Conservation officers teach Leader students about fish ecology, filleting

LEADER - Local conservation officers traded their patrol duties for teaching tools earlier this month as they led a hands-on fish ecology and filleting workshop for senior students at Leader Composite School.

Grade 11 and 12 students at Leader Composite School learn how to fillet fish during a Feb. 5 presentation by local conservation officers. Photo courtesy of Leader Composite School

Officers Michael Banks and Blake Bennett of Leader, along with Tyler Hanson of Maple Creek, visited the school Feb. 5 to deliver presentations to Grade 11 and 12 students on limnology, the study of inland waters, and the fish species of Saskatchewan.

Throughout the morning, students learned about the ecology of Saskatchewan’s lakes and rivers and the biology of the province’s game fish. The session also included a practical component, where students examined the internal and external anatomy of donated walleye before learning how to fillet the fish themselves.

The lesson culminated in students cooking their fillets and sharing a fish-and-chips lunch with the officers.

Teacher Mr. Sifert described the presentation as an “amazing learning experience,” noting that all students participated and embraced the opportunity to develop a new skill.

The workshop provided students with both scientific knowledge and practical experience, offering a firsthand look at conservation, fish biology and food preparation.