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INTRODUCTION This project is intended to integrate shell -fish mariculture into the existing vocational agriculture and science curriculum of Sebastian River Middle School. In doing so it will also link the agriculture and science curriculum; The importance of this "link" between classes is critical in the modern middle school. The addition of this exciting hands-on project will also increase student interest in the three year aquaculture program planned for the new Sebastian River High School (to be opened for the 94-95 school year). Industry support for this program from local producers is already enthusiastic. This exchange between shell -fish producers and the Sebastian River Mariculture Project (SRMP) will benefit both parties in terms of increased yields, sharing of information, and training. The location of Sebastian River Middle School (only five miles from the Indian River) in the heart of a growing shellfish mariculture region makes this clam grow -out project a needed component of the Indian River County School System. Students enrolled in the program will benefit from hands-on experience in clam production, record keeping, ecological monitoring, navigational, and water safety skills. Opportunities for public education through news media and citizen involvement will enhance the interacting role this industry has to the ecology of the Indian River Lagoon. Local clam farmers often discuss anecdotal evidence that links the recruitment of seagrass and an increase in blue crabs population levels to their leased sites. This project would allow the students to document this anecdotal evidence by measuring the percent cover of seagrasses before and after clams are planted and by measuring the seasonal fluctuation of blue crabs. By testing the study sites adjacent to and between the clam nets, the students will be able to determine if this form of farming increases the productivity of the Indian River Lagoon and whether recruitment of seagrasses was more likely to occur adjacent to the clam beds or between the individual study sites. Through the cooperation of the Indian River School System, the local commercial fishing industry and Florida Sea Grant, this project will become no less than a statewide model. Methods for the culture of clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) to be used in this project have been developed and field proven by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Sembler Fish Inc., and other producers here in the Indian River. Final marketing of these farm -raised clams will be accomplished with the help of Advisory Board members.