Planting the Seeds for Hawaiʻi's Next Generation of Marine Aquaculturists:
📸 Kukalia Pililaau
There's an undeniable spark when young minds connect with marine science. We felt that energy firsthand recently at Ocean Era, when we welcomed the students from Waiʻanae High School’s Marine Science Learning Center for their annual Aquaculture Workshop. This visit has become a cornerstone of their program, showcasing real-world applications of their studies, and the diversity of the career paths in aquaculture and marine science right here in Hawai’i.
📸 Kukalia Pililaau
Much thanks to Kai Fox from UH Sea Grant, for assisting with the planning and co-ordination for these students to tour four different companies at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority (NELHA). For us at Ocean Era, hosting these future scientists is always a privilege.
The Aquaculture Workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the field, taking students beyond textbooks and into the heart of aquaculture operations, community initiatives, and culturally significant sites. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the rich history of aquaculture in Hawaiʻi.
📸 Kukalia Pililaau
Welcoming the Waiʻanae High students to our farm allowed us to share our daily work, explain our sustainable technologies, and witness their curiosity about the future of marine aquaculture.
We see these visits as more than just a day trip; they are an investment in the future of our oceans and our local economy. By providing these students with tangible examples of marine science in action, we hope to cultivate a lifelong passion for aquaculture and inspire them to become the innovators and stewards of tomorrow.
📸 Kukalia Pililaau
The diverse career opportunities within aquaculture – from the intricacies of research to the practicalities of farm management and the critical importance of conservation – are vast. Witnessing the enthusiasm of the Waiʻanae High students leaves us with a strong sense of optimism for the future of this industry in Hawaiʻi.
Thanks again to Waiʻanae High School’s Marine Science Learning Center for to providing such meaningful educational experiences, and to Kai Fox for his continued partnership in making these connections. We are proud to play a role in "planting the seeds" for the next generation of Hawaiʻi’s marine aquaculturists, and look forward to inspiring many more bright young minds at Ocean Era.
