The Aquaponics Challenge is an interdisciplinary learning competition for teams in school or after-school programs (for example: 4-H, FFA) in grades 8-12. Teams are student led with support from their coach (teacher or after-school program lead) and each team is provided with a liaison who helps with guidance throughout the season.
Teams can work on the competition as part of a class or as an after-school activity. Multiple teams can register per school and teams can also register as part of afterschool clubs or other academic related organizations. This competition is open to all interested individuals regardless of location. Small team stipends ($150) are available for those in Great Lakes states.
The competition is composed of four challenges and teams can choose to compete in one or multiple with awards for each category as well as a cumulative award. The four challenges include:
- Designing and creating an aquaponics system,
- Monitoring the system,
- Creating a business plan to accompany the system,
- Creating a seafood outreach project.
Important Details:
- Registration deadline is January 12, 2025. Register by completing this form.
- The competition timeline is January through April, with a virtual awards ceremony held on April 11, 2025.
- Student teams submit videos showcasing their accomplishments, as well as supporting materials online.
- Teams are supported with online resources, coach and team Zoom trainings, a small team stipend ($150 for Great Lakes states), and a liaison who helps guide the team during the season.
- See the 2025 Aquaculture Challenge Team Manual team with detailed information about the competition.
- Visit the Aquaponics Challenge webpage to find these details and more information.
The aquaculture challenge is a competitive science and business competition hosted by the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and Lake Superior State University.
Questions? Contact Elliot Nelson, Michigan Sea Grant, elliotne@msu.edu or Nicole Wright, Ohio Sea Grant, wright.1128@osu.edu
