戀上養耕共生 Hooked on aquaponics Brattleboro couple spreads the word about a more sustainable way of raising plants and fish By Alexandra Ossola/The Commons BRATTLEBORO—For visitors to the home of Mark and Susie Crowther, the blue plastic barrels can be the elephant in the room. What are those barrels doing in a room of their own, people wonder, and why do they keep emitting sounds of rushing water? They’re aquaponics systems — closed, symbiotic systems in which the Crowthers can efficiently raise plants for their consumption and fish, using recycled materials and water. Aquaponics is gaining traction on a larger scale as an alternative to traditional methods of produce and fish farming. In developing countries with a limited water supply, people like aquaponics guru Travis Hughey are introducing the concept as a way for individuals to grow their own food while making the most of their limited resources. Thanks to some research, seeds, water, fish, and a bit of creativity, Mark Crowther ...