There are currently relatively few formal qualifications linked to commercial aquaculture compared with qualifications associated with commercial fishing. However this is changing, with several options already available and others likely to come online in future as the aquaculture sector expands.
Aquaculture has now been incorporated into some existing tertiary education courses, although to date there is no dedicated aquaculture degree. There are however a number of post-graduate options, such as a post-graduate diploma at Stellenbosch University. Aquaculture is also offered as a course component of degrees such as marine science and agriculture.
By contrast there is a fully-fledged Aquaculture Engineering degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Most commercial aquaculture farms favour senior staff with some form of formal training, with agriculture and marine science particularly highly regarded. Entry-level jobs require little or no training, although on-the-job training is imperative.
WORKING TOWARDS A CAREER IN AQUACULTURE:
Aquaculture Innovations
Courses:
• Practical Fish Farmer Course (5 days of life on a fish farm - Grahamstown).
• Aquaculture System Management Course (3 days theory – Pretoria).
• Commercial Aquaponics Course (2 day theory & practical – Pretoria and Grahamstown).
• Combined Aquaculture and Aquaponics Course (4 days theory – various countries) .
Contact Details:
Website. E-mail: info@aquaafrica.co.za
Telephone: +27 (0) 46 622 3690
David Fincham Aquaculture
Courses: David Fincham Aquaculture Training Programme
Overview: The course covers 10 Modules and includes all the Learner Manuals, Practical session and knowledge tests. The training is conducted both off site and on the farm. Students may also achieve SETA accreditation through our SETA accredited service provider.
Contact Details:
Website. Telephone: +27 (0) 11 678 1906
Institutions offering certificates, diplomas and degrees:
Contact Details: Telephone +27 (0) 21 650 9111
Contact Details: Telephone: +27 (0) 21 808 9111. E-mail: info@sun.ac.za
Rhodes University (Eastern Cape): Short courses in aquaculture for agriculture extension officers and veterinarians with the support from DAFF. Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science offers undergraduate and postgraduate course in aquaculture. An aquaculture module is offered at Rhodes University if one majors in Ichthyology and Fisheries Science within the undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree. Contact Details: Telephone: +27 (0)46 603 8111
Contact Details: Telephone +27 (0) 21 9592911.
Contact Details: Telephone +27 (0) 31 260 8596. E-mail: education@ukzn.ac.za / enquiries@ukzn.ac.za
Contact Details: Telephone +27 (0) 51 401 2634. E-mail: info@ufs.ac.za
Contact Details: Telephone +27 (0) 41 504 1111. E-mail: info@mandela.ac.za
University of Limpopo (Limpopo): Science Faculty - Aquaculture Research Unit – offers aquaculture courses at a postgraduate level, focusing on freshwater finfish. Contact Details: Telephone: +27 (0) 15 268 2788
FOOD SCIENCE
Course: Food Science Honours (BSc)
Overview: In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, they strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges. This Food Science (Hons) programme is offered by University of Pretoria.
Academic Requirements:
• BSc (Food Science): A final grade point average of at least 60% at final-year level or on recommendation of the head of the department can be admitted;
• Passing of a preliminary examination and/or completion of certain prescribed modules
Course: Food Technology BTech
Overview: The course produces competent technologists capable of decision-making at an intellectual level requiring mature judgement. Graduates are able to conceive, identify and optimise technical solutions for the design and production of food products
AQUACULTURE ENGINEERING & MAINTENANCE
Course: Aquaculture Engineering Degree
Overview: The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is currently the only university in South Africa to offer an Agricultural Engineering degree. This degree is offered by the School of Bioresources Engineering and Envi- ronmental Hydrology (BEEH) and is accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa. The School of BEEH offers a 4 year BSc Eng degree and also MSc Eng and PhD degrees in Agricultural Engineering.
Course: Short Courses
Contact Details: Telephone: +27 (0) 12 842 4043
AGRICULTURE TRAINING & DEGREES
Contact Details: Telephone: +27 (0) 49 802 6600
Contact Details: Telephone: +27 (0) 21 8085111
RELATED ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS
Contact Details: Telephone: +27 (0) 12 803 5208. E-mail: info@aasaaqua.co.za.
This information is provided as a reference only. SAIMI does not guarantee the accuracy nor the accreditation credentials of the institutions. It is still the learners responsibility to engage directly with the relevant institution to obtain the required information.
SAIMI will update this information as and when it becomes aware of any changes. Institutions and Training providers are welcome to send updates to us for inclusion on our website, subject to verification thereof.
