The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Aquaculture in the Classroom program is preparing for another year of bringing hands-on marine science education to students across Florida.
For more than two decades, FWC's Marine Stock Enhancement Research and Division of Marine Fisheries Management has worked with teachers and school administrators to introduce students to aquaculture and Stock Enhancement Research (SER). Designed for students from fifth grade through college, the program introduces the basic principles of aquaculture and marine research and explains how stock enhancement supports Florida's marine fisheries.
FWC biologists work with educators by providing technical advice, information on system designs, and curriculum support that aligns with Florida Sunshine State Standards. Students gain hands-on experience by designing and maintaining aquaculture systems, performing daily animal husbandry, and developing scientific skills by creating research projects, collecting data, and making observations.
The program's success is made possible through strong partnerships with Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida, who provided hatchery-reared red drum fingerlings, and Mote Marine Laboratory who provided hatchery-reared snook to participating schools. Through these integral partnerships, Aquaculture in the Classroom celebrated a banner 2025-2026 School Year, providing over 3,000 hatchery-reared red drum and snook fingerlings to 23 schools across the state.
FWC is now preparing for the 2026-2027 School Year and encourages educators interested in Aquaculture in the Classroom to explore the program. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to visit MyFWC.com/AIC and download the FWC Aquaculture in the Classroom Guide to learn more about program expectations and determine whether the program is a good fit for their school. Educators interested in participating or learning more can also email Gina.Russo@MyFWC.com.
The Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River is a multispecies hatchery that has cultivated and released nearly 5.3 million fish and crustaceans since 1991. The center is designed to help protect and responsibly manage natural resources, and contribute to the vitality of local communities. Each year, the center raises up to 100,000 redfish and spotted seatrout and releases them into Florida waters to support year-round fishing.
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving Florida's marine fisheries and coastal resources through advocacy, education, and habitat restoration. Representing more than 18,000 members statewide, including recreational anglers, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts, CCA Florida works to protect, enhance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the state's marine ecosystems for current and future generations.
The Mote Marine Laboratory Aquaculture Research program was established in 2001 and is located 20 miles from the coast in Sarasota County. This 200-acre campus leverages innovative land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) technology to supply sustainable seafood and bolster recreational fisheries.