Program overview
Take a deep dive into the mysterious world beneath the water’s surface. Become skilled in caring for the aquatic animals and plants that populate our zoos and aquariums, and learn the intricacies of the fastest-growing sector of the food industry: the cultivation of marine and freshwater species. 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í’s bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science prepares you for a range of aquatic science professions, and there is no better place for your studies than our unique riverside and oceanfront campus.
The B.S. in Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences is no longer accepting students. The B.S. in Aquaculture, Aquarium Sciences, and Aquaponics and the B.S. in Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture are 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í’s exciting new majors for students interested in these areas.
Why 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í for Aquaculture and Aquarium Science
With the only Bachelor of Science program in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science in the U.S., 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í is the ideal place for your studies. Located at the convergence of the Saco River and Atlantic Ocean, we offer direct access to both fresh and salt waters as well as cutting-edge facilities.
- Recirculating aquaculture, aquaponics, and flow-through seawater systems
- Aquarium Science and Conservation Lab
- Zebrafish facility
- On-campus administration of AALSO (Aquatic Animal Life Support Organization) Level 1 Certification exam
Ashlee Griffith ’22
Experiential Education
Credit-bearing internships are helpful because they integrate your studies with what you are physically doing in the internship. They really help build upon the knowledge you get in class by showing you how to apply that knowledge in the field or show you how that knowledge is used in the career itself.
I’ve loved my classes at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í and I wanted to get wanted some real-world experience as well in my chosen career field, to ensure that is what I wanted to do but to also build my resume. I interned at the Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine, in their aquarium department.
I think this internship has provided me with invaluable experience in my chosen field, giving me more knowledge and therefore confidence in my abilities. I got experience from different disciplines that will be involved in my future career goals. I got the hands-on animal care and aquarium tank maintenance that I felt I was missing before this internship.
I also got experience with program design because I was allowed to use my minor in Animal Behavior to work with a staff member to design Animal Behavior programming.
My internship has helped me know for sure that I am on the right track of doing what I love.
Hands-on Learning
This internship has helped me apply the knowledge my 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í classes have given me outside of the classroom. I was able to compare my first-hand experience to things I learned in class
My classes and labs, particularly those in my [Marine Biology] major and minor, gave me the conceptual knowledge to have a basic understanding of the animals I would be caring for, but to also share those facts with the kids.
Many of my classes use native or local flora and fauna as examples, which was really beneficial because the Children’s Museum’s aquarium focuses on animals found in Maine waters.
Classes outside of my major and minor helped me with the diversity and communication skills I would need to work in a setting where many people from different backgrounds would work with me or come in to visit.
My internship helped me apply the knowledge my 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í classes have given me outside of the classroom. I was able to compare my first-hand experience to things I learned in class at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í.
Academics
Examples of Available Courses
There are many ways you can navigate this major. The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:
- Principles of Aquaculture
- Techniques in Finfish and Shellfish Culture
- Health, Nutrition, and Feeding of Cultured Organisms
- Fish Genetics
- Principles of Aquarium Operations & Science
- Environmental Microbiology
Meet Chris, Aquaculture '22
An aquaculture major interning at an oyster farm in Georgetown, Maine, Chris is learning — hands on — how to raise a sustainable, renewable protein source with the goal of starting his own oyster farm.
Careers
While developing a solid foundation in aquatic sciences, you will acquire strong analytical business skills, master vast technical skills, and nurture your ability to work closely with others through classes, research, and internships. With virtually all of the program's graduates employed in their field or accepted into graduate school within six months of receiving their diplomas, we know that our students leave the program ready to succeed. They have pursued a wide range of professions, including:
- Aquatic Collection Curator
- Entrepreneur
- Breeder
- Water Quality Technician
- Fish Farmer
- Veterinarian
- Hatchery Manager
- Fisheries Biologist
Career Advising
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Global Education
In addition to opportunities to spend a semester abroad in Tangier, Morocco or Seville, Spain for the same cost as studying at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í's Maine campuses, you may choose to enroll in one of our marine sciences-related travel courses. To enroll in these courses and learn more, visit the Global Education Program website.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
BIO 422/422L: Coral Biology
This fall semester course presents an in-depth study of the biology and taxonomy of corals while examining the ecology of the coral reef system and the future of reefs, concluding with a field lab. You will snorkel in the beautiful lagoons of Ambergris Caye, the Hol Chan and Bacalar Chico Marine Reserves. The group is housed in a field station on the northern tip of Ambergris Caye with access to the reef ecosystem, mangroves, seagrass beds, and jungle.
MAR 451: Natural History and Evolution of the ³Ò²¹±ôá±è²¹²µ´Ç²õ Fauna
This course is designed to familiarize you with the biota of the ³Ò²¹±ôá±è²¹²µ´Ç²õ Islands, island history, ecology, and the behavior and evolution of the islands' animals.
Semester-Long Study Abroad Program
Spend a semester abroad in Akureyri on the northeast coast of Iceland. You'll be studying in Iceland's second-largest urban area surrounded by mountains and fjords.
BIO 421: Conservation and Ecology of a Caribbean Island
This course covers topics in the history and geology of the Caribbean, including terrestrial, island, and marine biodiversity, plus the ecology and evolution of populations.
The Institute for North Atlantic Studies of the 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í is an education and research leader for Maine connected to the North Atlantic/Arctic region grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and built to support local to global collaborative approaches to shared challenges and opportunities.
Experiential Learning
Our Aquaculture and Aquarium Science degree program provides a skills-heavy, hands-on curriculum that uses an applied approach to marine and freshwater aquatic sciences, giving you real-world experiences — because studying is not the same as doing.
Internships
Our active community partnership with many organizations provides work experience at diverse sites, including:
- Nonesuch Oyster Co.
- New England Aquarium Services
- Saco Salmon Restoration Alliance and Hatchery
- Gaia Live
For more information email the Academic and Career Advising Center at advising@une.edu.
Skills and Opportunities
- Learn to care for aquatic animals and plants
- Design and operate aquaponics systems
- Master the principles of water movement and filtration
- Perform your own research, beginning freshman year
- Attend and present at national conferences
Hands-on Marine Research
Research Opportunities
Undergraduate research is an essential part of our programs, no matter which major you choose. All students conduct research in the field through their regular coursework beginning in their freshman year, with additional opportunities to gain experience through faculty labs and multi-institutional initiatives.
Research Fellowships
In addition to lab classes and faculty lab positions, 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í provides pathways for students to obtain research experience through fellowships from partners and programs including Pratt & Whitney, Bristol Seafood, SEANET, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.
Research Areas
The field of Marine Science is as broad and diverse as the vast oceans that cover most of our planet. At 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í we touch upon all facets of marine science with special focuses in the following areas of research.
Applied Marine Technology
Applied marine technology is a crucial Marine Programs research area that cuts across all others. Robotics, research vessels, remote and autonomous underwater vehicles, environmental monitoring, and modeling are all vital tools that enable modern marine research to occur. Researchers in this area are interested in innovations in and novel applications for marine technology.
Part of our dedication to experiential learning includes providing opportunities to garner real-world skills that make you sought after in the job market and graduate education institutions. A shining example of this is our association with Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO). AALSO is a 501 c6 nonprofit organization that focuses on the education and training of aquatic life support operators around the world. AALSO members are those behind the scenes at research institutions and large public aquariums around the world who design, construct, and maintain large aquatic husbandry systems. AALSO provides professional credentialing and proficiency certifications that carry real weight in the industry. 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í is one of only two academic institutions who have been approved by AALSO to administer these tests to our students. Meaning you can walk out the door with a degree in hand, and a professional industry certification in your back pocket.
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