Be prepared for tomorrow's opportunities and challenges
Fisheries and aquaculture provide food for billions of people. It plays an important role in the local economy, food security, cultural life of local communities, and First Nations. It's a key agricultural food sector in Canada. Ecosystems that support productive fisheries and aquaculture are under pressure from development and urbanization, habitat destruction, climate change, illegal fishing, and pollution. Our programs provide essential knowledge and skills in biology, ecology, and the aquatic sciences related to sustainable aquatic food production for marine, freshwater, and land-based systems.
Career-ready education
Fisheries and Aquaculture at VIU provides academic and applied skills training with practical hands-on laboratory and field experience. This educational combination is essential for success across several exciting careers found in the fisheries and aquaculture industry, including aquaculture biotechnology, fisheries management, resource or coastal management and conservation, and marine biology. Our dedicated faculty will expose you to a variety of areas of expertise, including:
- fish, invertebrate, and micro- or macroalgae culture methods;
- fish habitat and stock assessment techniques;
- animal (fish, invertebrate) biology and health sciences;
- fisheries enhancement;
- aquatic, limnological, and ocean sciences
- species and habitat conservation and management.
Be career-ready and equipped with confidence to take on meaningful roles regionally or worldwide
Graduates of our programs find success in many industries. Ninety-five percent of graduates are hired into related jobs within a month of graduation. A fisheries and aquaculture diploma or degree can open doors to a variety of employers and employment opportunities including roles in:
- government (provincial or federal);
- commercial aquaculture;
- enhancement and hatcheries;
- fisheries consulting;
- marine biology consulting;
- entrepreneurship; and
- further education and graduate studies.
Make community connections
Engagement in active academic research, as well as, volunteering for VIU and public outreach is strongly encouraged. There are opportunities to make local, regional, and global community connections! Small classrooms, access to unique integrated facilities, such as our tank farms, aquaponics greenhouse, Centre for Shellfish Research, and the Deep Bay Marine Sciences Centre, will provide you with a unique learning experience in FIsheries and Aquaculture at VIU.
We offer programs from technology to post-degree diplomas and minors in aquaculture
If you're ready for an exciting career in Fisheries and Aquaculture, then check out our programs and choose what best fits your interests, experience and intended goals.
Explore
We have four programs in Fisheries and Aquaculture. If you:
- are new to post-secondary studies, then the Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology (two year) provides background academic theory as well as extensive training in industry standards.
- have already completed a degree, the Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture (one year) provides practical skills training and a credential that is specific to fisheries and aquaculture-related fields.
- are already enrolled or intend to enroll in a bachelor program at VIU, and desire a degree focused on fisheries and aquaculture, then consider the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Minor in Aquaculture or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Minor in Aquaculture.
Course descriptions can be found in the Program Course Calendar.
Five reasons to study with us!
1. Improve your knowledge of aquatic biology, ecosystems, issues and conservation.
2. Participate in hands-on learning with dedicated faculty and small classes.
3. Gain confidence and professional skills, and learn teamwork.
4. Be career-ready for one of the fastest growing industries.
5. Make positive community impacts through participation, problem solving and sustainable solutions.
Extensive hands-on experience
