Overview
Sea farming is a significant economic driver for rural and coastal communities in Nova Scotia. With the value of seafood exports expected to double by 2024, a skilled workforce is needed to meet labour demands within the aquaculture sector.
In this 19-week program, you get the skills needed to support freshwater and marine farming and land-based operations. You learn about equipment and procedures used to produce high-quality aquaculture products. Both shellfish and finfish operations will be covered through the courses in this program to provide training on a wide range of species that are farmed within Canada.
Work experience
- Work placement is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
- Sea Farm Operations has two 2-week work placements, one in land-based operations and another in marine-based operations.
- Opportunities are typically unpaid.
- Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work placements are your responsibility.
- Many employers have a COVID-19 vaccination requirement, which can impact your work experience course. It is your responsibility to understand and be prepared to meet employer vaccination requirements before beginning your placement.
- For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities.
Choose NSCC
- This new program has been developed in partnership with industry, and industry representatives are directly involved in your hands-on training at NSCC.
- Courses are designed to give you a well-rounded experience that parallels industry workplaces.
- You have opportunities to collaborate with the Oceans Technology program on applied research projects involving the application of new technologies in aquaculture, such as robotics, automation, environmental health, fish health and feeding patterns.
- You gain practical experience and apply your skills during a work experience.
- You graduate with a portfolio that captures your skills and achievements – a definite asset in a competitive job market.
Tuition
2022-23 tuition will be announced in the late Spring once approved by the government of Nova Scotia. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional. Amounts below were for the 2021-22 academic year.
Tuition (Domestic):
$1,810
Tuition (International):
$5,845
Tuition, fees and program costs
In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.
View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.
Subsidized tuition for Indigenous and Black/African Canadian students
- Tuition funding of $1,810 is available to 7 accepted students who identify as Indigenous or Black/African Canadians. Applicants must self-identify during the application process to be considered for funding.
Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you can apply to earn credit. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
AQUA 1200 - Introduction to Sea Farming
This occupational level course introduces the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada with emphasis on the monitoring and management of nutrition and welfare of fish. Finfish and shellfish species will be covered, including both land-based and marine applications. Topics include: understanding water quality/physiological requirements and how to monitor/test for them; understanding environmental interactions including their monitoring and mitigation plans; feeding, diet formulation, and feed conversion; fish health and welfare and their promotion through management, surveillance and biosecurity procedures; and finally the issues faced by the aquaculture industry and the opportunities the industry presents for sustained economic growth in coastal Atlantic Canada.
AQUA 1300 - Aquaculture Husbandry
This occupational level course details aquaculture husbandry and the operation of marine and land-based systems. Topics include forms, functions, and design of equipment and infrastructure for both land-based and marine environments; day to day procedures; and how to monitor and manage fish wellness and behaviour to influence the healthy and sustainable development from egg to plate.
AQUA 1400 - Operations and Site Management
This occupational level course applies the knowledge learned and develops skills pertinent to work on an aquaculture farm. Most of this course will be delivered in an applied format.
AQUA 1500 - Work Experience - Hatchery
This work experience is intended to expose the learner to their chosen career field of aquaculture. The learner will have the opportunity to apply, learn and enhance their skills and knowledge in a hatchery setting, experience new applications and processes, develop their abilities in the areas of working life regarding personal growth and enrichment, and demonstrate employability skills.
AQUA 1550 - Work Experience - Grow-Out
This work experience is intended to expose the learner to their chosen career field of aquaculture. The learner will have the opportunity to apply, learn and enhance their skills and knowledge in a grow-out setting, experience new applications and processes, develop their abilities in the areas of working life regarding personal growth and enrichment, and demonstrate employability skills.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.
SAFE 1033 - Sea Farm Safety
This professional level course covers basic seamanship and radio operations that support the knowledge and skills fundamental to work within aquaculture. Topics include: General workplace safety, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency, Marine Emergency Duties, and procedures and equipment used for radio communications.
