Aquaponics is an exciting area of study new to Bourne Hatchery here at Hadlow College. Aquaponics is key in the future direction of vocational Aquaculture, Aquatics and our Fisheries Management courses.
Aquaponics covers fish systems, water quality and aquaculture. It is a wide-ranging subject which combines aquaculture, which is the raising of fish, and hydroponics which is growing plants without soil. In more simple terms, the plants feed off the fish waste (which is converted into nutrients by microbes) and in return the plants clean the water that goes back to the fish, therefore relying on the natural eco system.
Aquaponics is a sustainable method of crop production as it involves little water consumption as well as reducing the use of pesticides. This area of study is more important now than ever due to the global shift towards more sustainable ways of working, the growth of urban farming, and the increased demand for organic food.
This farming method has a range of benefits, most notably, it is a more environmentally friendly technique, and the use of aquaponics can assist in tackling key issues surrounding food security and reliance on ocean caught fish. Of course, aquaponics can also be enjoyed on a smaller scale, and it is even possible to build your own basic aquaponics system!
Aquaponics is an important subject that touches upon the whole curriculum and will be included as part of our Fisheries Management course at all levels. As aquaponics systems gain interest globally, there is no better time to study our Fisheries Management course. There are also great plans to obtain more aquaponic style set-ups shortly, which further broaden the research possibilities at Hadlow College making it an exceptionally exciting time to join our college.
Here at Hadlow we have excellent facilities and provide a fantastic location for students to learn from our experienced fishery team and take a hands-on approach to learning both the theory and practical skills behind this industry.
Check out our Fisheries Management courses here.