Our programs reflect our extraordinary coastal island setting
Our coastal and island setting is unique and it’s one of our greatest strengths. 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, coastal intertidal habitats, estuaries, streams, rivers, lakes, bogs, marshes, and temperate forests that are used in the Fisheries and Aquaculture curriculum. The variety of ecosystems accessible to us is diverse and exceptional.
Vancouver Island is a magnificent place to learn, live and play! You have 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 is committed to making our programs reflect and connect deeply to this extraordinary place and community. We have 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 in diverse regional settings and work 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
We understand that going to university comes with financial pressures. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Program has cultivated incredible industry support from generous local benefactors that provide up to twenty-two different, internal scholarships, bursaries, and awards, which total more than $35,000! Learn more about our scholarship opportunities below.
Award Recipients 2024
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;
- entrepreneurship; and
- further graduate studies.
Check out the current job postings below.
