way that students find engaging and exciting. FWC biologists work with teachers, who then can develop a curriculum that satisfies Florida Sunshine State Standards. Students gain experience in basic animal husbandry routines (feeding fish and maintaining fish tanks), monitoring water quality (pH, temperature, salinity), and develop scientific skills (recording data and making observations).

A high school girl stands next to a large outdoor portable tank, holding a dipnet in the water.

The FWC’s Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center (MFEC) located in Apollo Beach, FL provides participating schools hatchery-reared red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), along with starter feed and technical advice on how to raise the fingerlings in the classroom. If fish are not available, teachers may be referred to one of FWC’s partner facilities. Also available is the FWC Aquaculture in the Classroom Program guide with information about how to start up an aquaculture program in your classroom along with how-to’s and other teacher resources.

At the end of the school year, FWC staff collect the loaned fish from the program to be used for other outreach and education programs.

To learn more about participating, download the Aquaculture in the Classroom Program guide, or email Gina.Russo@MyFWC.com.

Additional Information

Press Release: FWC collaborates with Duke Energy Florida and Coastal Conservation Association Florida to bring Aquaculture in the Classroom (12/27/2022)