Hurricane Melissa exposed just how vulnerable Jamaica’s aquaculture sector is, but it also revealed something powerful: the industry's future depends on the next generation of scientists and farmers learning directly from one another.

Currently, there are no courses for aquaculture science and production in Jamaica's universities, leaving a gap in policies for the aquaculture sector based on Science.

A Next Generation Aquaculture Program can shift the entire paradigm by pairing young scientists with local farmers to co-create solutions on climate resilience, seedstock recovery, water quality management, and innovative culture systems. Engineers, Environmental, Marine, and Life Scientists are a few examples.

When scientific training meets on-the-ground experience, communities rebuild faster, smarter, and with long-term sustainability in mind.

This is how we protect livelihoods, strengthen food security, and ensure Jamaica’s blue economy grows with purpose and resilience.

"Growing Tomorrow’s Aquaculture Leaders Today.”

Five Actions That Will Impact the Aquaculture Industry

Investing in young scientists' education and mentorship programs to build local capacity and leadership.
Introducing climate-resilient farming technologies that protect farms from hurricanes, heat stress, and disease.
Strengthening farmer–scientist partnerships to accelerate innovation and solve real-world production challenges.
Expanding seaweed and shellfish farming to diversify income streams and improve coastal resilience.
Creating market pathways and policy support that help farmers scale sustainably and access premium markets.

Your contributions will directly strengthen Jamaica’s aquaculture recovery and help train the next generation of blue-food leaders. Funding will go toward:

Training 8 students from Tertiary Institutions in Jamaica
Partnerships with Education Institutions 2 online Aquaculture 3-credit aquaculture courses at Cateret Community College
Protective gear such as water boots, gloves, and safety apparel
Water quality test kits and field equipment
Dissecting kits and sampling containers for hands-on scientific training
Field notebooks, textbooks, and learning materials
Transportation to aquaculture farms across the island
Meals for student participants during field visits
Stipends for farmers who provide mentorship and open their farms for training

Join Us In Making a Difference to Jamaica's Aquatic Food Production

Right now, we’re working towards a $12,000 to begin this pioneering project in January 2026. Your gift today will help fish, seaweed, shrimp and oyster farmers and empower the next generation of aquaculture scientists.

This Giving Tuesday, support the young people who will shape the future of aquaculture in Jamaica. Donate today and help us build the program that will rebuild Jamaica’s Aquatic food systems and Livelihoods stronger than before.

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Jamaican Youth in Aquaculture - Next Gen Project

By caribbean aquaculture education and innovation hub

Jamaican Youth in Aquaculture - Next Gen Project

Hurricane Melissa- aquaculture rebuild program

Team Members