Marta Correia|Isabel C. Azevedo|Helena Perés|Rui Magalhães|Aires Oliva?Teles|C. Marisa R. Almeida|Laura Guimarães
Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture: A Laboratory and Hands-on Experimental Activity to Promote Environmental Sustainability Awareness and Value of Aquaculture Products
Universidade do Porto|Universidade do Porto|Universidade do Porto|Universidade do Porto|Universidade do Porto|Universidade do Porto|Universidade do Porto
aquaculture among industries growing fastest rate world industry recognised play critical role food production continuously expanding world population however despite various technological innovations improvements production techniques sector still associated misperceptions negative opinions hampering implementation wide consumption products integrated multitrophic aquaculture imta concept developed way increase sustainability intensive aquaculture systems using ecosystembased approach study following sustainable aquaculture concept closed recirculation imta system laboratorial scale developed tested simultaneous production fish sea urchin seaweed 70 days based proof concept handson experimental activity developed teach communicate recent scientific advances environmental sustainability value aquaculture products young students general public experimental activity tested evaluated students n 60 basic highschool secondary learning cycles quantitative assessment carried short questionnaire provided students experimental activity experimental activity qualitative assessment also performed questions expressed without preconceived categories hypotheses results indicated overall frequency students consider ocean important extremely important increased 68 81 performing experimental activity moreover percentages correct answers questions related imta concepts also increased significantly experimental activity discussion experimental activity results students stated appreciated opportunity develop handson experimental activity allowed increase knowledge obtain information aquaculture quality products