Aquaculture in Action Partners

The Aquaculture in Action program partners and collaborates with institutions and agencies focused on research and education. These partners have been key to the success of the program over the last two decades.

Resources and Technical Support

Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology

Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology faculty and staff and the Aquaculture Research Center in Baltimore City are the essential resources for aquaculture technical content, recirculating system design, and fish culture for the Aquaculture in Action program since its inception in 1996.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division

Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff provide a variety of native fish species, husbandry advice, and guidance and assistance for local fish release. All Aquaculture in Action schools are registered with the department through a special aquaculture permit specifically designed for K-12 education.

​Carroll County Public Schools

Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) has served as the model for the Aquaculture in Action program through the development of science research curriculum that emphasizes project-based learning for all students at the high school level. CCPS also provides important venues and master teachers for teacher professional development to assist with workshops.  The 20-plus year relationship with administrators of science education has been the key to this success.

Johns Hopkins University Center for a Livable Future

The Johns Hopkins University Center for a Livable Future, located at the Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore City, demonstrates the effectiveness of how small-scale aquaponics can be used as a model for the study of food system science. The project also serves as an introduction on the potential of aquaponics as a classroom tool and has been an important partner in teacher professional development for Aquaculture in Action workshops.

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium has provided advice on best practices regarding fish health and disease monitoring through their Department of Veterinary Medicine.

Funding Agencies

NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and  Chesapeake Bay Trust have provided funds over the course of the Aquaculture in Action program in support of teacher professional development, supplies for the construction of recirculating systems, water quality equipment, and field trips for environmental monitoring and fish release.