In U.S. fishing communities where commercial fishing landings have declined in recent years, the next generation is considering whether mariculture can provide ample seafood supply and viable livings . Marine aquaculture education and career resources for young people are critical to developing a skilled workforce for this growing industry, and raising awareness about job opportunities.
A suite of mariculture lesson plans, careers video, and mobile aquaculture laboratory were developed to make North Carolina coastal high school students aware of this career path. Educators can now access 10 free lesson plans which are being used in science, technical and career classes. These lesson plans cover a variety of subjects, launching student explorations of aquaculture species and biology, production methods, and even business planning. Each lesson plan builds off knowledge students will gain as they progress through the lessons, but teachers also can pick and choose to suit their curriculum. Each lesson is aligned with N.C. standards and include videos, worksheets, presentations, and discussion questions. The careers video features a variety of mariculture professions - seafood producers, distributors , chefs, and scientists. The mobile aquaculture laboratory includes a recirculating aquaculture system, animal touch tank, and gear displays, as well as monitors for visual presentations.
Mariculture education and career resources can be found here: https://go.ncsu.edu/MaricultureLessons