MASTERS STUDENT OF APPRIED SCIENCE AND AQUACULTURE
Individuals Institute
James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
How did you become interested in studying aquaculture
Most people working in aquaculture come from a place close to the sea or a river. I am the same. The first real experience, which shaped the course I would take, was a work placement I had for six weeks on a rainbow trout farm, where I worked in the hatchery and nurseryproduction unit. I was 19, and in the first year of my Bachelor of Tropical Agriculture when I undertook this compulsory internship.
I completed a BSc in Tropical Agriculture and developing countries economy during which I worked nearly 1 year in aquaculture at different projects/positions. Now I am studying for a Masters of Applied Science and Aquaculture. This first semester I study management of culture systems, tropical aquaculture species, ecophysiology, marine ecology and environmental assessment. Next semester I will study propagation, pathobiology, system design, and marine biology (algae or invertebrates)
Did you go through any training while going to school that was beneficial
In the first year of my undergraduate degree, I spent 6 weeks on a rainbow trout farm and completed a compulsory activity report. In second year I spent 3 months working on a pearl oyster resources development project in Kiribati (central Pacific). In third year I spent 6 months in a research institute (IFREMER) working on the feasibility of hatchery production and assessment of different algadiet. These three experiences were very interesting and helped to orient me towards the type of job I would like in the future.
Do you have any recommendations for individuals currently studying
Make sure you get some work experience in aquaculture, fisheries or aquatic area management. So you will have a good idea if you like working outside, with animals, contact with water, cleaning, maintenance, and production. It can be an intensive and time-consuming discipline. Often the location of the work is remote, not a job for city lovers.
Does the career field have potential to expand in the future? Is the career field a good option for both students and professionals considering a career switch?
Hatchery production is the first basic step in any so-called aquaculture production. Yes there is definitely a future for expansion, with extensive research taking place into new aquaculture species; there will be many great challenges in the area of pathobiology and diseasecontrol.
Can you explain your best experience in the profession ?
I really enjoyed working in Tahiti where I made contact with scientists working in diverse fields. There I learnt a lot on how to plan a management strategy for hatchery production, preserve sanitary control and to discuss experimental results. I could discuss and learn about many important topics related to different aquaculture projects.
I also appreciated working in Kiribati. The people are so friendly there. I assisted a scientific project officer with a resource development project for pearl oysters. Aquaculture has a real potential to develop local economies, especially for developing small island countries. A good quality production offers a good opportunity for export.
I also worked for a time with AquaTT, the European Network for Training and Technology Transfer in Aquaculture. I worked as an Assistant Project Officer, managing and developing projects to support expansion of aquaculture through student placements and online information and resources.
What are you reading or watching to stay abreast on industry/market changes, improvements, challenges, etc.?
Right now I must read 10 scientific papers per week as part of my studies. I would also recommend aquaculture magazines and other national/regional aquaculture related magazines, which usually have broad up-to-date information.
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