BIM’s Aquaculture Remote Classroom, or ARC, as it’s more commonly known has finished its roadshow for this academic year and has proven to be extremely popular with students and teachers alike. Over the course of the 2022/ 2023 academic year, the ARC has travelled throughout Ireland, visiting 51 schools, delivering 95 workshops and engaging with over 6,000 pupils.

In addition to school visits, both at primary level and secondary transition year, the ARC and its team have taken part in a range of public events. Overall, the number of people they have reached in the last ten months is nearly 11,000.

Aquaculture is the farming of plants and animals in the water. Although almost all of us have seen and understand farming on the land, not many people are aware that we also farm plants and animals in the water. The ARC aims to increase awareness of this important contributor to local, coastal economies and the potential career opportunities available.

BIM is delighted to have welcomed President Michael D. Higgins and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, T.D. to visit the ARC this year, but we are in no doubt as to who our VIP’s really are!

Máirtín Walsh, Development Executive, BIM said, “The ARC will recommence activities in Kerry in early September. The team will continue to educate and inspire young learners about sustainable Irish aquaculture and the great career and educational opportunities that continue to emerge in the marine sector.  It will continue to provide education around the sustainable nature of Irish aquaculture and how the industry supports vibrant coastal communities all around the country”.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara has developed the ARC as part of a European wide campaign called #FarmedintheEU. Farmed in the EU aims to highlight the benefits of aquaculture in supplying sustainable seafood for the growing population, creating employment and helping sustain coastal communities in Ireland and all over the world.