[Patrice Murray]

reland’s rugged coastline, clean waters, and temperate climate make it an ideal location for aquaculture. From the sheltered bays of the west to the inlets of the southeast, aquaculture farms—especially those producing salmon, mussels, and oysters—are increasingly visible features of the marine landscape. Reflecting on their location, it becomes clear that their presence is about more than just food production; it speaks to the deep connection between the sea and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Many of these areas have traditionally relied on fishing and agriculture, and aquaculture offers a sustainable complement to these industries. It creates local employment, both directly on farms and indirectly in processing, transport, and equipment maintenance. For communities facing economic decline or depopulation, especially in rural coastal areas, aquaculture can help retain young people and support small businesses.

However, location matters greatly. Farms must balance environmental sustainability with community acceptance—an issue tied closely to social license. When properly managed, these farms not only protect the marine environment but also add cultural and economic resilience to coastal regions.

Ultimately, Ireland’s aquaculture sector has the potential to be a pillar of rural regeneration, provided it listens to local voices and works in harmony with the environment.

[Patrice Murray]

Aquaculture—the farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants—has significant educational potential in the classroom. It offers a hands-on way to teach biology, ecology, sustainability, and food systems. Through aquaculture projects, students can observe life cycles, water chemistry, and environmental impacts firsthand. These experiences can foster critical thinking and environmental stewardship, making science more relevant and engaging.

However, the concept of social license to operate—the ongoing approval or acceptance by the community—is also crucial. In the context of aquaculture, social license involves public trust in the sustainability, ethics, and safety of aquatic farming practices. Introducing this concept to students helps them explore how public opinion, environmental concerns, and industry transparency shape real-world decisions.

In the classroom, discussions around social license can encourage civic engagement, ethics, and debate. Students can role-play as stakeholders—such as fish farmers, environmentalists, and community members—to understand competing interests and values. This not only deepens their understanding of aquaculture but also builds communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

Overall, combining aquaculture with social license education supports interdisciplinary learning and empowers students to think critically about the relationship between science, society, and sustainability. It creates meaningful connections between classroom learning and global challenges

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