Make Waves With an Aquaculture Degree from UNE
Imagine you’re at a job interview for a position in the aquaculture field, and you’re able to say that you’ve not only studied kelp farms but have also helped a kelp farming operation.
This is the edge that UNE’s B.S. in Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture (SEA) gives you. From day one, you will work with aquaculture industry experts and study on a campus with the Atlantic Ocean in its backyard. You will be immersed in four years of hands-on, on-the-water activities that prepare you for exciting jobs in aquaculture. There will never be a dull moment while taking a class from one of our SEA professors!
Our Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture degree program prepares you for the aquaculture industry. You will be armed with the knowledge and unique skills needed to culture organisms in the nearshore coastal environment for food or restoration with special emphasis on sustainability, societal values, needs, and policies.
Study Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture on the Gulf of Maine
Why UNE for a Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Degree
With the ocean just feet from our campus, UNE offers a truly unique experience to Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture degree majors. Benefits of our SEA program include:
- Gain skills for the aquaculture job market through abundant hands-on experience out on the water
- Work and learn on our University-operated kelp farm, private island, and partner aquaculture sites
- Build nautical skills on UNE research vessels
- Learn at the state-of-the-art Girard Marine Science Center with recirculating aquaculture system
- Enjoy proximity to Portland’s working waterfront
- Take advantage of internship opportunities all four years with area industry partners
- Learn from expert faculty
- Join a supportive community of students and faculty who share your passion for the ocean
John Reinbott ’18
Have you ever loved something or someone so much that you needed a constant reminder of just how much? Well, I loved my experience in Morocco so much I had it permanently inked on my arm. That's the kind of passion a semester abroad in Morocco creates. As if that weren't enough, my new found love of travel helped me discover my career path.
Upon my return from Tangier, Morocco, I focused on continuing my studies in the marine sciences. Unsure of what path within that field I would take, but yearning for more travel experiences, I enrolled in a travel course that would take me to Belize to study coral reef ecology. Each semester Jeri Fox, associate professor of Marine Biology, offers a course that takes students to Belize to expose them to coral reefs.
After spending eight days snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef off the coast of Ambergris Caye in Belize, I knew I was destined to spend my life helping to conserve and protect these beautiful, fragile coral reefs and their surrounding ecosystems. In order to make this a reality, though, I needed more hands-on experience and that's just what I did.
There was no better way to combine a desire to travel and a need to gain more experience in a field I could spend a lifetime devoted to, than to intern in a foreign land. Before I could apply, I had to get my scuba certification. As with all things, when given the opportunity, I went full speed ahead and completed that certification and began working up to becoming a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certified rescue diver. With certification in hand, it was time to apply.
Both UNE travel experiences and my sense of adventure prepared me well to accept the offer to become a coral reef intern at a remote dive base within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve in Mexico with Global Visions International (GVI). I was incredibly excited to start the two-month journey as I grabbed my mosquito net and GoPro and boarded a plane for destinations little known.
As a coral reef intern, I took part in an in-depth science regiment to learn how to identify sixty coral species by their scientific names. This was achieved by exams conducted on the computer as well as in the field. I and a qualified science officer would dive and as they pointed at a type of coral I would write its name down on a dive slate. After many long days spent repeating these exams, I graduated to reef monitor.
Soon, I was headed out on our dive boats to a nearby monitoring site where I helped collect vital data (reef and species composition/abundance, coral predation and bleaching, the competition of other benthic organisms). The data collected was organized and sent off to other companies such as CONAP and Amigos de Sian Ka'an to help aid in assessing the overall health of surrounding reef ecosystems. Despite the lack of air conditioning, running water, and cell service the two months I spent working with GVI, to help conserve the surrounding section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, were the best two months of my life.
I returned to my hometown in New Jersey from my internship poised to finish my final year at UNE and land a position at a coral reef conservation organization anywhere in the world. I am grateful for the opportunities I was provided and unbeknownst to it, UNE serendipitously not only gave me a love of travel but a clear direction for where my professional life was headed.
My semester in Tangier, Morocco gave me a love of travel and a travel course — snorkeling among coral reefs in Belize — gave me a career path.
What Will You Study? Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Program Curriculum Overview
UNE offers a common set of marine-based courses in the first two years of our marine programs, allowing you to switch easily between marine majors. Once you are settled in the Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture major, here are some of the courses you can look forward to:
- Systems Thinking and World Problems
- Aquaculture Policy and Management
- Ocean Aquaculture Design and Operation
- Marine Operations – Boating and Water Safety
- Ocean Foods Systems Seminar
Curriculum
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 221 – Principles of Aquaculture | 3 |
| BIO 222/222L – Finfish/Shellfish Culture Tech w/Lab | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| BIO 223/223L – Hlth, Nurt, Feed Cultured Org w/Lab | 4 |
| BUMG 313 – Social Innov & Entre or BUMK 312 – Entrepreneurship/Sml Business | 3 |
| CHE 110/110L – General Chemistry I w/Lab or CHE 111/111L – General Chemistry II w/Lab or CHE 130/130L – Principles of Chemistry w/Lab or CHE 150/150L – University General Chem I w/Lab or CHE 151/151L – University General Chem II w/Lab | 4 |
| GIS 161 – GIS I: Func/Geospatial Sci/Tech | 3 |
| MAF 315 – US Aquaculture Management & Policy | 3 |
| MAR 105/105L – Eco/Evo of Marine Organisms w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 106/106L – Cell/Molec Bio/Marine Orgs w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 150/150L – Discovering the Ocean Environ w/Lab or MAR 270/270L – Oceanography w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 235 – Sustainable Harvest of Aquatic Organisms | 3 |
| MAR 250/250L – Marine Biology w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 315 – Systems Thinking (World Problems) | 3 |
| MAR 427 – Ocean Aquaculture Design and Operations | 3 |
| MAR 445 – Social Ecological Aquaculture | 3 |
| MAR 495 – Adv Marine Science Internship or MAR 410 – Marine Science Research | 4 |
| MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences or MAT 151 – Statistics for Environmental Sciences | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| Six (6) credits of program-specific electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 58 |
| Open elective courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
Program Specific Electives
| Program Specific Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENV 220 – Conservation and Preservation | 3 |
| ENV 220L – Conservation and Preservation Lab | 2 |
| ENV 240 – Env Sustainability Lab | 2 |
| ENV 250 – Envir Policy Compar Perspect | 3 |
| ENV 261 – Gulf of Maine Field Studies I | 1.5 |
| ENV 262 – Gulf of Maine Field Studies II | 1.5 |
| ENV 309 – Sustainability & Eco Restor | 3 |
| ENV 311/311L – Ecological Monitoring w/Lab | 4 |
| ENV 328 – Env Pollution: Widlife/Hum Hlth | 3 |
| ENV 365 – Climate Change Adaptation | 3 |
| MAR 350/350L – Marine Ecology w/Lab | 4 |
Meet Chris, Aquaculture ’22
An aquaculture major interning at an oyster farm in Georgetown, Maine, Chris is learning — hands on — how to raise a sustainable, renewable protein source with the goal of starting his own oyster farm.
Potential Jobs in Aquaculture
UNE students are prepared for careers and graduate school. In fact, 95% of our undergraduates are employed or enrolled in higher education within one year of graduating.
With our Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture degree, you will gain the tools and experience needed to design, manage, and operate:
- Ocean-based fish pens
- Kelp aquaculture sites
- Bivalve sea farms
You will also gain an understanding of ocean-based aquaculture policies and regulations and the management skills needed to run both small and large sea farms. You will graduate from this program with a resume that is sure to land in the “keepers” pile of any employer in the aquaculture industry.
Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture degree majors may explore a wide variety of aquaculture jobs, including:
- Manager of farm lease applications and permits
- Sea grant extension agent
- Market development specialist
- International relations specialist
- Ocean farmer (including oyster, finfish, and kelp farming)
average annual salary of an aquaculture manager in the U.S.
(Recruiter.com)
Career Advising in the Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Program
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Facilities
UNE offers some of the best research, lab, and classroom facilities in the nation for the study of marine science — including state-of-the-art buildings, a fleet of research vessels, and our own research island — and you can access all of them right from our main campus in Biddeford, Maine.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Marine Science Center
Launch Girard Marine Science Center
Explore All School of Marine and Environmental Programs Facilities
Experiential Learning in the Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Program
Student Clubs in Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture
Our student clubs compliment the hands-on learning experiences you will enjoy in the classroom. Organizations include:
- Aquaponics Club: The Aquaponics Club provides learning and leadership opportunities within the School of Marine Programs’ student-managed aquaponics lab. The club is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of systems within the lab space and for tending to the fish and plants the systems are centered around. Club members receive hands-on experience with the plumbing and infrastructure required for recirculating aquaculture systems, as well as IACUC training on how to properly care for the fish in the system in compliance with federal regulations. The club’s efforts culminate in the display of edible plants at the living wall in the commons and in the Edible Campus Markets held twice a year to augment the UNE Sustainability Office’s Edible Campus Initiative.
- Aquarium Club: You will have the opportunity to learn and take care of fresh and saltwater tanks and learn about different species of fish and how to look after an aquarium. Select students are chosen by the advisor to help with care and maintenance.
- Marine and Environmental Programs Club: Become more involved and familiar with the Marine and Environmental Programs at UNE by connecting with both faculty and other resources. Upperclassman marine and environmental programs students will connect with new/underclassman marine and environmental programs students, meet and connect with professors to learn about research opportunities, learn about internships/job opportunities, build resumes, become familiar with all aspects of the marine and environmental programs, learn more about resources available, such as tutoring, and host events/community service projects related to marine and environmental programs.
Internships in the Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Degree Program
The real-world experiences you gain when you’re out on the water with classmates, completing internships with our industry partners, or conducting research with our faculty provide the hands-on skills you need to immediately jump into the ocean-based aquaculture industry after graduation — and thrive.
Nearby Portland, Maine, the epicenter of sea aquaculture in the state, provides numerous internship possibilities. Aquaculture businesses in Maine are undergoing rapid growth, which means more opportunities for our students to intern — building valuable career connections.
Possible internship sites include:
- Atlantic Sea Farms
- Bangs Island Mussels/Wild Ocean Aquaculture
- Eros Oysters
- Heritage Seaweed
- Maine Oyster Company
- Maine State Aquarium
- Nordic Aquafarms
- Saco Salmon Restoration Alliance and Hatchery
- Spinney Creek Shellfish
For more information email the Academic and Career Advising Center at advising@une.edu.
partner companies and organizations offering real-world experiences to our Marine students
Sustainable Aquaculture Research Opportunities
UNE provides a breadth of research opportunities not commonly offered to undergraduate students, and you’ll always work with a faculty member. From studying the safety of edible seaweed, to exploring the ecosystem services provided by ocean farming, there’s a research project with your name on it.
In addition to classes and faculty lab positions, UNE students have access to fellowship opportunities from partners such as Bristol Seafood and SEANET, as well as programs like UNE’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.
Research Areas
The field of Marine Science is as broad and diverse as the vast oceans that cover most of our planet. At UNE we touch upon all facets of marine science with special focuses in the following areas of research.
Applied Marine Technology
Applied marine technology is a crucial Marine Programs research area that cuts across all others. Robotics, research vessels, remote and autonomous underwater vehicles, environmental monitoring, and modeling are all vital tools that enable modern marine research to occur. Researchers in this area are interested in innovations in and novel applications for marine technology.
Part of our dedication to experiential learning includes providing opportunities to garner real-world skills that make you sought after in the job market and graduate education institutions. A shining example of this is our association with Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO). AALSO is a 501 c6 nonprofit organization that focuses on the education and training of aquatic life support operators around the world. AALSO members are those behind the scenes at research institutions and large public aquariums around the world who design, construct, and maintain large aquatic husbandry systems. AALSO provides professional credentialing and proficiency certifications that carry real weight in the industry. UNE is one of only two academic institutions who have been approved by AALSO to administer these tests to our students. Meaning you can walk out the door with a degree in hand, and a professional industry certification in your back pocket.
Researchers:
Boats, for obvious reasons, are important to marine research. At UNE we are fortunate enough to have a fleet of research and education vessels [ATS1] from 18’ to 32’ that are utilized in our programs. Add to this our faculty and professional staff with professional vessel operation credentials and experience operating and conducting science aboard ships and research vessels all over the world — and UNE Marine programs are well suited to help you gain the important technical knowledge needed to be proficient and safe both operating and conducting research at sea.
Researchers: Tim Arienti
The oceans cover more than 70% of the planet. The interconnectivity of life and ecosystems in the sea are incredibly complex, and distinctly linked to both the land and our atmosphere. Such complexity is nearly impossible to understand without the powerful predictive capacities of computer models. These models, based on data collected in the field, from satellites, the geological record, and elsewhere, are used to forecast (and hind-cast) everything from fish populations and food webs to ocean circulation, hurricanes, and climate change.
Researchers:
Ocean robotics and smart technology — in the form of underwater drones, manned submersibles, water quality sensors, oceanographic buoys, and camera systems — is a rapidly growing, and increasingly important marine field. In the age of technology, these tools are becoming vital components in enabling cutting-edge marine research across the board.
Researchers:
Biology of Marine Organisms
Our Marine Programs faculty and professional staff conduct a wide range of research in the areas of biology and ecology of marine organisms. This research area is very broad and ranges from marine genetics to the migration patterns of large animals like sharks, seals, and whales. From seaweed to sharks — plankton to pinnipeds (seals!) our team covers it all.
Food web dynamics focuses on how energy moves through organisms in an ecosystem through primary productivity (photosynthesis) and consumers. Researchers in our Marine programs study these interactions to create a “who’s eating who” web of connections between organisms in an ecosystem.
Researchers: Carrie Byron, Ph.D.
Invasive species are any species introduced to an ecosystem in which they are not native that then go on to cause disruption or harm to the functioning of that ecosystem. Marine organisms are adept at hitching rides in ballast water of ships, through hitchhiking on marine debris, or even through deliberate introduction. Researchers at UNE study these organisms and their ecological interactions and impacts in the Gulf of Maine and beyond.
Researchers: Markus Frederich, Ph.D.
There are more than 20,000 species of marine and fresh water bony fish on the planet, while mollusks alone (snails, bivalves, etc.) comprise more than 85,000 known species. Of all the expansive biodiversity contained within our oceans, the vast majority is contained within the marine invertebrates. With so much diversity, the opportunities for research in marine invertebrates are almost inexhaustible.
Researchers:
Life in the sea poses challenges unique to oceanic organisms, especially the smallest of those (microorganisms). By virtue of being immersed in water, they are at the mercy of the tides, currents, chemistry, and geology of the sea. Oceanography is the study of these physical properties and processes in the ocean — physical, chemical, and geological. Oceanography researchers at UNE study how these oceanographic components interact with each other and affect life in the sea.
Researchers:
With few exceptions, marine microbes and plankton form the base of the marine food web. Small but mighty, the plankton are the fuel for life in the sea. Researchers within our Marine programs study many facets of the biology, ecology, and even chemistry of this important and diverse group of organisms.
Researchers:
The largest organisms in an ecosystem are often sentinels of ecosystem health and serve key roles in the health and balance of our oceans. UNE researchers study the biology and ecology of sharks and marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine and across the globe.
Researchers:
Food from the Ocean
With a global human population headed towards 10 billion by 2050, understanding the interactions between the ocean and what we eat is more important than ever. Our location on the coast of Maine has a deep heritage and connections to the people and communities who have harvested food from the sea, and the ecosystems that provide it. We have robust research and education programs in this focus area including fisheries science and management, ecological aquaculture, marine entrepreneurship, migration of highly migratory species, and food web ecology.
Fisheries science and management are both distinct disciplines that are highly interwoven. Fisheries science creates the knowledge and data used in order for fisheries management to make the best possible policies to manage a fishery. The policies and the priorities set forth by management then in turn creates the framework for fisheries science to design and conduct research. At UNE, we have researchers with expertise on both sides of this important coin.
Researchers: Susan Farady
Globally, the saltwater ornamental fish and aquarium industry is valued at $15 billion, resulting in the importation of more than 400 fish species. And yet, only 10% of these fish are cultured. Ornamental aquaculture is the application of aquaculture techniques and protocols to produce fish and other organisms used for decorative purposes. This practice can help greatly reduce pressure on wild fish populations and increase the sustainability of a hobby growing rapidly on a global scale.
Researchers:
The global human population is projected to be more than 10 billion people by 2050. That is a lot of mouths to feed. And yet, while the oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, only 2% of food production (including all fisheries and ocean farms) comes from the sea. In the future there will be by necessity, increased pressure on global oceans to produce food. Much of this will come from ocean-farms producing not only fish, but shellfish, seaweeds, and other marine foods. Researchers in our Marine programs study the entire suite of issues pertaining to seafood and aquaculture.
Researchers:
Human Impacts on the Ocean
Evidence of human impact on the ocean is everywhere, not just limited to our coastal oceans. Plastics and chemicals have been documented from the deepest depths of the global seas, while climate change affects all aspects of the ocean. More and more, we cannot separate studying the natural ocean environment apart from human influence. Fisheries, microplastics, policy, pollution, conservation, and restoration all fall into this category. UNE Marine Programs faculty, professional staff, and students are focused on research and solutions across the spectrum of human influence on our seas.
Our climate is changing — rapidly. Its impacts are felt broadly across our planet, especially our oceans, which play crucial roles in mediating, moderating, and shaping the global impacts of accelerating planetary change. This is exemplified in our own backyard, where the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 90% of all other ocean waters. Rather than a discrete area of study, climate change research at UNE Marine Programs is more of an umbrella. One of the most important planetary challenges of our time, climate change research is integrated by necessity into almost all of our Marine Programs research and scholarship areas of focus.
Researchers:
Not all human impacts on the sea are negative. Human interventions in the forms of conservation and restoration science and policies can produce real and impactful improvement in the marine environment. Ecosystem and habitat restoration, invasive species mitigation and management and ocean advocacy are all part of UNE Marine Programs.
Researchers:
In many ways, the ocean represents a vast resource with the potential for creating economic growth in a sustainable or even restorative fashion. Opportunities here include sustainable fisheries and aquaculture ventures, ocean robotics, sensors and remote sensing, shipping, value-added marine-derived products such as cosmetics and nutraceuticals, even textiles and fashion.
Researchers: Jeri Fox
The ocean is downstream of everything and given a long enough period of time, everything ends up in the ocean. Marine pollution impacts our oceans through many pathways and in many forms: excess nutrients and runoff from urban and agricultural lands, bacteria from our wastewater, chemicals from our industries, and plastics from, well, everywhere…are just a few examples. Researchers in our Marine programs look into how the pollutants impact marine organisms and ecosystems, as well as techniques to mitigate and policies to prevent pollution from entering the ocean.
Researchers:
Global Education
In addition to opportunities to spend a semester abroad in Tangier, Morocco or Seville, Spain for the same cost as studying at UNE's Maine campuses, you may choose to enroll in one of our marine sciences-related travel courses. To enroll in these courses and learn more, visit the Global Education Program website.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
Belize
BIO 421: Marine Topics: Coral Reef Studies
This course presents an in-depth study of the biology and taxonomy of corals while examining the ecology of the coral reef system and the future of reefs.
Galápagos
MAR 451: Natural History and Evolution of the Galapagos Fauna
This course is designed to familiarize you with the biota of the Galapagos Islands, island history, ecology, and the behavior and evolution of the islands' animals.
Iceland
Semester-Long Study Abroad Program
Spend a semester abroad in Akureyri on the northeast coast of Iceland. You'll be studying in Iceland's second-largest urban area surrounded by mountains and fjords.
Panama
BIO 421: Conservation and Ecology of a Caribbean Island
This course covers topics in the history and geology of the Caribbean, including terrestrial, island, and marine biodiversity, plus the ecology and evolution of populations.
UNE North
The Institute for North Atlantic Studies of the University of New England is an education and research leader for Maine connected to the North Atlantic/Arctic region grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and built to support local to global collaborative approaches to shared challenges and opportunities.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture program?
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture FAQ
What is aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the cultivation or farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, under controlled conditions. It involves the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic species in ponds, tanks, cages, or other water environments.
The primary goal of aquaculture is to produce seafood for human consumption, but it can also serve other purposes such as stocking water bodies for recreational fishing, restoring endangered species, and producing ornamental fish and plants. This is where the term sustainable ecological aquaculture comes into play.
At UNE, you can earn a B.S. in Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture where you will learn directly from faculty who are experts in the field and study on a campus with the Atlantic Ocean in its backyard.
Aquaculture practices vary widely and can include freshwater or marine environments. Common species cultivated through aquaculture include salmon, tilapia, shrimp, oysters, and clams.
The industry has grown significantly in response to the increasing demand for seafood and the depletion of wild fish stocks due to overfishing. While aquaculture provides a sustainable means of seafood production, it also raises environmental and social concerns related to water pollution, habitat destruction, and the use of antibiotics and chemicals. Sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices aim to address these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
What can you do with a sustainable ecological aquaculture degree?
A degree in sustainable ecological aquaculture can open various career opportunities in the field of aquaculture and related industries. Here are some potential career paths for individuals with a sustainable ecological aquaculture degree:
Aquaculture Farm Manager
Manage and oversee the daily operations of aquaculture farms, including the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms. This role involves ensuring proper water quality, feeding, and disease control.
Aquaculture Researcher
Conduct research to improve aquaculture techniques, develop new species for cultivation, and address challenges such as disease prevention and environmental sustainability.
Aquaculture Extension Officer
Work in outreach and education to provide support and guidance to aquaculture farmers. This role involves disseminating information about best practices, new technologies, and government regulations.
Aquaculture Consultant
Offer specialized advice and consulting services to aquaculture businesses, helping them optimize their operations, solve problems, and implement sustainable practices.
Aquaculture Technician
Carry out day-to-day tasks on aquaculture farms, such as monitoring water conditions, feeding animals, and maintaining equipment. Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of aquatic organisms.
Fisheries Biologist
Study and manage fish populations in natural environments, contributing to conservation efforts and sustainable fisheries management.
Environmental Consultant
Assess and address the environmental impact of aquaculture operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting sustainable practices.
Aquaculture Product Development Specialist
Work with companies to develop new aquaculture products, such as feeds, equipment, or technologies, to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Government Regulatory Officer
Enforce regulations related to aquaculture practices, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, food safety, and other legal requirements.
Educator
Teach aquaculture-related courses at educational institutions, training the next generation of aquaculture professionals.
Aquaculture Entrepreneur
Start and manage your own aquaculture business, which could involve cultivating specific species, developing innovative technologies, or establishing niche markets.
Additional notes
The field of sustainable ecological aquaculture is diverse, and individuals with an aquaculture degree can find opportunities in both public and private sectors, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The choice of career path may depend on personal interests, specialization within aquaculture, and the specific skills acquired during the academic program.
As a Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture major at UNE, you will graduate with the necessary tools and experience to design, manage, and operate ocean-based fish pens, kelp aquaculture sites, and bivalve sea farms.
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, UNE’s Career Advising Center is here to help you plan your next step in the field of sustainable ecological aquaculture.
What is kelp farming?
Kelp farming, also known as seaweed farming, involves the cultivation of large marine algae called kelp for various purposes.
Kelp is a type of brown algae that grows in underwater forests in coastal areas. Kelp farming has gained attention as a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice with a range of potential applications. Here are some key aspects of kelp farming:
Cultivation
Kelp is typically cultivated in underwater areas with suitable conditions, such as shallow coastal waters. Cultivation methods include the use of ropes or lines anchored to the ocean floor, where kelp spores attach and grow into mature plants.
Sustainability
Kelp is known for its rapid growth and ability to absorb nutrients from the water, making it a sustainable crop. It does not require freshwater or fertilizers, and it can help mitigate ocean acidification by extracting carbon dioxide from the water.
Environmental Benefits
Kelp farming provides several environmental benefits, including habitat for marine life, carbon sequestration, and nutrient removal from the water. The underwater kelp forests created by farming can serve as important ecosystems, supporting biodiversity.
Harvesting
Kelp is typically harvested when it reaches a certain size, and the timing depends on the specific species and intended use. Harvesting methods may involve cutting the kelp plants, and the harvested seaweed can be used for various purposes.
Commercial Applications
Kelp has diverse commercial applications. It can be used as a food source for humans, providing a nutritious and sustainable alternative. Kelp extracts can be used in the production of various products, including food additives, cosmetics, fertilizers, and biofuels.
Aquaculture Integration
Kelp farming is sometimes integrated into aquaculture systems, providing additional benefits. For example, kelp can be grown alongside fish or shellfish farms to improve water quality and create a more sustainable and integrated aquaculture environment.
Restoration Projects
Kelp farming is also used in environmental restoration projects. Cultivating kelp in areas where natural kelp forests have declined can help restore marine ecosystems and provide crucial habitat for marine organisms.
Additional notes
Kelp farming is gaining popularity as a promising and sustainable practice that aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture and responsible marine resource management. It offers opportunities for both environmental conservation and economic development, particularly in coastal communities.
What is the best sustainable ecological aquaculture degree program for me?
Below are a few factors that you should look for when searching for a sustainable ecological aquaculture degree program.
Faculty
When looking for information about any college degree program, it’s important to learn a little bit about the type of faculty you will be learning from. Consider reviewing faculty labs and research opportunities to determine the best fit for your educational journey.
The faculty at UNE’s School of Marine and Environmental Programs are experienced, skilled, and supportive. We have faculty that specialize in sustainable ecological aquaculture. They provide relevant coursework and research opportunities that equips students to excel in their respective fields.
Meet faculty and professional staff in UNE’s School of Marine and Environmental Programs
Curriculum
Explore the sustainable ecological aquaculture curriculum to ensure the degree program matches your interest. Look into the types of classes you would be taking in areas like ocean food systems or aquaculture management.
UNE’s Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture (SEA) degree program offers a common set of marine-based courses in the first two years of our marine programs, allowing you to switch easily between related marine majors. First and second year students have opportunities to take related elective courses and participate in SEA and general aquaculture research.
Once you are settled in UNE’s Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture major, here are some of the courses you can look forward to:
- Systems Thinking and World Problems
- Aquaculture Policy and Management
- Ocean Aquaculture Design and Operation
- Marine Operations – Boating and Water Safety
- Ocean Foods Systems Seminar
Learn more about UNE’s B.S. in Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture curriculum
Career Goals
Choose a sustainable ecological aquaculture program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.
Through UNE’s Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture degree program, you will graduate with the tools and experience necessary to design, manage, and operate ocean-based fish pens, kelp aquaculture sites, and bivalve sea farms. You will also obtain management skills that are pertinent to run both small and large sea farms.
Aquaculture careers have competitive salaries. The current average annual salary of an aquaculture manager in the U.S. is $76,810.
UNE Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture majors are set to graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to explore a wide variety of professions, including:
- Manager of farm lease applications and permits
- Sea grant extension agent
- Market development specialist
- International relations specialist
- Ocean farmer (oyster, kelp, finfish)
UNE students can work with our Academic and Career Advising Center to find a path that matches their passions. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Learning Environment
Decide whether you want to stay within your state or explore opportunities in another state. Evaluate whether the student and faculty community aligns with your desire for inspiration and intellectual stimulation.
Location plays a huge part for students when deciding where to go to school for sustainable ecological aquaculture. UNE offers an ideal location on the coast of Maine for sustainable ecological aquaculture majors. Overall, UNE boasts small class sizes. We have a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 20.
With the ocean just feet from our coastal Maine campus, UNE offers a truly unique experience for our B.S. in Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture (SEA) majors. Our learning environment allows students to gain skills for the job market through abundant hands-on experience out on the water. UNE students in our SEA degree program will have the opportunity to work and learn on our University-operated kelp farm, private island, and partner aquaculture sites.
UNE students study abroad at nearly five times the national average. Our Global Education Program offers an array of short-term travel courses to many destinations.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Financial Aid
Consider whether the school you’re interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.
A UNE undergraduate education is affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE