MOOREFIELD, W.Va. — On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College welcomed twenty-five juvenile Bluegill fish to be educational animal ambassadors. These fish were released into the on-campus Aquaponics tank by the Biological & Environmental Technology program coordinator, Nathan Van Vranken, and adjunct faculty member, Sarah Purol.
Aquaponics is a sustainable farming method that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water). In this system, fish waste provides natural nutrients for the plants, which, in turn, helps filter and clean the water for the fish.
“I think that by doing this, we can build a unique interactive and multifaceted learning experience for our students located in the region,” says Van Vranken. “Students can learn how feedback loops work within a controlled system for lab-focused studies in biology and environmental science but also applications for agriculture and sustainable technology.”
The college extends its gratitude to the team at FishWagon for supplying the Bluegill fish and feed. Special thanks also go to Anne Degnan for capturing photos used in this release.
Enroll Today!
Eastern is currently enrolling for the Fall 2025 semester. Prospective students interested in the Biological & Environmental Technology program are encouraged to call 304-434-8000, email askeastern@easternwv.edu, or visit easternwv.edu/apply-now to learn more and start their application.
About Eastern
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, located in Moorefield, serves six rural counties in the Potomac Highlands. The college offers 14 degree programs (including six fully online), 12 certificates, and over 30 transfer pathways to four-year schools. Its Workforce Education department provides 15+ training programs in various formats and specialized Agriculture Innovation training, including mentorship opportunities for Farm Fellows. Eastern supports students and the community through its Career Center, offering job placement, resume help, and interview preparation. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.