Learn by Doing
Sitka stands as a stronghold for the Alaskan fisheries and aquaculture industries, making it an ideal location to embark on a career path in marine science. Amidst breathtaking wildlife and biodiversity, students acquire a deep understanding of various facets of Alaska aquaculture.
Field trips to streams and hatcheries provide comprehensive insights into fish biology and stock enhancement techniques. Interactions with shellfish farmers expose students to potential careers in ocean farming, and within the program, students actively manage their own seaweed hatchery at the UAS-Sitka mariculture lab.
Aquaculture Semester Core (13 Credits)
Alaskan Salmon Culture I - Fisheries Technology 122, 3 credits
In this overview course, students will learn the basic principles of Pacific salmon enhancement and hatchery management.
Intro to Mariculture - Fisheries Technology 123, 3 credits
An introduction to the principles, concepts and methods used in the production of seaweed, shellfish and other mariculture products with an emphasis on the techniques used by Alaskan producers.
Fish Pathology Lab - Fisheries Technology 125, 1 credit
Students study fish anatomy, physiology, and learn about common diseases found in fish species throughout Alaska.
Alaskan Aquaculture Lab - Fisheries Technology 223, 1 credit
A hands-on lab-based experience. Students will take a closer look at salmon culture techniques in action, as they are performed and applied in hatcheries in and around Sitka.
Small Vessel Operator - Marine Transportation 119, 1 credit
Learn to safely operate a small vessel in Alaskan waters. Covers navigation, rules of the road, trip planning including weather, radio operation, line handling and vessel operation including a practice session on the water. Foul weather/rain gear may be required.
Outboard Motor Maintenance - Marine Transportation 120, 1 credit
An introduction to outboard systems that need maintenance and upkeep for efficient operation. Ignition, carburetion power head and lower unit systems will be studied emphasizing preventive maintenance.
Cold Water Survival -Fisheries Technology 150, 1 Credit
This course consists of classroom instruction, pool skills, and ocean experiences. Topics include: hypothermia, dressing for cold, PFDs and their uses, retrieving someone who falls overboard, radio calls, and survival suit and raft training.
Fisheries internship in Alaska aquaulture industry - Fisheries Technology 291, 2 Credits
This course is an opportunity for students to apply their Pacific salmon enhancement techniques and coursework in a professional aquaculture setting. Students will be matched with local facilities to further practice and develop their hands-on hatchery techniques and skills.
Supplementary Courses
UAS offers several other fisheries and marine skills courses that you can take to supplement your Alaska Aquaculture Semester core. These courses include:
- FT 120: Fisheries of Alaska
- FT 188: Basic SCUBA Diving
- FT 189: Advanced SCUBA Diving
- FT 211: Fisheries Management Techniques
- FT 272: Fisheries Management, Law, and Economics
- FT 274: Fisheries Biology
- OCN 101: Introduction to Oceanography
You can find more information about UAS's Fisheries Technology program course offerings in the UAS Academic Catalog.