[Grace Lynch]

Hi Eileen,

Thank you for your response to this module!

The variety of opportunities for employment within the aquaculture industry is crucial to smaller rural communities as it allows for younger people to stay within less built up areas rather than moving to larger cities like Cork and Dublin in order to find a liveable income. Preventing rural  decline is just one of the many socio-economic benefits of aquaculture.

Thanks,

Grace

 

 

 

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Emma,

Thank you for your response to this module!

The socio-economic benefits of aquaculture is crucial to smaller coastal communities. Aquaculture can decrease the extent of rural decline by providing job opportunities to the younger people in the area which allows them to stay in these areas that are less built up rather than moving to larger cities like Cork and Dublin. You are correct in saying that it supports employment directly but it also provides employment opportunities indirectly for example mechanics who would be needed to repair machinery.

Thanks,

Grace

 

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Ailbhe,

Thank you for your response to this module!

The idea local geographical conditions of the West Coast are perfect for fish farming. Strong currents coming in from the Atlantic are perfect for salmon farming while sheltered intertidal zones dotted around the West coast are suitable for oyster farming.

The filter feeding of the shellfish is great for the surrounding waters as they can remove excess nitrogen and particulate matter increasing the water quality of the marine areas with which they are grown. It is a win-win for the farmers and environmentalists as the farmers do not have to be food for them and the are beneficial to marine ecosystems with which they are grown in.

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Eimear,

Thank you for your response to this module!

I like how you have included the idea of seeing aquaculture through the perspective of multiple groups from farmers to environmentalists. It is important to see all sides of the dice!

Learning about aquaculture can benefit students in inland counties just as much as students living in coastal areas . Even outings as simple as grocery shopping provide an opportunity to create these linkages between seafood production and the person themselves. Making sustainable and informed choices is what will keep this valuable resource nourished and in good condition for generations to come!

Thanks,

Grace

 

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Orla,

Thank you for your response to this module!

If you would like the ARC to visit your school please feel free to register at: BIM – Registration Form

 

Thank you,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Orla,

Thank you for your response to this module!

I agree I think that every child in Ireland should have the opportunity to learn about aquaculture no matter their proximity to the coast. Even outings as simple as going grocery shopping are an opportunity to form linkages between being acting sustainably and learning about seafood production in Ireland and how to make decisions that not only are beneficial from a nutritional standpoint but are also eco-friendly. It is never too early to learn about ‘where your food comes from’ as you have said yourself here.

The material is so versatile that it can tie in with a multitude of subjects and you are correct in saying it promotes hands-on learning! Simple projects such as arts and crafts, poster making and story-telling are a fantastic way to convey the importance of aquaculture in Ireland to younger audiences.

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Lorraine,

Thank you for your response to this module!

It is fantastic to hear how you believe these resources will enrich your teaching.

In regards to the misinformation susceptibly,I think sometimes there can be a fear of the unknown. However once the students have the knowledge we equip them with on the ARC, I wholeheartedly believe that they leave the ARC not only as some of the youngest aquaculture experts in the country 🙂 , but also feeling a closer sense of connection to their community if they are living in area where aquaculture practice is common.

It is great to hear how this can be beneficial to you in your teaching.

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Cian,

Thank you for your response to this module!

I really like how you are thinking about how these resources can be used across the whole school! It allows for unified learning targets, accountability and inclusivity.

Thank you,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Catriona,

Thank you for your response to Module 3!

I appreciate how much thought you have put into these lesson plans. I especially like the idea of visiting a site. I think that trips outside of the classroom are not only great for the overall digestion of the material as it allows the students to see aquaculture in its natural context but also I think looking back on my own experience in school, those days out are what I remember and have stuck with me into adulthood. Associating what they have learnt with a happy memory may inspire some students to even take a career path in the marine and seafood sector.

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Natasha,

Thank you for your response to this module!

I like your take on a school-wide effort! It is so important to follow up on what the students learned after the visit from the ARC pod itself that I really appreciate how you have considered a way to integrate these concepts long-term.

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Aoife,

Thank you for your response to this module!

Taste the Atlantic is another campaign that ties tourism and seafood production together nicely. It supports smaller communities along the Atlantic coast  bringing income and opportunities to area that have smaller populations and often times would not have geographical conditions to support traditional farming which makes it all the more beneficial for the people that live there!

Thanks,

Grace

 

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Natasha,

Thank you for your response to this module!

You are correct in saying these local conditions breathe life into these rural communities. They support aquaculture where rural decline can be prevented as you have mentioned here supporting the younger members in more isolated regions by providing a wide variety of job opportunities!

It is very important for us as an island to nurture this valuable resource and make sure it is in good condition for generations to come!

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Brian,

Thank you for your response to this module!

I agree! Sometimes there is fear in the unknown but knowledge is power and I think that the students living in area near aquaculture sites who might not be 100% up to speed with the goings on there feel an even closer connection to their community once they leave the ARC as a young aquaculture expert 🙂

Students living far from the sea have so much to benefit from learning about the seafood and marine sector as well from nutrition, to geography and sustainability; there truly is something in it for everyone. Even as you said yourself consuming seafood is a link in and of itself and they can support this resource by practicing eco-friendly habits.

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Cian.

Thank you for your response to this module!

I agree that brining the concepts associated with aquaculture can raise awareness around sustainability. On a typical day on the ARC we finish with a lesson on Sustainability in the hopes that it will promote eco-friendly habits within the students that they can carry into adulthood!

Thanks,

Grace

[Grace Lynch]

Hi Aoife,

Thank you for your response to this module!

I like the idea of using debates in the classroom. It gives them an opportunity to think for themselves and take ownership of their opinion. Guest speakers have been very successful on the ARC itself and always generate great enthusiasm and excitement amongst the students, especially if it is someone from their local community as it helps to make the concepts more relevant to the student.

Thanks,

Grace

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