Briar Wicker, a student champion with Lonoke Middle School EAST, launched a project to develop a detailed GIS map for Joe Hogan Fish Hatcheries in Lonoke, Arkansas, one of the nation’s largest freshwater hatcheries. The facility features over 55 interconnected ponds and raises multiple fish species, including channel catfish, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. The project aims to utilize GIS technology to document all drainage outlets and return pipes for each pond, thereby supporting more efficient operations, improved infrastructure management, and informed future planning.
Briar’s work goes beyond simple mapping. By collaborating with hatchery staff, he gathered critical data on the layout and function of each water feature, ensuring the map would serve as a valuable resource for both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. With this comprehensive GIS map, the staff can quickly identify maintenance needs and respond to potential issues before they become problematic. Briar’s initiative demonstrates the power of student-led technology projects to make a real-world impact in the field of aquaculture.