Marine science students at Manatee High School are diving deep into aquaponics, a unique food production system that involves fish and plants.
Curriculum Coordinator, Amber Platowski, enlisted the expertise of Mote Marine Laboratory scientists to bring this ecological wonder to life.
The two aquaponics systems were created by Mote senior biologist Michael Nystrom, who transformed two 97-gallon poly tanks, ultraviolet sterilizers, PVC pipes, and filters into a living ecosystem.
The fish produce waste that converts into fertilizer for the plants, which then filters water back to the fish.
On Thursday, Nystrom carefully lifted a bag filled with Tilapia fingerlings from a box.
He and Igor Pertile, a Mote horticulturist, began the careful process of acclimating the tiny fish to their new environment inside Aaron Bokelmann’s classroom.
Students listened intently as Nystrom stressed the importance of care for marine life in the aquaponics system.
“You want to make sure the temperature and the pH are the same between the water in the habitat and the bag containing the fish,” he warned. “If not, you can burn their gills.”
Nystrom and Pertile are experts from Mote’s Aquaculture Research Park (MAP), which is renowned for pioneering sustainable aquaculture technology and processes to help feed the world, restock depleted species, and advance development of the aquaculture industry across the nation.
The campus, located in east Sarasota County, is far from any large body of water, yet their innovative methods of recycling salt and fresh water have led to groundbreaking research and spawning of marine life.
Mote partnered with Green Jean Foundation to bring this first-of-its-kind learning into a Manatee County classroom. The non-profit is dedicated to supporting agricultural education and cultivating knowledge to young minds.
The marine science program at Manatee High School is the last stop for students involved in the Guy Harvey Career Pathways track. It begins at Anna Maria Elementary and continues at King Middle School.
We met some of Mr. Bokelmann’s students who intend to pursue college and career plans in marine biology, zoology and more.
One of them shines a cell phone flashlight through a smooth, glassy rock. She collected the stones from Topsail Island, NC, where her family relocated during the hurricane.
Classmates are using them to decorate their classroom aquariums, including Conner, who knew he wanted to take “Marine Science 2” because of the addition of Aquaponics.
“I want to learn more about sustainability,” he said. “I want to be able to grow food free from pesticides.”
Aquaponics offers a wide range of career opportunities including Biologist, Farmer, Sales and Marketing, Educator, Grower, Ecologist, Engineer, and Veterinarian among others.
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Mote Marine and other partners, to create inspiring environments with hands-on opportunities, for students to explore and succeed,” said Amber Platowski.
As the bell rings, Nystrom, Pertile, and Rachael Witherspoon with Green Jean Foundation, carefully test the levels of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites in the learning lab.
The tiny fish seem to disappear in their big tank, but as students feed them and monitor the chemicals in the coming days, they will grow to about the size of a hand.
The same goes for the small leaves of Bok choy, parsley, and green onion. As students dig into the work ahead, learning will take root in lessons of chemistry, biology, and ecology.
(L-to-R: Amber Platowski, Aaron Bokelmann, Michael Nystrom, Igor Pertile and Rachael Witherspoon at Manatee High School)
Funding for this project came from state allocation and millage funds dedicated to enhance learning experiences for Manatee County students, and offer workforce ready programing in marine sciences.
