For the first time in five years, steelhead trout will be released into the Genesee River—thanks in part to the hard work of welding students at the Eastern Monroe Career Center (EMCC). In collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), these students are gaining hands-on experience while making a lasting impact on the local ecosystem.

The students have spent the last several weeks constructing three 20-foot fish pens, each capable of holding up to 5,000 fish. Made from aluminum tubing and mesh netting, the pens serve a critical role in the fishery process. The steelhead, raised in a hatchery, will be housed in the pens before being released. This period of acclimation allows the fish to imprint on the river, increasing the likelihood that they will return to spawn in the future.

Scott Combs, welding and fabrication teacher at EMCC, emphasized the value of this real-world experience for students. “We’ve been working on these for about three weeks now. The students are problem-solving and working through challenges hands-on—it’s an incredible learning opportunity and giving them experience with welding techniques they wouldn’t otherwise do as first-year students.”

Brandon Stephens, a volunteer and board member of the Lake Ontario Pen Project, highlighted the environmental importance of the effort. “The pens hold fish that are about a year and a half old. During this time, they imprint on the stream and its surroundings. When they’re released, they’re more likely to return to this location to spawn.”

Students have embraced the project with enthusiasm, recognizing both its technical challenges and the broader impact of their work. “It’s great to get hands-on experience, learning how to troubleshoot and solve problems as they come up,” said Callen R., an EMCC student from Webster CSD. “There’s a lot of teamwork involved, and that’s been a great part of it,” added classmate John L., another Webster CSD student.

The fish pens will soon be placed in the Genesee River, where DEC officials and volunteers will monitor the fish until they are ready for release. This collaborative project not only supports conservation efforts but also showcases the power of education, industry partnerships, and interactive learning.

Through their work, these welding students are leaving a lasting mark—not just on metal, but in the waters of the Genesee River for generations to come.

WROC covered the project. Click this link to view the news coverage from Channel 8.