STEM

Aquaculture

 

Career Education in Ocean Farming, or Aquaculture

Industry feedback suggests that there is a significant need for the development of entry- and middle-skill workers for the burgeoning Blue Economy in Southern California, including the aquaculture industry. The target population for this program is students generally interested in the topics of aquaculture, food security and global food supply chains. The program emphasizes workforce preparation at the interface of global climate change and sustainability. With consideration for environmental change, additionally, this course addresses conservation and restoration practices for endangered species.

Job Training in Aquafarms and Aquariums to Raise Sustainable Seafood and Restore Endangered Species

  • This growing industry needs a skilled workforce to produce healthy, sustainable seafood and products.
  • The recovery of threatened and endangered aquatic species needs skilled technicians.
  • Earn a competitive edge through hands-on field work, lab experience and internships to secure a job.
Aquaculture at SMC
Careers in Mariculture
Internship tasks at Heal the Bay
 

Aqua 1: Introduction to Aquaculture

Course Starts August 27
History, ecology, and sustainability
(3 units)
Section: 1163
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 to 9:20 a.m.

In this class students will:

  • Appraise and differentiate between historical and modern aquaculture practices, and develop best practices for a future aquaculture industry in the context of sustainability and the global climate crisis.
  • Examine the ecological principles of finfish, shellfish and algae, as they relate to sustainable aquaculture.
  • Defend sustainability needs in aquaculture, and critique various modern aquaculture approaches in this context.

Aqua 2: Applications in Aquaculture

Course Starts August 27
System design, monitoring, and maintenance
(4 units)
Section: 1164
Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 to 10:50 a.m.
Tuesday, 12 to 3:05 p.m. at the Heal the Bay Aquarium

In this class students will:

  • Design & build effective aquaculture systems for hatching and rearing of a variety of aquatic taxa
  • Effectively monitor aquaculture systems for efficiency and productivity, and make adjustments to maximize desired outcomes.
  • Demonstrate their ability to hatch and rear a variety of aquatic taxa.

Aqua 3: Microbiology and Genetics for Aquaculture

Course Starts August 26
System design, monitoring, and maintenance
(4 units)
Section: 1165
Wednesday, 3:45 to 6:50 p.m. (on campus)
Arrange - 3 hours with instructor (online)

In this class students will:

  • Appraise and differentiate between disease-causing microbes and those that are necessary for healthy, sustainable aquaculture systems.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of disease remedies in aquaculture with consideration for best practices in sustainability and public health.
  • Appraise and differentiate among genetic manipulation techniques for increased production with consideration for environmental and public health factors.

These Courses are For People Who have an interest in...

  • A sustainable seafood supply
  • Endangered species restoration
  • Learning how to use science to solve problems
  • Aquarium systems design, construction & management

What Will You Learn?

  • An overview of aquaculture
  • Foundational biology concepts & their application to the aquaculture industry
  • Skills to operate cutting edge laboratory equipment
  • Teamwork & leadership skills

About These Courses

Entry Level
  • No prerequisites!
Career Focused
  • Gain skills to get a well paying job!
  • Earn skills badges that get you noticed by employers!
Supportive
  • Built-in academic support sessions!

Enroll Today

Purpose

This program was created in response to the lack of diversity in STEM Fields and with the awareness that the aquaculture/life science industry is struggling to find highly skilled technicians to support it's rapid growth.

Vision

We envision our graduates using their training, skills, and passion to solve the world's problems through science and to become agents of change who support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the life science workforce.

Mission

Through an equity centered approach, we strive to cultivate our student's interests in science and to build their confidence by acknowledging and celebrating their strengths while training them to become skilled aquatic life support technicians..

Transfer Opportunities

Continue your training in aquaculture by earning a bachelor’s degree at UC or CSU.

Potential Career Options

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Join the Aquaculture Program

You can apply to the Aquaculture Program at any time during the year. Make sure to schedule an appointment with an academic counselor to draft an educational plan so that you complete the correct general requirements. Both introductory courses, Aqua 1 and Aqua 2, are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Steps to get started:

  1. Apply for admission to SMC
  2. If you have attended other two-year or four-year colleges, request an official transcript from that college(s) to be sent to SMC.
  3. Complete the Aquaculture Program Student Interest Survey (add a link)
  4. Check the Schedule of Classes and enroll in AQUA 1 and AQUA 2. Both courses do not require a prerequisite. 

 


Aquaculture News & Events

Blue + Green S4: Career Pathways in Aquaculture

Tuesday, July 16
3 - 4 p.m.

AltaSea is organizing an event called: Career Pathways in Aquaculture. Students can sign up below.

Sign Up

AltSea

Contact Us

Life Science Department: 310-434-4788

Interested in the program? Request more info and a program staff will contact you.

Request more info