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Module two outlined the location of aquaculture farms in Ireland. I knew that they were primarily on western coastlines but I hadn’t thought about the significance of the location in bays and inlets as there is more shelter there from the Atlantic ocean.
These aquaculture farms support local communities both directly and indirectly. In direct ways, these farms create so many opportunities for work. Surveying is one role that is very significant in these locations. From underwater and seabed surveys to surveys focusing on conservation efforts in the area, lots of research is needed. Other jobs such as skippers to drive the boats and workers to pack and sell the fish are also very important. Some interesting roles include workers to turn the oyster nets at high tide and workers to feed the salmon daily. Aquamarine farms are evidently a big operation and very important in local communities.
Indirectly the businesses can collaborate with Irish colleges and universities on marine science and aquaculture research.This can lead to universities offering apprenticeships and internships to students. They can also indirectly lead to the government investing in roads and infrastructure in the area which benefits the local communities. It also brings in tourism to the area which is always a benefit economically.
Hi Paula,
I agree that you made some very valid points here. I also live on the coast but never considered the huge effect aquaculture has on local communities. I found the content in module 2 very interesting, especially the content highlighting the different roles involved in aquaculture in Ireland, specifically on the west coast.
This module opened my eyes to the significance of BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mara) and informed me about the different projects that it hosts- such as the ARC. I was not aware that BIM hosted programmes for primary schools. I’m sure bringing the Aqua Culture Remote Classroom (ARC) to any school would bring lots of enthusiasm and excitement for learning. The cinematic feel to it would be very engaging for students and I’m sure very educational. The workshops, while suitable mainly for older classes, integrate so many areas of the curriculum such as Geography and SPHE. Aquaculture is not something I have personally taught too much in the classroom yet, hence why this course interested me. We are so lucky to be close to the sea in Ireland and through bringing in workshops such as the ARC, helps children appreciate their surroundings more. With BIM being just a few minutes drive from my school, it is definitely an experience I will look into trying in the future.
Hi Rosemary,
I completely agree with you here. I live beside and work in a school close to the sea- the Irish sea in our case. Lots of the childrens’ weekends are spent my the sea, especially in this lovely weather. However I don’t think enough emphasis is put on the importance of our beautiful surroundings and the people who work in the fishing industries for example. There is so much opportuity for learning to be had here.
