Our campus is located in beautiful Nanaimo, nestled near the middle of the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The VIU campus and Nanaimo are ideally situated to provide an exceptional Fisheries and Aquaculture program. We are close to the ocean, intertidal habitats, estuaries, streams, rivers, lakes, marshes, and forests that are used in the Fisheries and Aquaculture curriculum. The variety of ecosystems accessible to us is numerous and exceptional.
Vancouver Island is a magnificent place to live and learn, with easy access to nature and outdoor activities. Nanaimo's central location on the island gives residents easy access to spectacular fishing locations, surfing spots, and the gorgeous sandy beaches in Tofino, skiing at Mount Washington, and extensive mountain bike trails. Hiking, camping and exploring opportunities surround the city. Adventure is at your doorstep!
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department has close working relationships with federal and provincial hatcheries, laboratories, private fish and shellfish farms, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Students gain invaluable work experience at these sites as part of their practicum work experience courses.
On campus, the microalgae culture lab, tanks farms, aquaponics greenhouse, and the Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR) are available for academic research and hands-on practical learning. Off campus, several lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, estuaries and intertidal areas provide natural laboratories and monitoring sites. North of Nanaimo, near the town of Bowser, the Deep Bay Marine Field Station (DBMFS) is used for both research and program field trips.
Unique facilities
Program Options
We have four programs in Fisheries and Aquaculture. If you:
- are new to post-secondary studies, then the two year Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Diploma provides background academic theory as well as extensive training in industry standards.
- have already completed a degree, the one year Post-Degree Diploma 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 a BSc Minor or a BA Minor in Aquaculture.
Check out our programs below.
Awards and Scholarships
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Program has incredible industry support from generous local benefactors that provide up to twenty-two different scholarships, bursaries, and awards available exclusively to those enrolled in the second year of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Diploma program. Unfortunately, Post-Degree Diploma students do not qualify for these scholarships, but other external scholarships may be available (see below).
Career Paths
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; and
- graduate studies.
Check out the current job postings below.
