Julian Stewart

The "Freshwater Lobster Aquafarm" is the winning program developed by Stewart. Bryant High School is home to one of the largest high school aquaculture programs in the country. The school is nearing the completion of a long-term project to establish a commercial aquabusiness that is operated by students. For the past 10 years, the students have conducted pilot scale research studies on various seafood species to identify one for commercial production and found that the top contender is a freshwater lobster called the Australian Red Claw. The students have been successful in growing this prize species and several local gourmet restaurants are awaiting the first crop of the lobsters. In addition to growing the lobsters, Stewart has conducted summer aquaculture camps for students to perform routine operations and activities, conduct scientific research, and go on related field trips. The funding from ING will help complete the project. Stewart, who lives in Mobile, hopes that the program will prepare students for a successful business life and encourage them to pursue post-secondary studies.