A person with blue sterile gloves holds a fish pulled from an aquaculture tank at AquaBounty Farms Indiana
Farm manager Peter Bowyer holds an Atlantic salmon raised at AquaBounty Farms Indiana, a commercial fish farm in Albany, Ind., on April 30, 2019. (Chicago Tribune Photo/Zbigniew Bzdak)

Many people show concern about eating genetically modified organisms (GMO) like the new farm-raised Atlantic salmon that includes a gene from chinook salmon and DNA sequence from ocean pout, an eel-like species. However, an article by Tony Briscoe in the Chicago Tribune—”Indiana salmon hatchery to raise nation’s first genetically modified animal cleared for human consumption”—covers why GMO fish produced via aquaculture are needed to help feed the world’s growing populations, how the new salmon production is similar to GMO crop production, and why the thought process of “GMO is scary” is not necessarily accurate. Tomas Höök, director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, comments on the public perception of GMO in the United States, as well as the necessity for aquaculture to feed people when marine fisheries are being overfished or have reached the limit of sustainable fishing levels. 

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Don't miss out on the latest edition of our "Making Waves in Education" newsletter! Reserve your spot for a live, Students Ask Scientists call from Lake Superior, and stay updated on upcoming in-person events to learn and network with fellow educators. Perfect for Illinois and Indiana educators passionate about the Great Lakes and environmental education.
Join us on June 6-7 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to explore aquaculture business management at the NCRAC Aquaculture Business Short Course! Presented by Sea Grant & @purdueextension, this course provides essential skills for effective farm finance management. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in aquaculture!Important Info:-Hands-on training to help aquaculture producers manage their farm finances-Includes one-on-one expert time + free $120 textbook-Instructors from Purdue, Mississippi State, and University of Maryland-Laptop + farm financials required for participation-Limited seating – first come, first served!More info at the link in bio.
May is National Water Safety Month—and Lake Michigan deserves your attention. Its waves may look calm, but dangerous currents and sudden drop-offs make it the most hazardous Great Lake for drownings.This May, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to get informed. Check out our brochures, safety tips, and the new Lake Michigan water safety video before heading out to the beach or boat.Full story at the link in bio.
Join the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative for an exciting webinar featuring educator and author Rick Reynolds. Rick will demonstrate how to engage grade 2-12 students using the newly developed science curriculum "Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems". Rick will share STEAM activities, including scientific investigations and simulations. Participants will also gain the tools and confidence to participate in the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative’s crayfish study- supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts. Register for the webinar at the link in bio.
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