As the world’s population increases, the availability of land to grow food continues to decrease. So using our oceans, rivers and lakes to produce aquatic animals as a food source makes sense. This fact, along with the increasing pressure on global fish resources, has seen the Australian aquaculture industry go from strength to strength. So if you are keen to improve your food sustainability, already have an interest in aquaculture, or are after a career change, why not be a part of it?
The Certificate of Aquaculture is an online program that will introduce you to the scope and nature of aquaculture, and the containment, feeding, harvesting and health of a variety of freshwater fish.
In this professional development course, you will explore the different aquaculture production systems available, and the optimal conditions for producing crayfish and a range of fish, including trout, barramundi, bass, marron and yabbies.
You will also study how to finance an aquaculture operation, and the economics of establishing and running an aquaculture farm, including the areas of planning, production and marketing.
On completion of this course, you will have the foundations for a lifelong career in aquaculture, a profitable business, or a resource that will reduce your food bills and improve the quality of your family’s diet!
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Introduction to aquaculture
- Scope and nature of freshwater aquaculture
- Resources, references, organisations around the world
- Equipment and material suppliers
Unit 2 - Production systems - EP and IP
- Open, semi closed and closed systems
- Extensive production
- Intensive production
- Water containment: earth, concrete, wood, brick, stone, fibre-glass, liners, etc
- Dams and water storage: siting, site
Unit 3 - What species to farm
- Selection criteria
- Climate
- Water resources
- Finance
- Scale of operation
- Other resources: manpower, knowledge, support services, etc.
- Market demand and access
- Ecological considerations
- Risk considerations
- Review of different fish: we review many fish and other species suited to farming in Australia,the UK and other countries), including:
- Trout
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Bass
- Catfish
- Carp
- Cod
- River blackfish
- Marron
- Algae
Unit 4 - Trout
- Three main trout species
- Farming trout
- Water
- Determining flow in source water
- Water temperature
- Water dissolved oxygen
- Stocking rates for production pools
- Spawning trout
- Checking the fish
- Stripping technique
- Fertilisation of ova
- Hatching ova
- From hatch to free swimming stage
- Feed
- After free swim stage
Unit 5 - Barramundi
- Industry perspective
- Breeding and growth rates
- Induced breeding; hormone injection
- Growth
- Fry management and after care
- Grow out
- Pond rearing for larvae
- Barramundi diseases and parasites
Unit 6 - Bass
- Varieties: Australian bass, American loudmouth, Smallmouth
- Habitat requirements: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH
- Natural spawning cycle
- Controlled spawning
- Harvesting
Unit 7 - Freshwater crayfish
- Scope and nature of crustacean aquaculture
- Marron and Yabbie
- Conditions: water, temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, organic loading, water clarity, pod size
- Initial breeding stocks
- Production potential
- Stocking rates
- Breeding
- Growth
- Feeding
- Composts for Marron feeding
- Red Claw
- Yabbie
- Spiny Freshwater Crayfish
Unit 8 - Setting up a fish farm
- Land and water
- Water requirements
- Extensive production dams
- Intensive production pools and raceways
- Cages
- Biological filtration systems
- Filter efficiency
- Clearing turbid water in dams
- Protecting fish
- Improving genetic quality of fish
- Economics of establishing and running an aquaculture farm
- Financial management
- Financial institutions
- Better planning
- Economics
- What to plan for
- Production
- Marketing
Unit 9 - Fish foods and feeding
- Scope and nature
- Pelleted feed
- Live feed
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Worms
- Night lights
- Fishmeal
- Oil meals
- Fish food production
- Beef heart
- Legumes
- Seafood and vegetable mix
- Earthworm and compost production
Unit 10 - Harvesting
- Introduction
- Harvesting techniques: seine nets, gill nets, traps, long lines, funnel trap, flyke trap, etc
- Fish pumps
- Mechanical graders
- Fish health management
- Review of diseases: salmonids, barramundi, trout, carp, etc
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Fish Farmers
- Sustainability Farmers
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