Integrating fish culture into public schools in Massachusetts: a dual-purpose collaboration. Dale Leavitt Roger Williams University

The cast of characters! Dale Leavitt Roger Williams University – Bristol, RI Brad Morse DoubleM Cranberry Company – Rochester, MA Keith Wilda WMCSA – Amherst, MA Joe Buttner Salem State College – Salem, MA Scott Soares Massachusetts Department of Food & Agriculture

Teaching approaches associated with aquaculture “Teaching about aquaculture”  Acquiring aquaculture skills is the goal  For career minded students “Teaching with aquaculture”  Motivating students is the goal  Provides many opportunities for diverse “learning experiences” for students

Collaboration with mutual benefits Confusion reigns supreme! Education Demonstration

Project AQUA New England Board of Higher Education August 1997 – NSF-ATE funded AQUA Goal: to prepare middle, high school, and two & four year college faculty to introduce aquaculture curricula into existing programs. Key component: participants form regional “Alliances” composed of linked institutions to create pathways for students and support network for teachers.

Co-PI’s  Fenna Hanes – NEBHE: Project Director  Ann Whitney - Bristol Community College Aquaculture Specialists:  Joseph Buttner - Salem State College  Dale Leavitt – Roger Williams University  Scott Soares - Mass. Dept. of Food & Agriculture Principal Participants

Aquaculture Curriculum Resource Guide PRODUCTS

Aquaculture Curriculum Resource Guide PRODUCTS RASCALS

Aquaculture Curriculum Resource Guide PRODUCTS RASCALS Aquaculture Explorations Marine Freshwater

Cranberry Farming in SE Mass

Massachusetts Cranberry Production (from Cape Cod Cranberry Grower’s Association)  Of the approximately 1,000 cranberry growers in North America, 500 are in Massachusetts  14,400 acres of cranberries in production in Massachusetts  48,000 acres of upland and wetland support lands  million barrels (187.5 million lbs) in 1999  $200 million in payroll to Massachusetts workers and employs about 5,500 people  The multiplier effect into the economy is estimated to be about $1 billion

The current state of the industry

Fish in the cranberry bog?

Objectives To investigate an alternative use of a cranberry bog system  without permanently removing the potential for cranberry production. To make money!

Partitioned Aquaculture System

Site 2

Current status

Yellow Perch Culture Species being considered Largemouth Bass Brown Bullhead (horned pout)

Unknowns  One season or multiple seasons? Dependent on growth rates What is our Production cycle?  If one season? Need to start with fingerling large enough to reach market size in 7 months

Need to start with a 6-7 inch fingerling (LMB) Fish available?  YOY are only 2-3 inches too small!  Year 2 fingerlings are large enough but… too expensive! Need to produce our own large fingerlings?  Indoor RAS during winter How do we start with a “BIG” fingerling?

None available to hold 13, inch LMBs  Grow from 2-3 inches in October to 6-7 inches in May AQUA Project network of schools  We placed small RAS in many schools Made schools an offer they couldn’t refuse!  Free fish and feed  Aquaculture Extension Specialist to visit the school & lecture on Bog/PAS Project  Suggested lessons/explorations to use with the fish  We remove the fish before school ends in the spring Where do we find an indoor RAS to test concept?

Current status of the project Have fish in 8 schools

Current status of the project Have fish in 8 schools They are using them for their class work

Current status of the project Have fish in 8 schools They are using them for their class work Have provided back-up material

Current status of the project Have fish in 8 schools They are using them for their class work Have provided back-up material Scheduling field trips for students to return fish to Bog/PAS