Students Learning Low-Cost Aquaculture Methods with MERIP

By: Brian Lynch, Marine Science Professor

The Marine Science Program is continuing our partnership with MERIP (Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei) for the second consecutive year. The Aquaculture (MR 201) class has scheduled a series of weekend labs to be coordinated by Simon Ellis, Director of MERIP, over the course of the Spring 2012 semester.

The primary goals of this collaboration are to teach students low-tech, low-cost environmentally sustainable aquaculture methods currently being employed in the region, and to demonstrate that these methods have potential to generate income for dedicated farmers who are willing to invest their time in these eco-friendly alternatives to traditional farming.

Students are scheduled to visit farms and gain practical knowledge in Coral and Sponge Farming and Spawning and rearing of Giant Clams. Activities culminate in a weekend workshop encompassing all matters relating to installing and maintaining a coral reef aquarium. Costs associated with this workshop are being covered by the NSF-ATE grant which supports our Marine Science Program.