Aquaculture at Salem State College
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Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic plants and animals. Many species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and other organisms (e.g. algae, alligators, frogs, sea turtles) are cultured worldwide under controlled conditions. In low intensity systems, such as a farm pond, small fish are added at the beginning of the growing season. The fish feed on natural food items and grow. At the end of the growing season, large fish are harvested for human consumption. To increase production and yields, we intensify the level of management. Ponds may be fertilized; fish fed a commercial ration, water quality manipulated. Intensively managed systems such as net-pens or recirculating systems, are carefully controlled environments. Low intensity systems may yield a few hundred to several thousand kilograms per hectare. In high intensity systems, yields can exceed several hundred thousand kilograms per hectare. |
| At Salem State College the Aquaculture Concentration within the Department of Biology manifests its ecological heritage. Students explore energy flow and allocation in aquatic systems. Techniques to repackage energy into organisms considered desirable by humankind are examined analytically. The recently approved curriculum affords students the opportunity to learn about aquaculture and to apply newly acquired skills in real-life situations. Hands-on experience and practical applications are pursued at the 6.1-hectare Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center (NEMAC) operated by SSC that includes the 510 m2 Cat Cove Marine Laboratory and 3.25-hectare Smith Pool. Developing projects investigate the biology of regionally important shellfish (e.g., surf clams, Atlantic scallops, and oysters) and finfish (e.g., tautog, sturgeon) as well as environmental impacts of aquaculture. |
Cat Cove Marine Laboratory
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| Aquaculture efforts at SSC highlight conservation and management, but business, computer, networking and other essential skills are equally emphasized. Growing fish is a hobby; marketing fish profitably is a business! Students who successfully navigate the Aquaculture Concentration at SSC will have gained knowledge and skills to practice aquaculture successfully in New England or halfway around the world in New Caledonia. |
| Click here for directions to the Cat Cove Laboratory (directions will open in new window). |
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