Aquaculture Technician

Aquaculture Technicians handle many of the tasks and processes involved in the cultivation of freshwater and marine life and the care of their environment. Technicians are involved in almost all aspects of the raising, culturing, and harvesting of aquaculture species. 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. They may also be involved in harvesting fish for processing or for release into the wild.

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

As a graduate of this program, you may be employed in any of the hatcheries or marine sea cage 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.

• 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 program 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.

Aquaculture Technician graduates may have an opportunity to aquire the following external certifications upon meeting the external agencies certification requirements and paying any required fees to the external agency: