This is an important development which will allow ASF to reach more schools throughout the range of the Atlantic salmon. The classroom incubation is often a focal point for the students and a good way for the teacher to give lessons in math, science and language arts by using the tank as the teaching tool. These student are happy to have the tank in their class. It assists teachers in instructing their students about the fascinating life history and environmental sensitivity of fishes and other aquatic species. At the end of the school year and the Fish Friends lessons, the young fry are released in a local stream.
Students often take a special interest in protecting the stream where their fish live.
The Fish Friends Program has been enthusiastically embraced by students, parents, and community leaders and more than 600 schools from Connecticut to Labrador have participated during the past 8 years since the program began. Fish Friends has kindled, in thousands of youngsters, an appreciation for applied science and a passion for conserving salmon and other aquatic plants and animals. Families, kids, schools, teachers, organizations, conservationists, anglers, and financial supporters at all levels are welcome to join the Fish Friends family. ASF's Educational Programs depend financially on donations and the sale of Fish Friends Products. ASF manages the program, but volunteers are vital to the actual delivery and servicing of programs in the local schools.