Course objectives:
The main objective of the course is to provide professionals in aquaculture with information and training with emphasis on planning, operation and development of aquaculture. The course will be based
on principles rather than being species specific. Sustainability and environmental issues will be integrated into all topics. The fellows will gain sound knowledge on how to evaluate and identify the
appropriate aquaculture operations for any particular environment, both in terms of suitable species, site selection and infrastructure. Fellows will gain insight into the operational management of
farms, both financially and technically.
Course design and methods of teaching:
The fellows will attend 3-4 lectures most mornings. During the afternoon they will be engaged in work on various projects and assignments to reinforce material addressed in lectures. The fellows will
receive supervision in handling various tools used in management of fish farms and methods for research and development in aquaculture. An important part of the course will be visits to fish farms as
well as monitoring and support structures for the aquaculture industry.
Organization of the course
The course consists of the following modules that are taught in sequence:
1. Biology and physiology of aquaculture organisms
2. The environment of the aquaculture organisms
3. Production methods and operational environment for aquaculture
4. Farm design
5. Project design and proposal writing
6. Farm operation and production planning
7. Environmental impact of aquaculture production
8. Legal framework and monitoring of aquaculture operations
9. Developing aquaculture for the future
Learning outcomes
Below are outlined the main learning outcomes of the course.
- Fellows are familiar with the main production methods used in aquaculture and the necessary operational environment of aquaculture.
- Fellows are familiar with the basic principles of farm design
- Fellows can identify suitable locations and species for aquaculture
- Fellows can determine the feasibility of new aquaculture operations.
- Fellows know the critical steps in developing methods for a new species in aquaculture
- Fellows are familiar with production planning and best management practices for developing viable aquaculture operations.
- Fellows are aware of the main environmental impacts of aquaculture and considerations for future sustainable development of the industry
- Fellows are aware of the necessary legal framework and support structures for the aquaculture industry in each country
