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!
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.
The Aquaculture Program prepares students to work in the aquaculture industry and
familiarizes students with sustainable practices of farming aquatic organisms. The
program is currently offering a comprehensive training that includes a wide range
of courses that is available to students, with more courses being offered soon:
Aqua 1 - Introduction to Aquaculture: History, Ecology and Sustainability (no prerequisite)
Aqua 2 - Applications in Aquaculture - System Design, Monitoring and Maintenance (no
prerequisite)
Aqua 3 - Microbiology and Genetics for Aquaculture (prerequisite: Aqua 1&2)
Aqua 4 - Husbandry and Life Support in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science – coming soon
Aqua 5 – Advanced Topics in Aquaculture – coming soon
Aqua 10B – Scuba – coming soon
Certificates of Achievement – coming soon
The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and
technologies involved in fish and aquatic organism farming. Key aspects a program
include:
History and current trends in aquaculture
Environmental sustainability
Conservation and restoration practices for endangered species
Design and building aquaculture systems
Aquatic species health management
Husbandry and life support of aquaculture species
Clinical microbiology and genetics relevant to aquaculture and aquarium sciences
Hands-on experience
The program prepares students for the workplace and emphasizes the necessary technical
and personal skills required to secure a job. Entry level positions after completing
the program may include:
Aquaculture Technician/Aquarium Technician
Fish farmer
Hatchery Technician/Manager
Aquarist
Aquarium Educator
Internship opportunities are available once students have successfully completed the
required courses. Hours are flexible and you will work out your internship schedule
with your site manager.
Most courses in the program are transferable to UC and/or CSU campuses. It is your
responsibility to check with the counseling staff at your specific school of choice to confirm course transferability.
Completing formal training in the Aquaculture Program at SMC and gaining internship
experience is key to getting a job in the industry. Students with a marine biology
undergraduate degree may benefit from topics in aquaculture science and technical
training to enhance their employment prospects.
You can have your courses reviewed and approved to satisfy one or more requirements
towards an Aquaculture certificate pathway. Please contact aquaculture@smc.edu to meet with program staff to discuss your specific situation.
Review the How to Join the Aquaculture Program section
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.
