For Hometown news
TREASURE COAST -
Aquaculture scientists at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Indian River State College offer a unique educational program where college students receive hands-on training in molluscan, fish and crustacean aquaculture in a cutting-edge facility.
Aquaculture, farming aquatic animals and plants, is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. and global agricultural economies.
Florida is the third largest aquaculture producing state and produces the greatest variety of aquatic organisms in the U.S., such as clams, ornamental fish and plants, shrimp, fish and alligators.
Recently, seven IRSC students enrolled in "principles of molluscan aquaculture" class learned hands-on about clam farming by planting measured clams in mesh bags and putting the bags in state-approved waters.
Clam farming helps clean the water and is environmentally friendly. In 10 weeks the students will retrieve the bags and check the clams' survival and growth rate. It takes 12 months for the cultured clams to reach market-size.
"Clam aquaculture in the state is big business with about 450 farmers producing a crop worth approximately $20 million," said Terry Lange, clam farmer and IRSC graduate.
For more information about these growing educational and career opportunities, call (772) 336-6211 or email amcmulli@irsc.edu.