PROSPECTS IN
AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
2015 EDITION
E
E
R
FOWNLOAD
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16 >> M AY /J U N E 20 1 5
A QUA CULTURE NORTH A ME RICA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University:
Special Feature on
PROSPECTS
INtraining
AQUACULTURE
Canada’s
aquaculture
and education institution
Training and Education
Photos by Jillian Westcott
BY CYR COUTURIER
he Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial
University (MI) celebrated its 50th anniversary last
year. Considered one of Canada’s principle institutes
of oceans related learning,
it offers
a comprehensive
Special
Feature
on Training and Education
program for the aquaculture and fisheries sectors across
Canada. Programs for aquaculture range from short
courses for junior high and high school students through
to post-graduate university options.
The main aquaculture programs include: The
Technical Certificate in Aquaculture (TCA), a Masters in
Technology Management – Aquaculture (MTM-A), an
Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture (ADSA),
and a Master of Science in Aquaculture (MScA) (in
collaboration with the Departments of Ocean Sciences,
Biology, Geography, and Biochemistry at Memorial
The success rate for employment post-graduation from
University).
Marine Institute programs is nearly 100%.
These programs are unique in many ways, across
Canada and North America. The TCA is a communityCanada. Since its inception three years ago; feedback from
based, on-the-farm training program for fish and
graduates has been very positive.
shellfish farmers to allow them to build their skills
The ADSA is currently in its 27th year, and provides
and competencies in farming, and remain competitive.
undergraduates
of technology and degree programs with
The program has been offered to over 370 individuals
a
specialization
in
aquaculture technology and business,
across the sector since 2011. The program is based
in
a
3
–
semester,
11
month schedule. Graduates are
upon identified skills from the industry (competencyapproaching
250,
from
a dozen countries, and the success
based education model), validated through occupational
rate
for
employment
post-graduation
is nearly 100%.
analyses by national organizations such as the Canadian
Many
of
the
graduates
of
the
program
are leaders in the
Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) and the Canadian
Canadian
aquaculture
industry,
on
farms,
in research and
Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC).
development,
and
in
government
support
services. Current
The MTM-A is the only course-based, online
students
participating
in
the
program
are
from
India,
management program for professional fish farmers in
T
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
MSc program in aquaculture
Are you looking for a degree with an emphasis on
recirculating aquaculture technology and a supporting
curriculum of nutrition, physiology, marine culture,
genetics, and more?
For further information, visit aquascience.dtu.dk
ADSA program provides undergraduates of technology
and degree programs with a specialization in aquaculture
technology and business.
Nigeria, the USA and several Canadian provinces.
The MSc Aquaculture program has just completed
its 20th anniversary and is the only thesis-based MSc
Aquaculture offered in Canada. Faculty from across
Memorial University, and local provincial and federal
research labs, currently mentor students in this program
from a variety of countries around the world.
The MI and Department of Ocean Sciences have
recently partnered to undertake delivery of undergraduate
courses in the newly minted minor in Sustainable
Aquaculture Fisheries Ecology at Memorial University.
In addition to the formal training, the MI offers a
variety of junior high aquaculture enrichment courses
and contributes to high school aquaculture program
development, having developed at least four high school
level courses with aquaculture components over the past
decade.
Last, faculty from the MI School of Fisheries have
provided support for the development of aquaculture
undergraduate and graduate programming across the globe,
including degrees in Vietnam, Mozambique, Malawi, and
Cambodia. The most recent efforts were to assist with
program development for climate change adaptation for
rice-fish farmers in Cambodia, and for the BSc Fisheries
and Fisheries Extension Programs at the Prek Leap
National Agriculture Institute, Phnom Penh.
In terms of facilities, the MI and the Department
of Ocean Sciences have access to the most modern
technologies for fish rearing, including a wide range
of freshwater and saltwater rearing systems, both
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and flow
through, quarantine facilities for fish health work, and a
wide variety of analytical laboratories for student projects.
The MI and Memorial University truly are Canada’s
aquaculture education and training institution, and we are
proud to continue to support all sectors of the industry.
For more information contact Cyr Couturier, Chair of
Aquaculture Programs at cyr.couturier@mi.mun.ca, or visit
www.mi.mun.ca
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Training and Education
MAY/JUN E 2015 >> 17
AQ UACU LT UR E N O RT H A M E RI CA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
SUSTAINABLE
AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
Saint Andrews University offers
Sustainable Aquaculture course online
The Marine Institute of Memorial University is a
world leading centre for marine and ocean-related
career education and research. Our programs in
sustainable aquaculture lead to rewarding careers that
support the development of our oceans’ resources.
BY MATT JONES
ne of the most common complicating factors in pursuing a post-secondary
education can be the logistics of travelling to the institution in question. For that
reason, the opportunity to pursue a distance education can be priceless.
One such distance opportunity is offered by Saint Andrews University in Scotland,
and they are accepting students from around the world into their Sustainable Aquaculture
Program at both the undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
“Before I started, I had concerns and tried to look up how much you’re expected to do
and I think they gave a guide of a minimum of four hours a week,” says Beth Appleyard,
a current Sustainable Aquaculture student. “Over the course of a week that’s virtually
nothing. If you’ve got something planned for a night, you do a bit more the next day. You
find the time because it’s something you’re interested in.”
Simon Mason, a former Sustainable Aquaculture student says the course provided him
with a great overview on how the sector and the industry work together. This gave him
a head start on his classmates when he eventually pursued a masters in Aquaculture and
also allowed him to determine which particular aspect of the industry was of the greatest
interest to him.
“The distance learning provided me a vehicle to scratch an itch,” says Mason. “I knew
I had an interest in the sector, but being a realist I knew you couldn’t just quit your job and
dive straight into something. So it was a good vehicle to find out more about a sector that
I thought I was interested in. It provided me a very good general knowledge on how the
sector works, genetics, feed, etc, which gave me the confidence to make the life changing
decision to dive into a career in aquaculture.”
Course Director Neil Hazon says that the program provides a variety of opportunities
for distance students to interact with their instructors, most notably a course content
discussion forum. “It’s an efficient way of doing things,” says Hazon. “Everybody is both
learning from the questions that are asked and from the answers.”
Hazon says that the majority of students succeed in the course and go on to join the
industry, and then in turn can contribute to the development of the industry and the
course itself. “Many of our students are involved in the research elements of the industry,”
says Hazon, “but there’s a whole range of different career options. In terms of career
prospects our grads have gone on to management positions in the industry. There are
many students who are looking to start their own aquaculture business in some way. So
many of our grads are looking to be the next generation of entrepreneurs in the industry.”
The Saint Andrews University Sustainable Aquaculture program’s deadlines for
applications to undergraduate certificates are in May while the deadline for application to
the post-graduate program is in September.
For more information see www.st-andrews.ac.uk
O
Bellingham Technical College Fisheries and Aquatic Science Program
If you have a love for the great outdoors and an interest in biology and wildlife,
consider the Fisheries and Aquatic Science program at Bellingham Technical
College (BTC), Bellingham Washington, USA.
You can prepare for a rewarding career as a fish hatchery specialist, fish
culturist, fisheries technician, net pen worker, shellfish hatchery worker,
scientific aid, water quality technician, or in habitat restoration. You will
learn high-demand skills like fish culture, aqua culture, and fish spawning
that will position you for a rewarding career in the fisheries and aquaculture
industry. Instruction takes place in the classroom as well as at the Whatcom
Creek Hatchery at the Maritime Heritage Park, and at the Bellingham Trout
Hatchery in Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, which are operated by BTC’s
Fisheries and Aquaculture program. The program also grows oysters and clams
on local tidelands.
The Fisheries and Aquatic Science Program gives students experience in
biological studies with state and private agencies. Students work with smolt
traps, spawner surveys, data collection, scale and otolith samples, and water
quality. This field experience provides practical work for the instructional
“laboratory.” These valuable experiences compliment the classroom theory and
related instruction components. The program operates in partnership with
regional, tribal and statewide industries as well as Regional Enhancement
Associations.
For more information, see www.btc.ctc.edu
• Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture
• Master of Technology Management (Aquaculture)
• Master of Science (Aquaculture) (in collaboration
with Memorial University)
Graduates will specialize in:
• Fish health technology
• Aquaculture environmental management
• Farm management
• Aquaculture technology and research
Learn with us and watch a world of opportunities
open up.
For admission and program information visit
www.mi.mun.ca/futurestudents
recruitment@mi.mun.ca
cyr@mi.mun.ca T: 1-800-563-5799, ext. 0609
Feature in
the Future of
Sustainable
Aquaculture
Study and Succeed
with a Postgraduate
Diploma/MSc from the
University of St
Andrews.
Enrol Now to Begin in
September 2015.
@Sus-Aquaculture
http://www.thefishsite.com/ana
/SustainableAquacultureCourses
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULT
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A QUA CULTURE NORTH A ME RICA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
Aquaculture programs and
collaborations with Mexican university
BY FERNANDO SALAZAR
t is well known that commercial fishing has been declining and it is estimated
that by the year 2030 over 50% of seafood products will come from aquaculture.
The Universidad Tecnológica del Mar de Tamaulipas Bicentenario (UTMarT)
(translated as Technological University of the Sea Tamaulipas Bicentenary) was
established in response to the increasing demand and production of aquaculture
products and a Senior Technician in Aquaculture degree has been offered since 2010.
This program developed with a strong social commitment and focuses on generating
well-educated professionals from limited income families living in rural communities
in the State of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Tamaulipas has a tremendous potential for aquaculture with 158,000 hectares of
suitable freshwater and 43,000 in brackish environments. The main challenges that
current farmers experience are: low quality and quantity seed and juveniles; limited
human resources with the necessary knowledge and the need for technological
innovations. The UTMart was founded to take advantage of current and future
opportunities in aquaculture and to address these existing limiting factors.
I
Detection anD
Discovery
Our Aquaculture Centre researchers
developed the first set of genetic
diagnostic tests to identify new invasive
species threatening shellfish and
oceans. We ensure our students—your
future employees—graduate with deep
knowledge of species’ life cycles, from
egg to market-size.
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
feeding
a hungry
dal.ca/agriculture
@dalagriculture
Truro, Nova Scotia
plan et
The Atlantic Veterinary College is a global leader
in aquatic food animal health.
Through service, education, and research, we are
working to maintain healthy food species in
our aquatic environments, and to provide the
knowledge needed to help improve nutrition
for human populations around the world.
Healthy animals.
Healthy environment.
Healthy food.
Dr. Bernita Giffin, DVM 2009
Atlantic Veterinary College
Learn more about our aquatic
health programs at upei.ca/avc
Training programs focus on economically important local species such as freshwater
channel catfish, Texas cichlid, largemouth bass and longnose gar.
Dedicated to graduating highly
skilled professionals that add value to
the aquaculture sector, UTMarT has
been developing training programs and
building facilities that will help farmers
with their production needs. In addition
to entry-level degrees, an online Master
of Aquatic Health graduate program
was developed, as aquatic health is
one of the biggest limitations for the
industry in Mexico due to the low
number of professionals in this area. The
International Centre for Innovation and
Aquatic Technology Transfer (CIITA in
Spanish) was also established to provide
online programs to these professionals.
UTMarT is also actively looking
for collaborations with other national
and international institutions interested
Multifunctional laboratories used by students
in providing support to improve and
also provide technical support, disease
expand the UTMarT’s academic and
infrastructure capabilities. One example diagnostic services, genetics, and assessments
and monitoring for the local industry.
is the collaboration with Auburn
University, College of Agriculture in the
form of an academic interchange agreement.
An invitation goes to all professors, professionals and experts in aquaculture and aquatic
health to become mentors and instructors at UTMarT. If interested please contact Dr.
Guadalupe Acosta Villarreal, gacostav1212@utmart.edu.mx or Héctor Hugo Gojon Báez,
hhgojonb1610@utmart.edu.mx.
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
MAY/JUN E 2015 >> 19
AQ UACU LT UR E N O RT H A M E RI CA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
Specialized dive training for
aquaculture and seafood harvesting
S
eeing that most commercial
dive schools focus on training
divers for the volatile offshore
oilfield dive industry, DiveSafe
International decided to focus on
aquaculture, harvesting, engineering
inspection and inshore diving
industries.
Located in Campbell River, BC,
Canada, DiveSafe is on the gateway
to the salmon farming, shellfish
aquaculture and seafood harvesting
industries. Programs are designed
specifically to train and certify
divers for aquaculture and fisheries
harvesting.
In addition to diving and safety
skills, students learn net sewing,
pen anchoring, knot tying, rigging,
airlifts, search and recovery and small
vessel maintenance. Graduates are
well versed in the skills and attitudes
needed for seafood harvesting finfish
and shellfish aquaculture.
Specialized training programs
are available such as the one just
completed for First Nation divers
from Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen
Training and Education
Robert Bennett, Haida Gwaii, prepares for a dive
during training.
Charlotte Islands) on the north coast
of British Columbia. These young
graduates completed both Commercial
SCUBA Diver and Surface Supply
Diver training to gain employment
on their traditional lands in shellfish
planting and harvesting operations.
Many others from Haida Gwaii
have expressed interest in upcoming
classes and more women are seeing
opportunities as divers.
DiveSafe International is proud
to take a lead role in creating a skilled
and certified dive work force for the
aquaculture and harvesting industries.
For more information, see
www.divesafe.com
Jesse Williams, Haida Gwaii, in
commercial SCUBA training.
Study Aquaculture With Us.
The Aquaculture Research Institute
(ARI) directs basic and applied research,
supports undergraduate and graduate
student education, and conducts outreach
at its two facilities.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries
with an Aquaculture minor is offered
through the Department of Fish and
Wildlife Sciences in the College of
Natural Resources.
For more information for Aquaculture Programs at UI, go to
www.uidaho.edu/aquaculture; Or contact director Ronald Hardy,
rhardy@uidaho.edu, 208-837-9096, ext. 105, or associate director Kenneth Cain,
kcain@uidaho.edu. 208-885-7608.
20 >> M AY /J U N E 20 1 5
A QUA CULTURE NORTH A ME RICA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on
Training and Education
University
of Denmark specializes in RAS
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
he TechnicalSpecial
University of
Denmark is one of the world’s
Feature on Training and Education
Denmark (DTU) founded
leading countries when it comes to
in 1829 has a longstanding
recirculating aquaculture systems
tradition for education and
and water treatment, therefore it
research in the classical engineering
was a natural choice to establish an
disciplines. While DTU remains a
aquaculture specialization focused
technical university, organizational
on RAS, particularly components,
changes in the academic landscape
technology, and facility design, but
in Denmark have seen numerous
also to have a supporting curriculum
scientific fields within life sciences
on fish nutrition, physiology in
become integrated into DTU.
aquaculture, animal welfare.
One of these was the National
The goal is for future aquaculture
Institute of Aquatic Resources,
A setup consisting of triplicate choice tanks designed professionals to have a more holistic
DTU AQUA in short, which
understanding of how fish and
to perform behavioural assays of single or groups of
became part of DTU in 2007
facility interact. In addition to this,
fish, by allowing the fish to choose which tank they
(formerly Danish Fisheries
the program also offers courses
prefer to occupy. By manipulating water conditions,
Research). As part of their
biomass density, light, etc. in one tank, the system can in genetics, fish diseases and cage
university integration, DTU AQUA be used to detect tolerance or preference thresholds farming.
established their own Master’s
DTU AQUA is located in several
for a wide range of conditions.
program, Aquatic Science and
locations. While the bulk of teaching
Technology (aquascience.dtu.dk), in which it is possible to
takes place at the main DTU campus just north of the capital
pursue interests in fisheries, oceanography, and aquaculture.
Copenhagen, practical or hands-on courses in aquaculture,
The program is 2 years and requires completion of 120 credits,
including thesis work, take place off campus (see aqua.dtu.dk for
divided between mandatory (25%), elective, and specialization
geographical localities) under a live-in arrangement.
courses, and finally thesis work (25%).
For more information, see www.dtu.dk
T
Academic and research training at Idaho
Aquaculture Research Institute
daho is the nation’s largest commercial producer of rainbow trout and is
central to recovery of many endangered and threatened fish stocks. This
uniquely positions the University of Idaho as a destination institution for
student training and research opportunities.
The Aquaculture Research Institute at the University of Idaho provides
academic and research training in all areas of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Undergraduate and graduate degrees are linked to Fisheries and Aquatic studies
within various colleges and departments including Fish and Wildlife Sciences,
Biology, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, etc. This creates opportunities for
students seeking careers in aquaculture and fisheries sciences.
There are four fisheries laboratories, three on campus and one in Southern
Idaho, which set our programs apart from other peer institutions. These
facilities allow hands-on training and address the research needs of state and
federal agencies, private industry, and Native American tribes in the Pacific
Northwest. Current strengths and specific areas of expertise of the associated
faculty are focused in many areas of research including fish nutrition, fish health/
immunology, fish ecology, fisheries management, fish reproductive biology, fish
Students sample counting rainbow trout.
genetics, fish physiology, limnology, and water resources and hydrology.
For more information www.uidaho.edu/aquaculture
I
Cheyney University
offers international
study and research
Cheyney University, located in southeastern
Pennsylvania, is the home to its academic/
professional specialization in aquaculture
research and education. The Aquaculture
Research and Education Laboratory (AREL)
is designed to help meet the education,
extension, and research needs of this region
and its critical waterways and to train
individuals for professional jobs in various
scientific arenas both in this country and
abroad.
Students major in marine biology with an
emphasis in marine biology or aquaculture. Research programs in urban aquaculture
and fish nutrition/physiology complement
foundation courses in marine and freshwater
biology and ecology, and aquatic animal
biology. Students have opportunities for national
and international research and outreach
projects. Students taking part in these
research opportunities will find themselves
well prepared for professional jobs in various
scientific arenas both in this country and
abroad while being part of an educational
process where new and promising research
results are communicated to consumers, the
scientific community, industry representatives,
and other students.
For more information, see www.cheyney.edu/
natural-applied-sciences/AREC.cfm
Marine and Natural Science
Programs at RWU
40+ years experience in Marine Biology
Offering degrees in Marine Biology and Aquaculture &
Aquarium Science; Specializing in Hatchery Operations,
Marine Ornamental Production and Aquatic Animal Health.
BRISTOL, RI • 800-458-7144
CEED.RWU.EDU • RWU.EDU
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PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
Special Feature on
Training and Education
Interactive field courses in Iceland
Tucked away in the remote and rugged area of northwestern Iceland is the University
Centre of the Westfjords, which offers field courses for those interested in learning
interactively about innovations in aquaculture and the use of different marine resources.
The week-long courses, offered under the centre’s Marine Innovation master’s
program, are open to a limited number of participants from outside of the island nation. “The “Blue Economy” is no longer just about fishing and fish processing,” says a
statement from the centre. “In the Westfjords, for example, aquaculture has made a
sizeable niche for itself, and the increasing uses for seaweeds, kelp and other resources
are revealing new opportunities for the marine economy of the future.
“There are also often ways of increasing value by connecting the Blue Economy with
the Green Economy.”
The director of the centre, Peter Weiss, said the courses are held in small villages
where the industry has salmon farms and hatcheries and shared accommodation is
available with local homeowners.
He also stressed that because of the remote nature of the courses and because
accommodation is not included in the price, the centre is able to provide training a very
reasonable price.
For more information hsvest.is/the_university_centre_of_the_west_fjords/about_the_
university_centre
AQS student Clare Hansen working at shellfish research lab on the Oregon coast.
Aquarium science training
on the Oregon coast
he Oregon Coast Community College
Aquarium Science Program (AQS) is
a hands-on technical program aimed
at training students to work as aquarists in
commercial and public aquaria, hatcheries and
aquaculture facilities. Started in 2002, the AQS
program has produced over 120 students many
of which are working at public aquariums and
aquaculture facilities.
The AQS program has two academic
pathways, a two-year associates degree and a
1-year certificate program for students with
their bachelor’s degree. Students enroll in a
variety of courses including biology of captive
species, life-support system design and health
management. Most importantly, all students
receive critical hands-on experience in aquatic
animal husbandry, water-quality analysis, system
Brooding pair of clownfish reared in
construction and maintenance, live feeds and
the marine ornamental culture system.
more.
Over the past several years, students and
faculty have begun to develop captive reproduction programs for a variety of species and
students are currently reproducing corals using asexual fragmentation techniques. “Corals
reproduced in captivity can be sold in the retail industry, supplied to public aquaria or used
for conservation purposes such as natural reef restoration efforts”, explains AQS student
Micah Buster.
Students have also recently constructed a larval rearing system for culturing marine
ornamentals and have successfully reared clownfish from eggs to the juveniles. Currently
over 90% of marine fish sold at aquarium stores are collected from the wild, however, a
growing demand for “tank raised” ornamental fish is leading to slow but steady changes
in industry practices. Using clownfish as a model, students in the AQS program develop
the basic tools needed to support this growing sector of aquaculture. To be successful,
students must consider the nutrition and husbandry of the broodstock animals, maintain
larval rearing systems, monitor water-quality parameters and produce live prey, including
rotifers, Artemia and herpacticoid copepods.
Their success with clownfish has encouraged AQS students and faculty to attempt
reproduction of a greater number of tropical marine fish. The program currently houses
over a hundred species of fish and invertebrates in marine and freshwater aquaria.
The purpose of the Aquarium Science Program isn’t to produce fish, but rather to
produce the next generation of aquarists and hatchery technicians. Coral and marine
ornamental reproduction programs have been fun and exciting additions to a program that
prides itself on practical hands-on training and the fundamentals of biology, water-quality
and system design.
AQUACULTURE
T
Contributed by Matt Hawkyard. For more information, contact Chris Spaulding, AQS Program
Director, at chris.spaulding@occc.cc.or.us
OntariO COllege graduate CertifiCate
Start date September 2015
The new Aquaculture program at Fleming College’s School of Environmental and
Natural Resource Sciences is the only such program available at the post-graduate
level in Ontario. You will learn about cold, cool and warm water aquaculture
for food production, and for fisheries recreation and conservation. Offered in
a compressed format, full-time from September to July, the program combines:
• Extensivefishhusbandryexperienceinouron-campusAtlanticsalmonand
muskellunge hatcheries
• Fieldtripspracticingcommercialtroutfarmingandfisheriesrestoration
• Seminarsonthebusinessofaquaculture
• Afinalsemester,8-weekinternship,atanaquacultureenterprisespecificto
your career interest
The Aquaculture program is located at Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario.
find Out mOre at:
flemingcollege.ca/programs/aquaculture
Contact: Jon Carter | jon.carter@flemingcollege.ca
1.866.353.6464 ext. 3215
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULT
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A QUA CULTURE NORTH A ME RICA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
em
of ploye
cho
r
ice
Ever wanted to explore an
aquaculture career “Down Under”?
Jump on board Australia’s biggest and best
aquaculture company – Tassal Group Ltd,
employing over 900 people throughout
Australia. We are a vertically integrated salmon
company, from ‘egg to plate’ – hatcheries,
marine farms, processing, distribution, sales and
marketing. For further information about us
visit our website www.tassal.com.au.
We have recently achieved Aquaculture
Stewardship Council (ASC) certification across
our six marine farming regions and we are an
official Tasmanian ‘Employer of Choice’, as our
employees work in a professional and highly
rewarding environment.
We are looking for experienced and passionate
individuals to assist with several marine
expansion strategies over the next two years.
Have we hooked you yet?
If we have the right job for you, we are able
to offer not only a fantastic career related
challenge and journey but also lifestyle
advantages. An attractive remuneration
package will be offered to reflect the level of
experience you can bring on board.
If you are looking for that next challenge and
you are a driven and innovative operator then
we want to hear from you!!
Don’t miss the boat!!
If this is an opportunity too good to ignore
and you want the opportunity to work down
under, please send a cover letter and resume
to recruitments@tassal.com.au, please put
‘Opportunities Abroad’ in the subject line.
Aquaculture student, Patrick Pugliese (right) and student volunteer, Kyle Blacq (left),
check flow rates on the rainbow trout tanks in the Fleming College salmonid hatchery as
part of the Fish Husbandry and Hatchery Management Course that provides extensive
hands on experience to ensure Fleming graduates have the skill set required to be
successful in the aquaculture industry.
Fleming post-graduate Aquaculture
Program expanding
he Aquaculture Program at Fleming College’s School of Environmental and
Natural Resource Sciences continues to grow and is the only program available at
the post-graduate level in Ontario. Fish Husbandry and Hatchery Management
training provides extensive hands on experience to ensure Fleming graduates have the skill
set required to be successful in the aquaculture industry.
Through extensive hands on experience you will learn about cold, cool and warm water
aquaculture for food production, and for fisheries recreation and conservation. Offered
in a compressed format full-time from September to July, the program combines broad
practical fish husbandry and mechanical experience at our on-campus Atlantic salmon
and muskellunge hatcheries. Also included are field trips practicing commercial trout
farming and fisheries restoration, seminars on the business of aquaculture and a final
semester, 8-week work term, at an aquaculture enterprise specific to your career interest.
The Aquaculture program is located at Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario.
For more information, contact jon.carter@flemingcollege.ca or call 1.866.353.6464 ext3215
T
Urban aquaculture and
aquaponics at Milwaukee
he University of Wisconsin,
Milwaukee School of Freshwater
Sciences (SFS) will break ground
by building a new aquaculture research
and teaching facility mid 2015. The goal
is to put Wisconsin’s fish on the world’s
plates using intensive urban aquaculture
and aquaponics.
This facility will provide 12,600
square feet of teaching and research
space. Faculty and researchers will
improve technologies in fish nutrition, indoor recirculating aquaculture, aquaponics,
and will link to the recent addition of an undergraduate Certificate in Urban
Aquaculture.
This new program allows upper-level students and professional audiences to
train and learn practical aspects of rearing fish in recirculating systems with a goal
of repurposing former industrial space to grow quality food in large quantities while
reducing the environmental footprint of this industry.
Other applications to this program include biomedical and pharmaceutical
research facilities, public aquaria and animal parks, and conservation and stocking of
game and endangered species.
This certificate program is a result of a University of Wisconsin System
Incentive grant provided to SFS, with a goal to provide the next generation of skilled
aquaculturalists, and to stimulate investment into new jobs and industries. SFS will
institute a summer program targeting recent bachelor graduates, professionals, and
others interested in furthering their aquaculture skills.
For more information, contact Jhonatan Sepulveda Villet, sepulveo@uwm.edu or visit
www.uwm.edu/freshwater
T
• Commerical SCUBA Diver (5wks)
• CONSULTING
• Commerical NITROX Diver
• Safety AUDITS
• Custom courses for groups
• S.O.P. development
• Restricted Surface Supply Diver (8wks) • Newfoundland course June 1, 2015
Are you a working diver? – call our office to learn about our prior learning
assessment to get you DCBC certified. Contact Kelly Korol
MAY/JUN E 2015 >> 23
AQ UACU LT UR E N O RT H A M E RI CA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on
Training and Education
Aquaculture
Bigelow Laboratory
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
in the classroom
Special Feature on Trainingprovides
and Education algal
BY MYRON ROTH
s aquaculture grows in Canada and abroad, we
will need a steady stream of young, highly trained
aquaculturists to farm and fill a myriad of positions
in the service and supply sector. To do this we need to
educate kids at the secondary and elementary school
levels and we need to get them excited about careers in
aquaculture.
A
Go Green Summer Camp instructor, Gord Edmondson
from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Program, Vancouver
Island University, demonstrates captive trout culture to
elementary school students.
Photo courtesy of Vancouver Island University.
This year at the Aquaculture Association of Canada’s
annual conference, Aquaculture Canada 2015, in Nanaimo,
British Columbia, Canada, May 31-June 3, we hope to do
just that with the introduction of the Aquaculture in the
Classroom project.
Taking a cue from the BC Agriculture in the
Classroom Foundation (BC AITC) and the many
programs developed to “bring BC’s agriculture to our
students” the goal of the Aquaculture in Classroom
program is to bring aquaculture to kids early in their
decision process when considering careers.
Working with the BC Ministry of Agriculture Youth
Development Programs and the BC AITC, the program
was put together to provide a day of active engagement
for high school students enrolled in Earth Sciences,
Sustainable Resources, and Food and Nutrition studies.
Students will be given an overview of aquaculture in BC
and a tour of the aquaculture facilities at Vancouver Island
University (VIU) including the cold and tropical fish
rearing facilities, aquaponics lab and the International
Centre for Sturgeon Studies. Lunch will be provided
at the Aquaculture Canada 2015 conference with the
opportunity to meet delegates and industry representatives.
An afternoon session with people currently working in the
aquaculture sector will offer firsthand information on what
they do, what post-secondary training was required to get
them there, and what the jobs are like.
As an added twist, the program includes an iMovie
competition. Students will create movies based on the
events of the day and in answer to the question – Why
is Aquaculture Important? Winners will be announced
through the Aquaculture Association of Canada and the
movies will be available for public viewing.
Sponsored by the BC Salmon Farmers Association,
GenomeBC, the BC Ministry of Agriculture, the
Aquaculture Association of Canada and VIU, the program
will be a template for future similar youth engagement
programs at successive Aquaculture Canada conferences.
Myron Roth is the Industry Specialist with the BC Ministry
of Agriculture, an Aquaculture Association of Canada Director
and the Program Chair for Aquaculture Canada 2015. He
is currently leading the 2015 Aquaculture in the Classroom
project and can be reached at myron.roth@gov.bc.ca.
culture training
he Provasoli-Guillard National Center for Marine
Algae and Microbiota (NCMA) will be offering an
Algal Culturing Techniques Course May 31-June 5,
2015. For the very first time, the course will be held at the
new Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Research and
Education campus in East Boothbay, Maine. The course
is designed for
graduate students,
faculty members,
aquaculturists,
biotech
professionals
and anyone
else interested
in learning
Algal culture columns at Bigelow
algal culturing
Laboratory.
techniques. It
will include a
bio-prospecting cruise, hands on laboratory training and
lectures by experienced algal research scientists. Isolation
techniques, strain identification, cryopreservation,
scale-up and algae harvesting are just some of the areas
to be covered. Course tuition includes all materials,
including Identifying Marine Phytoplankton, edited
by Carmelo Tomas, continental breakfast, coffee breaks
and lunch every day, Maine lobster bake and course
certification.
Topics include sterile technique, flow cytometry, cell
sorting and counting methods, media preparation, single
cell isolation techniques, taxonomic identification and
classification, sampling cruise, purification methods,
culture accounting techniques, toxic algae, mass culturing,
tour of Darling Marine Center mass culture facility, and
tangential flow filtration.
For more information or to register online, see ncma.bigelow.
org/training-courses
T
Faculty of Agriculture students learning
in Dalhousie’s hands-on Aquaculture Centre.
Dalhousie University
prepares for
challenging careers
Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture,
Aquaculture Program will prepare you for a satisfying
and challenging career in the ever-increasingly
important marine agri-food sector. At the Truro
campus, students will dive into a comprehensive
learning experience with both their hands and their
mind. The Aquaculture Centre, located right on
campus, features the resources required to nurture fish,
grow algae and manage water quality. This practical
experience integrated with classroom learning in
subjects like Fish Health, Aquatic Ecology and
Aquacultural Systems Technology, provides the
skills industry needs. Aquaculture is a growing sector
worldwide. An Aquaculture major can help you grow
along with it.
Qi Lui, a graduate in the class of 2013 states
“Studying aquaculture was one of the best decisions
I have ever made. So many of my friends have had
great career opportunities because of the training they
received while in this program.”
For more information visit www.dal.ca
Study
Aquaculture and Aquaponics at
Cheyney University
Cheyney University offers a new Aquaculture Option within
its Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology Program. In addition to the general concepts of Aquaculture and Aquaponics, students will be exposed to opportunities
to help them appreciate and interpret the complex natural, social and aesthetic impacts Aquaculture
has in our world. The educational experience is further enhanced by student involvement in research
projects in the university’s Aquaculture Research and Education Laboratory (AREL) and through the active promotion of national and international internships, as well as direct interaction with on-campus
commercial operations with Herban Farms, LLC (aquaponics) and regional collaboratives with
Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART) Food Security Program, and other finfish
and aquaponics operations. This program enhances the likelihood of the acceptance into a graduate
program because of its emphasis on various scientific and entrepreneurial skills.
To find out more contact: Dr. Steven Hughes
Professor and Laboratory Director
T: 610-399-2400 E: shughes@cheyney.edu
24 >> M AY /J U N E 20 1 5
A QUA CULTURE NORTH A ME RICA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on
Training and Education
Marine biology at
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Roger Williams
University
Special Feature on
Training and Education
When your lobster’s sick and it doesn’t
look good, who are you going to call?
The scientists and student researchers
at Roger Williams University!
Home to the Luther H. Blount
Shellfish Hatchery and an aquatic
diagnostic laboratory, the RWU
Marine Biology program draws on
significant expertise in the cultivation
and restoration of marine ornamental
species, shellfish aquaculture
technology, marine habitat restoration,
and aquatic animal disease diagnosis
Students learning field research and restoration
and research to address practical
strategies.
challenges to the marine research,
production and regulatory communities.
The university’s waterfront campus offers a
premium learning landscape where students are
directly involved in lab and field research as early
as their first semester. RWU actively contributes
to projects that guide environmentally sustainable
economic development – from developing
strategies to restore the Narragansett Bay oyster
population to being the first team to breed queen
triggerfish in captivity – providing exceptional
project-based training to emerging marine
scientists.
Students participating in lab
For more information, see http://ceed.rwu.edu
diagnostic work.
Bellingham Technical College
Fisheries Program
Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences | AAS-Transfer Degree
Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences | AAS Degree
New Transfer Option with Western Washington Univ & NW Indian College
Dr. Duane Barker (back row, centre) and VIU Coastal & Estuarine Ecosystems Course
students at intertidal ecology lab and sea lion tour at Chrome Island Lighthouse, BC.
VIU - preparing job-ready
graduates for aquaculture
quaculture has long been an area of specialization at Vancouver Island University
(VIU). Our programs provide graduates with “job ready” knowledge and skills for a
career in fisheries and aquaculture. VIU currently offers the following programs: 1)
2-Year diploma; 2) 1-Year post-degree diploma; and 3) 4-Year Bachelor of Science (BSc).
These programs are one of the best supported in terms of scholarships and award offerings at VIU.
Entry to the BSc program in Fisheries and Aquaculture takes place at the first, second
or third year level. It is comprised of courses offered in the 2-Year diploma program, and
upper-level lecture and research based courses. The 1-Year post-degree program is offered
to those students that already have a BSc in a related biological/environmental science and
is comprised of applied, lab and field-oriented courses in fisheries and aquaculture.
All VIU Fisheries and Aquaculture diploma and degree programs provide employable skills by integrating a variety of courses related to aquatic and biological sciences and
aquatic resource management, including fisheries management, aquaculture and conservation. Our graduates develop discipline-specific skills through experiential learning
within research facilities, workplace environments, and classroom study. Weekly practicum
placements include government and VIU research laboratories, fisheries habitat and management agencies, shellfish and finfish aquaculture hatcheries and farms, salmon enhancement hatcheries, and environmental consulting firms.
Students benefit from VIU research centres, which support aquaculture research,
technology development and advanced training. Research centres include the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies, the Deep Bay Marine Field Station and the Centre
for Shellfish Research.
For more information, contact Mark.Noyon@VIU.ca or visit www2.viu.ca/fisheries
A
Study Aquaculture in Australia
PREPARE
for a career in fish culture,
shellfish aquaculture, and
fisheries research
For more information:
Admissions@btc.ctc.edu
360-752-8345
Instructor: esteele@btc.ctc.edu
360-752-8352
www.btc.ctc.edu
Flinders University
Faculty of
Science & Engineering
Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia offers world class, graduate and undergraduate
courses in Aquaculture integrating industry experience:
•
•
•
•
•
Bachelor of Science (Aquaculture)
Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology and Aquaculture)
Graduate Certificate in Science (Aquaculture)
Graduate Diploma in Science (Aquaculture)
Master of Science (Aquaculture)
For more information
www.flinders.edu.au/courses
+61 8 8201 3045
jian.qin@flinders.edu.au
CRICOS No: 00114A
MAY/JUN E 2015 >> 25
AQ UACU LT UR E N O RT H A M E RI CA
PROSPECTS IN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on
Training and Education
Advancing student
Flinders University, Australia
success PROSPECTS
with real lifeIN AQUACULTURE
Special Feature on Training and Education
experience
and research provides a combination of skills
t Flinders University,
Adelaide, South
Australia (SA), the
Bachelor of Science in
Aquaculture and the Master
of Science in Aquaculture
were established to provide
the right combination of skills
needed to be a part of the next
phase of aquaculture’s growth
or to make an important
contribution to aquatic resource
management through a variety
of career paths.
The focus is on combining
a strong background in the
natural sciences with an
understanding of nutrition,
reproduction, genetics, health
and safety issues, practical
and management issues, and
business and communication
Flinders aquaculture students on field trip sampling fish, plankton and
skills.
measuring water quality.
Flinders has a large
team of marine biologists,
To facilitate the development of practical skills,
aquaculturists and oceanographers undertaking worldstudents have access to sophisticated aquaculture
class research on current issues in marine science and
facilities on campus in Adelaide, including six specially
aquaculture. We are also a lead partner in the Marine
designed indoor laboratories that enable the culture of
Innovation SA initiative and the state government has
algae, zooplankton, fish, crustaceans and molluscs at
provided $6.6 million to recently expand our Lincoln
controlled temperature and light levels, more than 100
Marine Science Centre in Port Lincoln. The centre
aquaria, and eighteen 10,000-litre outdoor tanks.
is the venue for a range of research programs carried
Workplace education is provided in collaboration
out by Flinders, the SA Research and Development
with aquaculture operators in various locations in South
Institute, the SA Shellfish Quality Assurance Program,
Australia, interstate and overseas.
TAFE SA at Port Lincoln and the Tuna Boat Owners
For more information,
Association of Australia.
see http://www.flinders.edu.au/courses/undergrad/bscaq
A
UW-Stevens
Point Internship
involving Sturgeon
Demonstration
Research Grant at
UWSP-NADF.
he aquaculture and aquaponics industry is
dramatically increasing and employable people
needed to uphold the industries are in high demand.
Receiving an education may be the first step but hands-on
experience and applied research is crucial. With both the
aquaculture and aquaponics programs at the University
of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point),
students gain the knowledge, experience and passion to be
successful in these growing industries.
UW-Stevens Point is offering Wisconsin’s first
college Aquaculture Minor as well opportunities for
student research at a one-of-a-kind research facility, the
Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (UWSPNADF). Located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, this facility is
internationally recognized for sustainable aquaculture
research and advanced technology; an incredible
opportunity for student experience.
Since 2006, the UWSP-NADF has received over
$3.3 million in grants awarded by collaborators for
specific research done at the facility. It is not surprising
that interns have greater than 90 percent job placement
following their experiences at the UWSP-NADF.
Past intern Derek Peters states, “I consider my
experience at the UWSP-NADF extremely valuable
because I was able to acquire such a diversified set of skills.
It was very beneficial having the opportunity to work with
so many different species and aquaculture techniques…and
it also played a significant role in my being hired for my
first full-time aquaculture position.” Derek is now doing
what he considers his “dream job” as Assistant Manager at
Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation.
UW-Stevens Point is also offering the nation’s first
semester-long college aquaponics courses and professional
aquaponic certificate in partnership with aquaponics
industry leader, Nelson and Pade, Inc®. These programs
are incorporated into the newly developed UW-Stevens
Point Aquaponic Innovation Center (AIC) located at the
business campus of Nelson and Pade, Inc®. This incredible
learning center covers 4,800sqft of the company’s new,
state-of-the-art controlled environment greenhouse facility.
The grand opening of the AIC is April 2015.
For more information on UW-Stevens Point Aquaculture or
Aquaponics visit aquculture.uwsp.edu
T
Thanks for reading. We hope you’ve learned something!
This annual “Training & Education” supplement is part of the May/June 2015
issue of Aquaculture North America. We encourage you to forward the
supplement to any friends, family or colleagues interested in a career in
aquaculture.
To subscribe to Aquaculture North America, please visit
www.aquaculturenorthamerica.com
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