All aboard the ARC: Aquaculture classroom highlights Pembrokeshire opportunities
Pawb ar fwrdd yr ARC: Ystafell ddosbarth dyframaeth yn tynnu sylw at gyfleoedd i Sir Benfro
Pembrokeshire students have had the opportunity to take part in an educational and immersive experience on the Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) on its maiden voyage to Wales.
The exciting visit gave future generations an introduction to aquaculture and to explore the opportunities for Pembrokeshire.
The ARC was developed in Ireland by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
This fantastic educational tool has enabled schools across Ireland to learn how aquaculture, agriculture and natural resources interact.
Donna Page, Aquaculture Officer for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The interactive classroom highlighted the benefits of aquaculture in supplying sustainable seafood and creating employment.
“It represents a valuable opportunity to learn lessons and forge partnerships with our neighbors in Ireland in order to explore what this sector could do for Pembrokeshire.”
There were also opportunities for the students to visit various displays and engage in conversation with local businesses and industry partners whilst viewing local aquaculture products, including a variety of cakes made with different species of seaweed.
These included beetroot and dulse cake and sugar kelp slices, with the seaweed brownie voted the winner at the tasting table.
As well as demonstrating potential career paths and raising awareness of the sector, the ARC visit has enabled discussions around the development of new supply chains for Pembrokeshire businesses and career opportunities locally.
Pembrokeshire company Câr-Y-Môr said: “What an amazing visit from the ARC.
“We had the opportunity to support the aquaculture and food team from Pembrokeshire County Council when they visited Pembrokeshire College and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi with the ARC to inspire the next generation.
“It was so exciting to see the schools, colleges, communities and local businesses come together to experience the ARC and all aquaculture has to offer for our land and seas.”
The ARC visit to Pembrokeshire was supported by BIM and part funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
For information on Aquaculture in Pembrokeshire please contact Donna Page at: donna.page@pembrokeshire.gov.uk