A15120

The Aquaculture Technology curriculum prepares individuals for careers in aquaculture and management of aquatic ecosystems. It provides a broad background in science and math as well as specialized course work and practical experience in fish, shellfish, and aquatic plant production and management.

Course work includes biology, chemistry, and math, as well as water quality and limnology, nutrition and feeding, genetics and breeding, facilities construction, and business. Students will spend time working in the industry through the cooperative work experience or conducting an individualized study through the aquaculture project.

Graduates may find employment on private farms and government hatcheries or at public aquariums. Graduates may also start new businesses in fish, shellfish, or aquatic plant farming; pond and lake management services; or home/office aquarium or water garden management services.

This program prepares individuals to select, culture, propagate, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater. Potential course work includes instruction in the basic principles of aquatic and marine biology; health and nutrition of aquatic and marine life; design and operation of fish farms, breeding facilities, culture beds, and related enterprises; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.