In New England, marine aquaculture originated with native Americans managing the culti-vation of shellfish and crustaceans. Early settlers on Cape Cod adopted the practice. Marine aquaculture in Massachusetts, which occurs in the waters of coastal cities and towns that lease tidal and sub-tidal areas, includes the cultivation of shellfish for commercial, research and fishery enhancement purposes. The commercial marine aquaculture industry in our state is concentrated on Cape Cod and the Islands and the South Shore. Inland aquaculture began around the turn of the century with government-led fisheries enhancement efforts.
Inland aquaculture uses ponds, tanks and floating pens.
Water quality, provision of food and waste removal must be taken care of by the aquaculturist. Mainly located in the western part of the state, inland facilities produce fin fish. Inland aquaculture plays a major role in providing and enhancing recreational fishing, augmenting existing fish stocks and restoring fisheries' resources. This lesson introduces students to both aquaculture and hydroponics. Students set up a fish tank and correlate the parts of the tank to an aquaculture system.