WHAT IS AQUACULTURE?
Aquaculture is the production, through artificial cultivation techniques, of any aquatic plant or animal, such as fish, shrimp, clams and kelp. Aquaculture is sometimes referred to as "the agriculture of the oceans," involving the "growing" and "harvesting" of aquatic life, including but not limited to fish, shellfish and algae.
Although it is a relatively new field, already about 15 percent of total worldwide production of fish and seafood currently comes from aquaculture "farms." Environmentally, as aquaculture production expands to meet the global demand for fisheries products, it is essential that efficient and sustainable production systems be developed and utilized by trained professionals.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Aquaculture is a multidisciplinary study requiring a combination of biological, technical, managerial and marketing skills. Because it is a relatively new field of study, there are few programs offering degrees in Aquaculture, although a great many do offer courses or an emphasis. Course we've seen offered include:
- Genetics and Biotechnology
- Aquaculture Techniques
- Commercial Principles
- Processing and Marketing
- Water Quality
- Aquaculture Engineering
- Fish Health Management
- Fisheries Science
- Artificial Propagation
- Nutrition and Growth.
- Breeding Techniques
- Food Product Quality
- Preventive Medicine for Fish
- Ethology
- Physiology of Aquatic Animals
- Fisheries Biology
- Fish Processing Technology
- Pond Productivity
- Fish Diseases
- Hatchery Management
- Aquatic Ecological Concepts
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Aquaculture graduates can expect that the industry will continue to provide career path options, primarily in the private sector, where fisheries and hatcheries make up one of the fastest-growing sectors of the agricultural industry. Opportunities are also expected to grow in the government, nonprofit and academic sectors, which will continue to research new technologies and encourage healthy, sustainable and environmentally responsible aquaculture practices. Specific job titles we've seen related to the industry include:
- Aquafarmer
- Manufacturer / Sales of Feed and Aquaculture Supplies
- Mechanical, Electrical, or Agricultural Systems Design Engineer
- Aquaculture Consultants
- Veterinarians
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- Laboratory Technician
- Aquatic Biologist
- Water Quality Analyst
- Food Inspector
- Game Conservation Officer
- Soil Conservation Officer
- Plant Manager
- Quality Control Specialist
- Advertising and Public Relations Agent
- Aquaculture Association Executive
- Research Scientist
- Fish Nutritionist
- Feed Manufacturer
- Shellfish Grower
- Hatchery Technician
- Fishery Technician
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes Aquaculture statistics under Agricultural Workers in general. The income of workers in this field are dependent upon factors such as market value of their product, weather conditions, and loan interest rates. In 2002, salaried farm mangagers earned an average of $43,740. Check out full report from BLS on careers in Aquaculture here.
RELATED AREAS OF STUDY
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