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Florida offers RAS, aquaculture workshops for K-12 students

Florida’s agriculture commissioner recently announced a program that will provide students at K-12 level to develop aquaculture knowledge and skills. The program also give away to six full recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is now accepting applications from Florida educators. The collaborative aquaculture education training workshop with run from July 26-28, 2023. The aim is to “help Florida teachers bring aquaculture and aquaponics into their classrooms,” according to FDACS.

“Florida’s aquaculture industry is dynamic and ever-growing, but basic awareness of aquaculture is still a critical need in K-12 classrooms,” said Simpson. “By equipping our world-class teachers with aquaculture knowledge and know-how, we can offer an engaging hands-on learning opportunity and help meet an increasing demand for skilled aquaculture professionals in Florida.”

FDACS’ Division of Aquaculture, in partnership with the University of Florida, Tropical Aquaculture Lab (UF/IFAS TAL), will also competitively award up to six RAS and supplementary aquaponic system supplies to schools throughout Florida.

FDACS, UF/IFAS TAL and Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Aquaculture Association, are hosting the workshop. The workshop will be held at the Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, Florida. The training will provide Florida educators with all the knowledge and know-how to teach students about aquaculture and start their own aquaculture systems.

The workshop is open to all K-12 science and agriculture educators in Florida. Interested teachers can learn more or complete an application for the workshop and awards by visiting the Division’s Education Page at FDACS.gov/Education/Aquaculture-Educator-Resources. The deadline to submit applications is June 16, 2023, at 5 p.m. EST.