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fish are growing to a healthy, large size because the larger the fish, the more fertilizer they produce for the plants. “My favorite part of our aquaculture program is the planting. It is fun picking your own seeds and watching them grow in our greenhouse. I like how our seeds are planted and fertilized at the high school, but end up growing here at [Ocean Springs Upper Elementary],” said student Christian Reynolds. “I also enjoy feeding the fish in the big aquaculture tanks when we visit the high school.”
The Long-Term Product
Butler and Butler-Chennault agree they are both motivated by their desire for students to get the best educational experience available to them. The aquaculture partnership allows students to explore the natural resources around them and to develop an interest that may impact their decision to stay on the Gulf Coast, which is known for its thriving wildlife and fisheries, should they decide to work in aquaculture sciences. This partnership’s projects aim to encourage students to learn about the area in which they live in hopes to secure a 6 CONNECTIONS Spring 2018
Top: Butler-Chennault’s students plant vegetables in the garden beds at Ocean Springs Upper Elementary. Bottom: Vivian Monforton displays the young plants that will be transplanted into garden beds at the elementary school.