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Orange Coast College Students Release 200 White Seabass

Students from Orange Coast College actively participating in the release of white seabass into the ocean to support marine conservation efforts.

News Summary

Students from the aquarium science program at Orange Coast College have released 200 white seabass into the ocean at Bayside Beach as part of a marine conservation initiative. The project, conducted in partnership with the nonprofit Get Inspired, aims to restore fish populations and promote sustainable fishing practices in California. Since its inception, the program has successfully raised and released approximately 3,000 fish, contributing to the resurgence of the white seabass. The initiative also highlights the importance of hands-on education for students in marine biology and conservation.

Newport Beach, California – In a significant conservation effort, students from the aquarium science program at Orange Coast College released 200 white seabass into the ocean at Bayside Beach last Friday. This initiative is part of a broader mission to nurture marine life and promote sustainable fishing practices in California.

These young marine biologists meticulously prepared for this event by caring for the seabass at the Dennis Kelly Aquarium on the college campus for several months. This collaborative effort between Orange Coast College and the nonprofit organization Get Inspired has been ongoing for about a decade, during which approximately 3,000 fish have been raised and released. The eggs and hatchlings for the program are supplied by the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, which has contributed to a resurgence of the white seabass population.

White seabass have long been a popular catch in Californian waters, known for their mild taste, which makes them a favorite for fish tacos. However, their population experienced a significant decline in the mid-20th century due to over-fishing and habitat destruction. In recent years, however, this trend has reversed, with efforts from conservation programs leading to a healthier fish population. Current research indicates that about 30% of adult white seabass and 46% of juvenile seabass caught in the wild have originated from hatchery programs, highlighting the importance of these initiatives.

The release event also attracted local leaders, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley and Newport Beach City Councilmember Robyn Grant, both of whom expressed pride in the students’ commitment to environmental conservation. The collaboration with Get Inspired initially focused on the restoration of kelp forests but has expanded its scope to support various marine species in need, including white seabass, green abalone, and Pismo clams.

According to marine biologist Nancy Caruso, who founded Get Inspired, while obtaining a fishing license in California is relatively inexpensive—less than $70—releasing fish back into the ocean is a less common practice. This conservation project aims to change that by educating students and the community about sustainable fishing and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

The educational aspect of the program is equally vital. Students enrolled in the aquarium science program gain practical skills that will enhance their career prospects in aquariums, state conservation positions, and hatcheries. Engaging in hands-on conservation work allows students to apply theoretical knowledge and prepares them for future roles in marine biology and environmental protection.

To date, nearly three million fish have been raised and released back into California’s coastal waters since the 1980s due to collaborative efforts by the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and various educational institutions. This long-standing commitment to marine conservation reflects a growing awareness of the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems and the necessity to maintain sustainable fishing practices.

In summary, the recent release of 200 white seabass by Orange Coast College students exemplifies the ongoing commitment to marine conservation. Through hands-on educational experiences and collaboration between local organizations, these efforts aim to support both fish populations and the community’s understanding of sustainable fishing practices.