Phase 1 Of Aquaponics Lab At Bermuda College
The Bermuda College Foundation announced the “completion of Phase I of the Oakley Capital Investments Aquaponics Lab at the Bermuda College, which was made possible by the generous support of Oakley Capital Investments Limited.”
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda College Foundation is pleased to announce the completion of Phase I of the Oakley Capital Investments Aquaponics Lab at the Bermuda College, which was made possible by the generous support of Oakley Capital Investments Limited.
“We very much appreciate the support provided by Oakley Capital Investments and the partnership that has been created with them,” states Garry Madeiros, Chairman of the Bermuda College Foundation.
“The recent upgrade of the College’s aquaponics lab represents the completion of the first of two phases, which will ultimately result in a fully expanded Aquaponics lab, housed within a dedicated facility on the College’s campus. Both phases have been made possible due to Oakley Capital Investment’s financial contribution.
“I thank them for their vision and commitment to this initiative, which serves to provide a unique education experience, while also providing an avenue to address the need for sustaining Bermuda’s food security moving forward.”
Oakley Capital Investments Aquaponics Lab naming celebration. [L to R] Fiona Beck – Director, Oakley Capital Investments; Dr. Duranda Greene – President, Bermuda College; Caroline Foulger – Chair, Oakley Capital Investments; and Garry Madeiros – Chairman, Bermuda College Foundation
The spokesperson said, “Phase I included upgrading the original solar powered aquaponics lab, which now includes a Patented Clear Flow Aquaponics System engineered by Nelson and Pade, Inc. [a US-based company]. The lab will continue to support the College’s aquaponics programme and other related courses. Aquaponics courses available to the general public will begin Fall 2023 through the College’s Athora Professional and Career Education Division [APACE].
“Phase II will see the development of a purpose-built facility with an expanded modular system that will provide increased production and serve as a living laboratory for the small business management and entrepreneurial courses offered by Bermuda College. Students will operate and run the facility as a small business. The expansion will also include a greenhouse that will serve to introduce hydroponics to the curriculum as another option to address food security.”
“Oakley Capital Investments Limited is very proud to support Bermuda College with a new and innovative Aquaponics Laboratory,” says Fiona Beck, Director of the Board of Oakley Capital Investment Limited. “This food sustainability project effectively combines technology with education to inspire talented Bermudians.”
Dr. Duranda Greene, President of Bermuda College adds, “Food security is becoming an important component for economies navigating their response to global warming and climate change for the future. Bermuda College is grateful to the Bermuda College Foundation and Oakley Capital Investments for assisting the Technical Education Department in upgrading its homegrown aquaponics lab to a more efficient and sustainable commercial system.
“Developing the new lab has been an excellent experiential learning opportunity for students in various disciplines including, technical science/engineering, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Bermuda College looks forward to the next milestone when the system will be fully operational and producing over 900 lettuce and vegetable plants per year, along with over 100 pounds of fish.”
The spokesperson said, “Private and corporate donors who are interested in learning more about how they might positively impact the learning experience and environment of Bermuda College students are encouraged to contact the Bermuda College Foundation on 441.239.4001 or visit www.bermudacollegefoundation.com.”
