For the past several years students at NAE Academy (Nokomis Alternative Education) have been growing both fish and vegetables using the technology of aquaponics in a formerly vacant classroom. Aquaponics is a food production method combining both aquaculture and hydroponics in which fish waste provides a nutrient source for plants and plants provide a natural filter for fish. The efficiency of aquaponics has allowed students to produce fresh vegetables for themselves and their families year round on a weekly basis. Additionally students have created a small business, selling fresh herbs to a local grocery store and restaurant. This has allowed them to generate a source of revenue for their program, and provide their community with a locally grown quality product.

Students began this process by first researching what aquaponics is, how it works and its benefits. Aquaponics uses 90% less water use than traditional agriculture, increased production times, and increased yields. In addition, aquaponics produce is naturally chemical and pesticide free. Any use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides will harm the fish in the system. Aquaponics will be an integral part of a dynamic and decentralized food system which will help solve some of the problems associated with our current industrial agricultural model. These problems include an unsustainable use of water, a reliance on fossil fuels, a dependence on a stable climate, and an unsustainable use of soil/minerals.

Students designed and built the systems themselves and through experimentation and careful

data tracking have refined the growing process. Crops they have had success with include basil, mint, chives, dill, cilantro, chard, lettuce, arugula, bok choy, kale, tomatoes, and beans. All systems have been built through grant funding and most recently students have dedicated themselves to increasing the energy efficiency of their systems. This has entailed upgrading their lighting systems to make use of the most technologically advanced and energy efficient LED horticultural lighting fixtures. The efficiency of these lights will boost crop production and reduce monthly electrical consumption measured in kilowatt hours by nearly half.

Ultimately these changes will result in a reduced carbon footprint generated by the systems. Since indoor agriculture (controlled environment agriculture) requires electrical inputs it is essential that the most energy efficient technology is utilized in order to reduce environmental impact. Thanks to a generous grant from the New England Grassroots Fund, students have begun to upgrade fixtures. They are excited to grow with and data track a new lighting technology developed by Fluence Bioengineering.

After the lighting upgrade future plans include installation of a ductless mini split heat pump to heat, cool, and dehumidify the grow room. This will eliminate the use of the propane heater currently used to heat the room and will serve to further improve the energy efficiency of their indoor aquaponic garden. Ultimately, these energy efficiency upgrades will allow the systems, and the grow room to be completely powered by an appropriately sized solar photovoltaic system.

To learn more about NAE and their aquaponics project, visit their Facebook Page.