Welcome to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department

Fisheries and aquaculture provide food for billions of people and plays an important role in the local economy, food security, and cultural life of coastal and inland communities, and First Nations. It is a key agri-food sector in Canada. Ecosystems that support productive fisheries and aquaculture are under stress from development, climate change, illegal fishing, excessive fishing pressure and pollution. Our programs provide essential skills to understand and support sustainable aquatic food production for marine, freshwater, and land-based systems. 

Fisheries and Aquaculture at VIU provides academic and applied skills training with practical hands-on laboratory and field experience. This combination is essential for success across several exciting careers found in the fisheries and aquaculture industry. These include aquaculture biotechnology, fisheries management, resource or coastal management and conservation, as well as marine biology.

Our dedicated and passionate faculty will expose you to a variety of areas of expertise. These include fish, invertebrate, micro- and macroalgae culture methods, fish habitat and stock assessment techniques, fish health sciences, fisheries enhancement, and coastal conservation management practices. Engagement in active academic research, as well as public outreach is strongly encouraged. Small classrooms, access to unique integrated facilities, such as the Deep Bay Marine Sciences Centre, and the proximity to natural aquatic settings, will provide you with a unique experiential learning experience. Choose the program that best fits your interest, experience and intended goals.