The Ocean State Aquaculture Education Project

The Ocean State Aquaculture Education Project set out in January 2003 to deliver introductory educational materials to students in grade 6 through university level over a 3-year time frame. The project integrates the study of aquaculture into current science curricula at various levels to enhance the students' awareness and understanding of shellfish aquaculture and promote better community acceptance now and in the future. The realities and environmental impacts of shellfish aquaculture are communicated to the students during in-class presentations. Laboratory exercises are offered and include shellfish dissections and filtration tests. A tour of Ocean State AquaFarm, a wading depth shellfish farm growing oysters and hard clams, is also offered. To date approximately 2000 students and members of the community have taken part in the project.