KAMSACK — The partnership between KCI and the local Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation chapter marks an exciting venture into environmental education with the introduction of the Fish in Schools (FinS) Program.
This initiative, which originated in Alberta and was adapted for Saskatchewan by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, aims to provide students with a hands-on learning experience about trout and their habitat.
Darren Kitsch, along with Nathaniel Shabatoski, a Grade 7 student at KCI, have been instrumental in setting up the FinS Program at the school. After meticulous preparation throughout January, including balancing water parameters and ensuring the aquarium is encased in styrofoam to help keep it dark and cool to 10°C, which are optimal conditions for egg incubation, 100 rainbow trout eggs were delivered to the school on Feb. 1. Over the coming months, students from Grades 5 to 10 will play an active role in nurturing the trout through various developmental stages.
“They'll take about a week or so to start hatching," Kitsch said. "Once they all start hatching their sacks still stay intact so they feed off that and then when that releases, we can start feeding them. And then once they start eating we’ve got to start changing the water every so often.”
It was after a school trip to the Saskatchewan Fish Hatchery that Kitsch had the idea to bring the project to the school.
“Last year, I took my wildlife management class to the fish hatchery in Fort Qu’Appelle so they’re like hey, this program exists, let’s run it next year,” Kitsch said.
The FinS Program, which began in Saskatchewan in 2013, offers educators a unique opportunity to engage students of all ages in learning about the life cycle and habitat needs of trout. Through the program, students monitor the development of rainbow trout from egg to fry stage for 4-5 months in both indoor and outdoor classroom settings. This immersive experience not only educates students about fish conservation but also gives them an understanding of their impact on the environment.
The FinS Program not only provides students with practical experience in fish conservation but also encourages them to become stewards of their local environment. By understanding the habitat requirements of Saskatchewan fish and their impact on aquatic ecosystems, students are equipped with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions about environmental conservation.
