There's never been a better time to study fisheries and aquaculture. Fisheries and aquaculture provides food for billions of people. It's a key agricultural food sector in Canada. It plays an important role in the local economy, food security, cultural life of local communities and First Nations. Ecosystems that support productive fisheries and aquaculture are under increasing pressure from urbanization, habitat destruction, pollution, illegal fishing, disease, invasive species, and climate change impacts.
Prepare for tomorrow's opportunities and challenges
The Fisheries and Aquaculture programs provide dynamic education and skills training, between classrooms, labs, fieldwork and practical real-world work experience. Our dedicated instructors share a wealth of multi-disciplinary, theoretical and practical knowledge and experience. Our programs prepare you for tomorrow's opportunities and challenges in an industry that can open doors to rewarding work opportunities and careers in this field.
Our programs reflect and deeply connect with our coastal island setting
Fish and Aqua at VIU is well-positioned to address pressing issues for our coastal communities. Our programs provide essential knowledge and skills in biology, ecology, freshwater aquatic, and marine sciences related to sustainable aquatic food production for marine, freshwater, and land-based systems. Learn about environmental challenges, sustainable solutions, and stewardship of this extraordinary place and community.
Be job and career ready
Gain real-world, hands-on experience
We provide 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.
Our programs equip you with the confidence to take on meaningful roles locally, regionally, and 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;
- Non-profit conservation groups;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Professional development; and
- Further education and graduate studies.
We are place-based and community focused
Connecting you with the local community through work-integrated learning
Engagement in active academic research, local industry, 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 Field Station, will provide you with a unique learning experience in Fisheries and Aquaculture at VIU.
Explore our programs
Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology
If you are new to post-secondary studies, then the two-year Diploma in Fish and Aqua Technology provides background academic theory as well as extensive training in industry standards.
Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture
If you have already completed a degree, the one-year Post-Degree Diploma in Fish and Aqua provides practical skills training and a credential that is specific to fisheries and aquaculture-related fields.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Minor in Aquaculture
If you 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 BSc Minor in Aquaculture.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Minor in Aquaculture
If you 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 BA Minor in Aquaculture.
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.
What students have to say
"This program gave me a very solid foundation for working in this field. Most of the classes have some kind of hands-on component". -Allison Unger, Class of 2024
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