Aquaculture Co-op

Program Overview:

Aquaculture involves a range of activities, related principally to farming marine and freshwater fish and seafood. The salmon industry accounts for the majority of aquaculture operations in Canada. This compressed, one-year program is the only Aquaculture program offered as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Ontario. Food aquaculture operations encompass a wide variety of species and culture techniques. In addition to food production, aquaculture activities include production of fish for conservation, and production for ornamental species. The global demand for aquaculture products is growing, along with demands for stewardship, sustainability and food safety and security. This unique program combines:

• Significant hands-on operational experience

• Numerous field trips to experience aspects of the aquaculture industry such as trout farming and conservation stocking

• Business training so that graduates can both promote the industry and understand the diverse challenges facing aquaculture enterprises

During the first semester, students will address aquaculture fundamentals. Much of the program will take place in the campus hatchery facilities, which include an Atlantic salmon hatchery and a muskellunge hatchery.

The focus in the second semester is on operational and business practices, and internship planning.

Admission Requirements:

• GPA: 2.6 or above

• IELTS: Overall 6.5 with no band below than 6.0

• PTE: No band below than 58

Tuition and Fee: Click Here

Learning Outcomes:

• Perform a variety of aquaculture field skills competently, in accordance with established norms, and in a way that provides leadership and direction for others where required.

• Assess environmental aspects of aquaculture and communicate the results to a variety of stakeholders using current and relevant terminology.

• Recognize and justify the diversity and potential for aquaculture as an alternative source of fish protein.

• Monitor and assess fish health and environmental conditions at an aquaculture site.

• Describe and distinguish all life stages and culture techniques of select marine and freshwater species.

Career Outlook:

The industry is growing in all sectors, including food production, conservation, aquaponics and pond/garden markets. The work is physically demanding and may involve exposure to unfavourable weather conditions. Graduates should be prepared to relocate for employment, and to undertake entry level or contract work initially. With an aging workforce, those who possess strong leadership and communication skills, plus aptitude for mechanical troubleshooting, are prime candidates for promotion into lead hand or supervisory roles.

• Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production activity in the world (UN Food and Agriculture Organization)

• Canada is the 4th largest salmon producing country)

• Canadian aquaculture accounts for 14% of total seafood production and 35% of its value

Program Intake: September