[Robert Cheevers]

I grew up in a rural community in the west of Ireland, but it was a farming community. I knew the importance of agriculture in the region and its role in creating employment directly and indirectly. I lived several miles from the coastline and as a result I had very little knowledge of aquaculture.
I understand that aquaculture offers much to coastal communities socially and economically mainly in relation to industry and employment. Aquaculture provides many jobs in the fishing industry and the aquaculture that takes place in the western Atlantic seaboard of Ireland provides other areas such as the food industry, education and research, science, health and finally the leisure industry. I’m aware that many people rely on aquaculture for work in these in these communities. I wasn’t aware of different coastal features in Ireland and how they determine the type of sea life in those regions. Different intertidal zones with tidal action determining the type of fishing that takes place. Whether it be salmon, mussels or oysters. This may explain the socio economically features of these communities.

[Robert Cheevers]

In module one there is a lot of information on aquaculture and farming at sea. I especially enjoyed watching the videos with beautiful cinematography and informative commentary. The classroom tools and resources in module one that are used for teaching about Aquaculture and Social License can have a positive impact on the children’s learning. The tools are cross curricular involving SESE, literacy, maths but incorporates SPHE with caring about one’s local and wider community and with the environments we live in. I thought the videos were very informative, giving good examples and simplifying the information making it child friendly.

I could easily see myself using these tools to inform my own teaching and use the tools to teach children about aquaculture and farming at sea. I think the children would enjoy the novelty of the ARC – being a cinematic experience and interactive. It’s easy to see the positive impact it’s having; 44,000 children having experienced it. It’s like a roadshow but more. But all the videos and resources have an important part to play.  Taste the Atlantic the seafood journey along the Wild Atlantic Way with its variety of sea life was interesting and visual for children. The map clearly illustrated the sea life along the western coastline with the different aquaculture producers and the work they do. I think the children could also relate to Young Chef Ambassador Programme and cooking programmes are so popular now especially young MasterChef. Next Generation Oyster Producers would teach children that aquaculture involves young people not just people that look like captain Birdseye. I felt all the tools presented met all the learning styles and provide a clear picture on how important aquaculture is to our economy, our lifestyle and our environment.

 

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