Introducing the Youth for Caribbean Aquaculture Volunteers
First networking event Caribbean Youth for Ages 17 to 24, April18, 2024
Hello Everyone,
I am so thrilled and pleased to introduce to you a few very passionate and brilliant students from the University of the West Indies, located in Kingston Jamaica. They are marine biology and environmental biology majors who answered the call to assist the Caribbean Aquaculture Hub as volunteers. In exchange, they are acquiring knowledge about the aquaculture sector and filling the gap in their education.
I believe that for the aquaculture sector to progress in Jamaica and the Caribbean, aquaculture sciences should be included in secondary and tertiary education. Science plays a crucial role in enhancing aquaculture in the Caribbean for several important reasons. Science is essential for advancing aquaculture in the Caribbean by providing evidence-based solutions to optimize production, improve sustainability, and mitigate risks. It underpins innovation, informs decision-making, and supports the development of a resilient and responsible aquaculture industry that benefits both communities and ecosystems. I will expand on these points in another post.
Currently, there is a major shortage of Caribbean aquaculture scientists with higher-level degrees. I have seen several job posts in the past 12 months looking for experts in various positions with NGOs working in the Caribbean. We need our Caribbean students to be able to have access to those jobs. Many of the students are currently marine biology majors which makes their degrees very transferable to the aquaculture sector. Marine biology plays a critical role in supporting both fisheries management and aquaculture development by providing essential knowledge about marine organisms and ecosystems, guiding sustainable practices, and addressing environmental concerns.
In this post, I would like to introduce the pioneering university undergraduates who are very interested in aquaculture and I hope through their participation in the Caribbean Aquaculture Hub and Networking they will be inspired to pursue their graduate degrees in aquaculture.
Meet Matthew-Pierre Rogers' who will be spearheading a group dedicated to the youth interested in aquaculture. Matthew’s journey from marine biology to mariculture and youth leadership is both inspiring and impactful. His transition from a marine biology student to a mariculture enthusiast highlights the importance of interdisciplinary learning and practical application in addressing real-world challenges. His interest in seaweed farming demonstrates a broader perspective on sustainable practices within marine ecosystems.
Matthew's initiative in spearheading a Youth Group focused on sharing knowledge in mariculture with Caribbean students, farmers, and entrepreneurs signifies his commitment to education, community engagement, and sustainability. By empowering youth and stakeholders with knowledge and skills in mariculture, he is fostering innovation, economic development, and environmental stewardship in the region. As Matthew continues to lead this Youth Group, his efforts are likely to inspire a new generation of marine biologists, aquaculturists, and environmentalists in the Caribbean. By bridging academia with practical applications, he is paving the way for sustainable development and conservation efforts in marine ecosystems.
SAVE THE DATE - YOUTH FOR AQUACULTURE NETWORKING EVENT
We are inviting Students, Farmers, Entrepreneurs from around the Caribbean, and those who are interested in aquaculture in the Caribbean, Ages 17 to 24 to join the first-ever online networking event YOUTH FOR AQUACULTURE IN THE CARIBBEAN. Please register at the link below to join.
REGISTER HERE
Meet Bethany Dean
Jamaican, honour student on the Deans list, athlete, and a lover of the marine ecosystem. Bethany is currently volunteering as the Secretary of the Youth Group
Meet Lael Charles
From Barbados, honour student, passionate about scientific research and sustainable development in the Caribbean. He is currently interested in ornamental fish farming
Meet Ashley Thomas
From Jamaica, honour student, Environmental biology major, interested in the sustainable food sector. Ashley’s current interest is in Tilapia farming
We look forward to seeing a representation of a new generation of enthusiastic, passionate youth ready to learn how they can contribute to making the changes needed to boost the aquaculture sector in the Caribbean
Last Notes…..
As a reminder past posts can be viewed on the website. Please take the time to check them out if you missed it.
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Please share with your schools, students and young farmers interested in learning more about aquaculture, mariculture, and aquaponics.
Dr. J