Episode 9 takes us to the world of auquaponics. Aquaponics integrates aquaculture and hydroponics into one production system. Aquaponics relies on the food introduced for fish, which works as the system's input. Afterward, the water (now ammonia-rich) flows, together with un-eaten food and decaying plant matter, from the fish tank into a biofilter and, ultimately, crops (in this case, lettuce) are grown. Nicholas Metropiulos and Laura Cassetty explain this exciting initiative. We then speak to Greg Hazle, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands, a recipient of the produce generated by the aquaponic gardens. The mission at Boca Helping Hands is to offer residents a hand up not a hand out. They are offering nutritional support and training for their clients. Finally, we take a few minutes to discover the world of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Leanne Welch is the manager of this wonderful attraction nestled on A1A in the City of Boca Raton. The nature center has been hosting over 200,000 visitors in a typical (non-pandemic) year. This hidden gem provides a glimpse of the treasures of the sea and provides sanctuary and healing opportunities for many of the sea creatures brought to them for assistance.
