A new educational toolkit developed by the General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean (GFCM) is aiming to raise awareness of aquaculture among children. The goal is to improve public understanding and help young people make informed food choices.
Launched in January, the “Farmers of the Water” toolkit is part of a broader effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The project targets schools across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, with lessons focused on the role of aquaculture in food security, sustainability, and healthy diets.
According to Houssam Hamza, Aquaculture Officer at GFCM, misinformation and lack of knowledge are major challenges to the social acceptance of aquaculture.
“Most information in this field is still misleading or inaccurate,” Hamza told The Advocate. “That’s why it’s important to reach younger generations. We want to give them the tools and knowledge to ask the right questions and think critically about the food they eat.”
A Toolkit for Teachers and Students
The toolkit is designed for two age groups—students aged 5 to 12, and 13 to 18. It uses interactive, hands-on learning to explain the benefits of farmed aquatic food systems.
The program is divided into three main units:
- Unit 1 provides background knowledge for teachers. It explains how aquaculture works in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, highlighting its sustainability and economic value.
- Unit 2 is aimed at younger students and uses play-based learning to introduce basic concepts.
- Unit 3 targets older students and focuses on teamwork, discussion, and advocacy projects.
As students progress through the program, they build a deeper understanding of aquaculture. They also learn how to share this knowledge with their peers and communities.
The toolkit is part of the GFCM’s wider educational initiative under the Scientific Advisory Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ). It also supports FAO’s Blue Transformation strategy, which promotes sustainable aquatic food systems.
Building Better Food Choices
Hamza emphasized that the toolkit is not just about learning facts. It’s about shaping informed consumers who understand where their food comes from and how it affects the planet.
“This is about more than just boosting production,” said Hamza. “It’s about growing the sector in a responsible way—protecting the environment, ensuring food security and involving local communities.”
Aquaculture products are a rich source of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and essential amino acids. They offer high-quality protein that plays a vital role in nutrition and health. By learning about these benefits, students can make better food choices.
Reconnecting with Food and Nature
Hamza also sees the toolkit as a way to reconnect children with food traditions and the natural environment. He recalls his own experience growing up in Gabès, a coastal city in Tunisia.
“I remember walking through market stalls with my father,” he said. “He taught me how to identify different species, how to tell if a fish was fresh, and how to use my senses—sight, touch, and smell—to understand food.”
Today, those experiences are becoming rare. Modern lifestyles have changed how people shop and eat. Hamza believes that reconnecting children with the origins of their food can help shift these habits in a healthier direction.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, Hamza hopes the toolkit will inspire a new generation to care about aquaculture—whether as consumers, scientists, entrepreneurs, or policymakers.
“It’s about giving young people the power to choose wisely, act responsibly and understand the bigger picture,” he said. “They have a role to play in shaping the future of food.”
