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I found this module very interesting indeed. Aquaculture seems to have such a low environmental impact. We in Ireland are in a lucky position to be very suited to this industry. We are blessed with a cool temperate oceanic climate which is an essential for aquaculture. we also have a long coastline (obviously being an island nation) with particularly suitable conditions along our long western atlantic coast. We have plenty of secluded areas of coast with deep water and shelter. I live in Co Waterford and there is a fish farm (I am pretty sure it is a mussel farm) on a beach not too far from my school. This could make a great field trip if it could be arranged with the fish farmers involved. As aquaculture is so common in the west I am sure it has great socio economic advantages for this area. Much of the land in this part of the country is not suited to agriculture so this is a viable alternative bringing both direct and indirect employment to many communities along this coastline. I’m sure there is a certain potential for tourism around this industry also.
I enjoyed this broad introduction to aquaculture in Ireland. I live in Waterford and there is aquaculture going on right on my doorstep yet I don’t know a whole lot about it. In Ireland in recent years fish has become a much bigger part of our diet than it traditionally. I feel it is very important for children to be aware of where there food comes from and of the importance of sustainability. I found the 4 Social Licensing projects very interesting. It would be amazing to have the ARC classroom to visit my school. I understand that the waiting list is long so the 4 lessons available on the website would be a good alternative. I found them very child friendly and informative. I also found the ‘Taste the Atlantic’ very interesting. I have to say that I thought Salmon farming was the mainstay of the aquaculture industry in Ireland, I didn’t realise that mussel and oyster farming were such a big part of the industry also. I will certainly use some of the information and resources provided in module in my classroom .
