Aquaculture

Contact: Matt Wilson, (208) 733-3972
mwilson@csi.edu

The Aquaculture Program educates and trains people to meet the expanding needs in the commercial aquaculture industry. Students enrolled in the nine-month program learn and work at the college hatchery and for area commercial facilities throughout their educational experience. Students build a broad background of experience for future education and employment.

Gainful Employment data for this program may be found on the department web page: https://www.csi.edu/ge/Aqua

Program Application Required: Yes

Sample Career Opportunities: Farmers, Ranchers, Agricultural Manager, First-line Supervisor of Farming

Upon successful completion of the Aquaculture program, a student will be able to:

  1. Culture fish throughout their life cycle, from egg to adult, using best practices that are consistent with industry standards, to ensure a healthy, high quality final product.
  2. Selectively breed and manage two strains of rainbow trout to ensure proper numbers for future production.
  3. Use best management practices and current equipment to ensure proper feeding and nutrition of fish.
  4. Monitor, sample, and use best management practices to ensure effluent water complies with the Clean Water Act and our NPDES permit.
  5. Effectively operate and incorporate necessary technology such as pumps, heaters, and various meters to ensure production water quality parameters are met.
  6. Identify pathogens and diseases and implement proper control procedures when necessary. 
  7. Develop and implement a management strategy to track inventory, expenses, and income to determine profit or loss of a crop.
  8. Use and maintain common equipment and machinery used in industry.
  9. Set up, load and haul fish to processing plants, private ponds, and various waters within the state.