The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Horn Point Laboratory offers an Oyster Hatchery Internship. This program is a unique opportunity to learn skills in the aquaculture industry. Candidates work for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks.

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Earning Criteria

Recipients must complete the earning criteria to earn this badge

The internship is a structured learning process that combines theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. Learners will begin by acquiring a solid foundation in each skill area listed below, understanding the fundamental principles and concepts involved. As they progress, they will apply this knowledge practically, honing their skills in real-world scenarios.

This includes tasks such as operating and maintaining broodstock facilities, managing larval rearing tanks, and effectively using equipment like microscopes and filters. Learners will continuously assess and optimize their processes, striving for maximum efficiency and success. Additionally, they will develop the ability to evaluate and maintain equipment, ensuring longevity and safety.

Throughout their learning journey, they will focus on data collection, quality control, and adherence to established protocols, fostering a comprehensive understanding of each skill set and preparing them for proficiency and expertise in their respective areas of specialization.

EARNING CRITERIA

Major Skill Areas

Broodstock care

• Operate and maintain a broodstock facility.
• Assess the health and conditions of broodstock.
• Maintain broodstock facilities, ensuring cleanliness and functionality.

Spawning

• Demonstrate skills in the fundamentals of spawning processes.
• Apply practical skills in managing and monitoring effectively.
• Evaluate and optimize spawning processes for maximum efficiency and success.

Larval rearing

• Outline the fundamentals of larval rearing equipment and processes.
• Apply practical skills in managing and monitoring larval rearing tanks effectively.
• Evaluate and optimize larval rearing processes for maximum efficiency and success.

Setting Tanks

• Demonstrate efficient tank setup and proficiency in operating various setting tanks.
• Optimize tank processes for maximum efficiency.

Microscopes

• Identify and apply microscope operations effectively.
• Develop proficiency in both compound microscope operation and dissecting microscope operation.
• Demonstrate proper cleanup and maintenance procedures after microscope use to ensure equipment longevity and laboratory safety.

Algal production

• Assess and practice data collection, inoculation, and basic equipment operation.
• Demonstrate algal production techniques, equipment operation, and quality control procedures.
• Manage algal production processes, equipment maintenance, and quality control measures while demonstrating expertise in advanced tasks.

Spat plantings

• Collect spat samples for planting, ensuring systematic and accurate data collection techniques.
• Demonstrate precise planting counts and accurately size spat for successful spat plantings.
• Apply proper procedures for handling samples after counting to maintain data integrity and adhere to established protocols.

Cultchless seed operations

• Complete cultchless seed operations, including equipment maintenance, cleaning procedures, and basic counting.
• Demonstrate draining, cleaning, and operating different cultchless systems.
• Apply quality control by counting cultchless seed and apply grading techniques.

Filters

• Develop a fundamental understanding of filter setup.
• Demonstrate the ability to adjust the temperature of filtered water accurately.
• Perform filter breakdown and cleaning procedures efficiently.

Farm

• Identify and understand various gear types used on the farm and farm equipment.
• Assess the size and mortality of farm products accurately.
• Initiate and conclude desiccation procedures for specific crops.

Other Skills

• Explain the process of shipping larvae/seed, maintaining aquariums, and using specific equipment.
• Operate specialized equipment like the Coulter Counter, Titrator, and YSIs.
• Apply procedures such as maintenance, safety, and calibration of tools.