A.S. - Sustainable Aquaculture Technology

The Associate of Science in Sustainable Aquaculture Technology program at Santa Monica College provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pursue careers in the growing field of aquaculture. This program covers key areas such as ecology and sustainability, systems design, sustainable fish farming, shellfish and seaweed cultivation, marine ecosystem management, microbial ecology in aquaculture, genetics in aquaculture, and special topics on sustainable aquaculture technology. Students will learn about water quality management, invertebrate and vertebrate health, rare species cultivation, hatchery and propagation operations, biosecurity, and food safety practices while gaining practical skills through laboratory work and practical work experiences. Graduates will be prepared to work in various sectors, including fish farms, hatcheries, environmental agencies, and marine/aquaculture-focused research institutions.

Program Highlights:
• Comprehensive curriculum that is industry-aligned, emphasizing aquaculture techniques and design for algae, shellfish, and finfish in open
water off-shore applications and onshore recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
• Experiential learning through practical laboratory work, internships, and fieldwork
• Engage students with local aquaculture operations and industry experts to provide networking opportunities

Career Opportunities:
• Aquaculture/Hatchery Technician
• Aquatic Health Specialist
• Fisheries Management Assistant
• Fish and Wildlife Technician
• Aquaponics Technician

a total of 10

Engage students with the historical and current practices of aquaculture to develop best practices in sustainability within the global climate context;

Prepare students for the aquaculture workforce through a comprehensive curriculum in techniques and methodologies in breeding, cultivation, and harvesting of aquatic taxa;

Develop problem-solving skills to address challenges in aquaculture operations, such as disease management, resource optimization, and sustainable farming practices, by applying research principles and innovative approaches;

Introduce business principles to support the effective management and growth of aquaculture operations; and

Provide practical workplace experience that foster professional work habits in a safe, and productive environment.

Program requirements are offered throughout the academic school year, including the intersessions, to allow students the opportunity to complete courses in two years while maintaining continuity in the program. Courses are delivered in various formats, including online, hybrid, and in-person. Laboratory courses are conducted in-person to build technical skills, while work-based experiences—such as shadowing, internships, independent studies, facility tours, and industry-expert guest speakers—provide students with a well-rounded, career-oriented education.

While there are two other community colleges in Southern California that offer agriculture programs with the same top code (0115.20) one college in Northern California with an existing aquaculture program with a different top code (1920.00), there is not an existing aquaculture program in Los Angeles County with top code 0115.20. This is currently a small market that needs a skilled workforce and is expected to increase greatly in the future, as the need for food security and endangered species restoration intensifies. Entry-level positions hourly earnings range from $15.58 to $20.88 while experienced workers can expect to earn $21.66 to $29.78, which are considered higher than the self-sufficiency standard in LA County (Center of Excellence Program Endorsement, Top Code 0115.20, August 2024). Additionally, the program is designed to enable students to continue to add skills through additional coursework and training after completing program requirements for the Certificates of Achievement - Aquaculture Technician I & II.

Life Sciences

10 projected

New Program