Ocean Springs students are turning fish poop into food

The aquaponics program at Ocean Springs High School is one of only two programs of its kind in the state of Mississippi. Students in the program are growing plants and getting an education on environmental issues.
It all starts with fish poop, what’s growing inside the aquaponics greenhouse at Ocean Springs High School. Students are taking care of fish and using their waste to grow food. The program is also growing skills to help students prepare for their future. Ocean Springs Junior Landon Chenevert wants to be a marine biologist. “For somebody like me who wants to actually go into this business when they get out of high school and college, this is a great program to do that.”
There is only one other aquaponics program in the state and that is in Moss Point. By taking care of some stripe bass, students are helping regulate the fish population in our coastal waters. The class teaches students about important environmental issues and how to be resourceful. Aquaponics teacher Brian Butler said, “They do the fish part first and the plants are secondary, but it shows them that they can have a complete ecosystem and use that to grow everything that they have and process and clean the tanks easily.”
“We have learned a lot about fish and how to take care of them. When we first started growing our plants here we grew okra. My group did. A lot of tomatoes growing, they’re ripening,” said Chenevert.
Student Caley Perdue said, “I’ve always liked dealing with plants and fish and being outdoors so it’s a combination of both through this class is something that I really enjoy. Coming out here every day with the fish and watching them grow.”
At the end of the day, students get to eat what they learned. “I love coming to class here just because it’s fun coming here every day and I’m going to go into this so this is right up my alley for me,” said Chenevert.