Aquaculture is among the fastest growing segments of agriculture worldwide, yet it is still surrounded by misconceptions, myths and lack of understanding. Our job as Extension educators is to find ways to build aquaculture literacy, aid existing and potential practitioners and help train the next generation of aquaculture scientists. Using a multimodal, three-pronged approach allows us to reach teachers and students, producers and researchers, and the public, locally and around the world.
Prong 1 - Using a train the trainer approach with teachers has a multiplying effect. Each teacher has the potential to educate more than 200 students per year. Through our Aquaculture and Aquaponics 101 workshops we have trained more than 700 teachers using hands-on experiences and group learning activities. In addition, Auburn University offers summer camp experiences for 15–18-year-old students. These camps include five days of intense fun and firsthand activities blended into a creative learning experience that provides the broadest possible exposure to natural resource careers with an emphasis on aquaculture, fisheries, and aquatic ecology.
Prong 2 – Webinars provide professional development opportunities for farmers, researchers, students and educators. Thus far, in 2024, the United States Aquaculture Society webinar committee in partnership with WAS, the National Aquaculture Association (NAA) and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System have offered 4 learning opportunities for more than 2,000 people from 62 countries.
Prong 3 – The US Aquaculture Society and the Aquaculture Education and More YouTube channels provide on-demand education for a worldwide audience. These channels have garnered more than 1.25 million views and provided over 65,000 hours of education for people around the globe.
It is our hope that this three-pronged approach can be duplicated by many other entities to help raise aquaculture awareness.