The course combines a scientific education with hands-on aquaculture experience. It focusses on tropical species, including shrimp/prawns, pearl oysters, groupers, crabs and barramundi production. Subject areas examine such topics as species propagation, stock improvement, feeding and nutrition, and sustainable practices. With further qualifications, graduates can work as secondary school teachers.

Aquaculture is poised to become the most rapidly expanding component of the world food supply. The future global demand will be met through strategic and sustainable production of fish and shellfish using aquaculture. Australia’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industry is worth around $2.2 billion annually. The industry employs around 11,600 people (7,300 directly and 4,300 indirectly) according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences*. Careers as aquaculture specialists, supervisors, technical managers and operations managers are available in this industry. These positions can involve operating hatcheries, overseeing harvest and post-harvest activities, planning and managerial responsibilities, developing stock nutrition programs, and designing water supply systems. Graduates also find employment in the multitude of aligned industries servicing aquaculture. Our graduates are eligible to join the World Aquaculture Society, Australian Marine Sciences Association, the Australian Society for Fish Biology, and the Australian Institute of Biologists.