The Fish in Schools (FinS) program provides Saskatchewan students with a firsthand look at fish and aquatic habitats in their very own classroom. The program involves raising trout from eggs to fry before releasing them in a provincially stocked waterbody. In January/February, eyed trout eggs are placed into special classroom incubators. Over the following 3 to 4 months, students care for their fish by monitoring and maintaining the conditions required for their trout to thrive. In May/June, the trout are ready to be released by the students.
How does my classroom get involved?
FinS is a great opportunity for schools to get involved with their local SWF branch, and for SWF branches to give back at a local level. Enrollment of a school in a FinS program should be endorsed by a local SWF branch, who will act as a liaison between the school and the provincial FinS coordinator at SWF Central Office. Branches are responsible for helping with equipment setup and maintenance, delivering eggs to the school, and assisting with the release of the fish.
Where do we get the equipment?
While the school is responsible for providing their fish with a tank, the SWF provides any additional equipment on top of the FinS Manual, which outlines operating instructions. The cost of initial set up is an estimated $2,000 plus tax, which the school or SWF branch are responsible to cover.
Ready to take the plunge?
Contact Courtney Devins, Director of Education, or Courtney Piercy, Director of Fisheries at fins@swf.sk.ca
and let’s get hatching!
- Be a school residing in Saskatchewan.
- Obtain signed consent from the school principal and sponsoring SWF Branch/Organization.
- Agree to the financial responsibilities of the program.
- Complete the application form acknowledging important program dates, mandatory training, and fish care requirements.
- Be in financial good standing with Fish in Schools (applicable to past participants).
Returning Schools
Registration for returning schools is now open for the 2027 Fish in Schools (FinS) program, which runs annually from January to June. Before completing the registration form, schools must confirm that funding is secured for the upcoming program year. Please contact your local Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation branch or sponsoring organization to verify funding, as sponsorship must be confirmed each year. Returning schools: complete the registration form here: https://form.typeform.com/to/z0qriUbD.
New Schools
New School participation for the 2027 Fish in Schools (FinS) program is full. If your school is interested in joining the program next year, please email fins@swf.sk.ca to be added to the waitlist.
The estimated cost of the initial aquarium setup is $2,000 plus tax. This cost must be covered by the school, a local Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation branch, or another sponsoring organization.