SEABASS IN THE CLASSROOM: FISH AND STUDENTS GET SCHOOLED IN AQUACULTURE

The Seabass in the Classroom (SITC) education program was initiated in 2010 in partnership with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), and Get Inspired Inc. to provide students at selected schools in southern California the opportunity to learn about aquaculture and stock enhancement by growing juvenile white seabass (WSB) in their classrooms for release into the ocean.  Through this novel, hands-on, STEM classroom program, students are learning about the science and associated technological aspects required to support the growth and sustainability of the aquaculture industry in southern California and the U. S.  A few important aspects of this program include:

∙βThe on-site installation of a purpose-built recirculating marine aquaculture system for culture of white seabass, which requires student participation with system maintenance, water quality monitoring, food conversion efficiency and basic fish husbandry as a supplement to classroom instruction about the science of aquaculture.  

∙βModeling the program after California's white seabass replenishment program, whereby the students measure, weigh and tag the fish prior to getting a health inspection by the DFW before subsequently being released by the students into the ocean.

∙βDiscussions of the health of the oceans off southern California and globally; especially as it relates to fisheries resources.  

∙βUnderstanding the historical trends and relationships of per capita consumption of seafood, global population increases, and production capacities from fishing and aquaculture.  

∙βDiscussions of the health value of eating fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Currently the program is exposing over 600 students in 11 schools that have conducted 30 classroom growout cycles and released over 1000 fish.