Students raise catfish for local lake

MAHS students have spent month raising channel catfish to help efforts to restock a local lake.

Agriculture students at Meyersdale Area High School recently played an important role in securing the future of Somerset Lake. Students have spent months raising and caring for channel catfish that were designated for the restocking plan at Somerset Lake.

After carefully caring for and raising channel catfish for more than seven months, students visited the waterway on May 7 to release the catfish into the local lake.

Red Raiders joined students from Berlin, Rockwood, Salisbury, Shanksville and Turkeyfoot in these efforts. Approximately 250 channel catfish were raised at MAHS students.

The project was spear-headed by Don Anderson, deputy waterways conservation officer for the Fish and Boat Commission. The Fish and Boat Commission worked with other area organizations including the Somerset County Sportsmen’s League, Somerset Lake Action Committee and Salisbury Elk Lick Hunting Club.

The channel catfish, raised by the schools, are part of a larger, multi-year plan to restock Somerset Lake. Under the careful instruction and direction of Doreen Jamison, students assumed responsibility for the fish and have played important roles in every-day care required.

Students fed the fish daily and tested the water conditions several times throughout the week, to monitor pH, nitrite, nitrate and ammonia levels. Regular maintenance also included cleaning the tank thoroughly and ensuring equipment is working properly at all times.

Jamison said, “This is a great opportunity for the students to see their work from the school year of raising the fish pay off by releasing the fish into the lake then learning about how to maintain the habitat for the fish and other aquatic species in the ecosystem. The students love spending the day outdoors and are excited to help with the projects the Fish and Boat Commission has them do that day.”