This course assumes NO knowledge of aquaculture on the part of registrants, beyond the interest and desire to explore aquaculture. The course is designed to train participants to become competent aquaculture technicians. In addition, the course does provide ample opportunity for participants who have some experience to enhance their fundamental understanding and technical capabilities.

Incoming students are expected to have a minimum of a high school education (or equivalent) with a working grasp of basic mathematics and proper writing skills. This is necessary to enable students to complete the writing and basic calculations involved in the program.

The outline for the Aquaculture Operations program is shown below:

Introduction To Fish Farming

• Objectives of aquaculture
• Importance of aquaculture
• Types of aquaculture

Site Selection  for Aquaculture

• Factors to be considered in selecting a site for a fish farm
• Selection of services and infrastructure for a fish farm

Pond Stocking

• Selection of fish for stocking
• Transportation of fish
• Time/Stocking rate

Fish Feed & Feeding

• Types of feed in aquaculture
• Fish size and feed size
• Feeding frequency and feeding rate

Water Quality Management

• Water quality parameters
• Water quality measurement
• Instrumentation and control in water quality measurement

Fish Diseases & Prevention

• Types and causes of fish diseases
• Prevention and control of fish diseases
• Medication and substance control in fish farm environments

Fish Farm Economics

• Marketing of fish
• Economic analysis of fish farms
• Economic modeling of the aquaculture enterprise