Gallery • 7 Photos

Joseph Abaire '25

NHS students feed the tilapia in the aquaponics system to ensure they keep producing waste for the plants. Fish waste is one of the most vital parts of the system as it provides recycled nutrients for the vegetables to grow resulting in very green and healthier vegetables.

WOODBURY – With the expanding industry and growing demand for aquaponics, many students have been drawn to take the aquaculture class their junior and senior years. Students are taught a variety of subjects that keep them engaged in the content including a large hands-on portion of the class. 

“Students enjoy having a mix of in class and hands-on work,” says Leanne Foster, the aquaculture instructor who is also an alumni of Nonnewaug High School. “Recently, we just had a trout unit that was mostly in-class work, but we try and have at least 1-2 days a week doing hands-on activities either out in the greenhouse or in the pond so they stay engaged. Later in the month, we are also touring the Quinebaug State Fish Hatchery in Plainfield to give students a real world look at how hatcheries are managed.” 

In the classroom students learn everything they need to know about how to care for fresh and saltwater fish and how they can be incorporated into an aquaponics design. This goes along with their hands-on aspect as they learn from scratch how to set up the entire hydroponic system including filtration, flow management, and grow beds. 

The class isn’t limited to just the greenhouse. 

Students also learn how to set up and maintain aquascape ponds as seen in front of the ag building. In recent years, many businesses and homeowners have been looking to incorporate aquascape ponds into their landscapes including fish and water features.

“I like the mix of in-class and hands-on learning,” says Emma Jones, a senior aquaculture student. “Being able to have a break from paper work really helps me to stay focused and interested in the topic without feeling overwhelmed.”