Aquaculture technicians handle many of the tasks and processes involved in the cultivation of freshwater and marine life, and the care of their environment.

On a typical aquaculture farm, you may find a grow-out facility, as well as brood stock (adult breeding fish) ponds and/or a hatchery where eggs are often fertilized artificially to produce fish larvae.

In addition to raising the eggs in a hatchery operation, technicians on aquaculture farms are responsible for feeding the stock, preparing algal cultures and maintaining an optimal environment. They collect and record growth, production, and water quality data, and check stock for disease and treat them when necessary. Aquaculture may also be involved in harvesting fish for processing or for release into the wild.

If you like to work both indoors and out and enjoy working with animals, take a look at this program!

• High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency

• Students must be highly literate in the English language, both written and oral.

Graduates are competent to work as technicians in any of the hatcheries or marine seacage sites within the industry, or as technicians in support of the industry in the fields of fish health feed and nutrition, environmental management, cage and net manufacturing, processing, and research.

2212 - Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians
2221 - Biological Technologists and Technicians

• Aquaculture World-wide
• Alternate Species Culture
• Biology of Fish
• Hatchery and Seacage Culture
• Fish Health, Disease Prevention and Treatment
• Feeding and Nutrition
• Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Aquaculture Techniques
• Water Properties and Manipulating Water Quality
• Maintenance Skills (Ropes and Knots, PVC Plumbing)
• Aquaculture Industry Experience
• Marine Emergency Duties
• WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety
• General First Aid
• Study Skills and Job Search

Learning is facilitated through a combination of classroom lecture/laboratory sessions, industry tours and on-the-job practical training at various industry locations. The practical training sessions are regularly scheduled throughout the academic year. Transportation is essential for participation in frequent practical training at industry sites. Most classes required for this certificate are scheduled to take place between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday; however, some required classes may be scheduled during evening hours and weekends.