31: From Hatcheries to Aquaponics: How BTC is Shaping the Future of Fishing

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie sits down with Brittany Palm, Director of the Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Program at Bellingham Technical College (BTC). From her early days fishing on Long Island to leading one of the most unique fisheries and aquaculture programs on the West Coast, Brittany shares her journey, her passion for salmon, and the hands-on training BTC provides for the next generation of fishery scientists, hatchery managers, and aquaculture experts.

This episode is packed with stories, science, and strategies on how we can all play a role in sustaining healthy fish populations while supporting local communities. 💙

What You’ll Learn:

- Brittany’s journey into marine biology and fisheries science.
- The difference between fisheries, aquaculture, and aquaponics.
- How BTC prepares students for hands-on careers in salmon hatcheries, shellfish farming, and seaweed cultivation.
- Why farmed seafood is often misunderstood — and how it supports sustainability.
- The biggest challenges facing Puget Sound fisheries and what we can do to help.
- How hatchery fish are cultured and tracked (yes, even by reading their “ear stones”!).

Resources & Links:

• Seaweed Farming, NOAA and Green Wave
• Aquaponics, United Nations and Aquaponics Source
• Cleaner Water
  • Dog Poop, Whatcom County and WA Dept of Ecology
  • Fertilizer and Algae, WA Dept of Ecology and Nutrient Pollution (NOAA) 
• Management styles, Uni of Pitt and Interreg Europe
• Aging salmon with scales (ADFG) and otoliths (NOAA)
• Otolith thermal marking, NPAFC and WDFW
• PIT tracking, FishBio and Pacific Salmon Foundation
• Otolith microchemistry (ocean mapping), Pacific Salmon Foundation and SSRN
• Bellingham's Technical training program: BTC Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences
• Interested in donating? BTC Foundation 
• Follow their program: Facebook and Instagram
• BTC’s next public outreach event, Friday Sept