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Bachelor of Sustainable Fisheries & Marine Resources (Aquaculture)

Study aquaculture, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries science, and marine resource management through practical training and field-based learning at UNRE.

Program Overview

The Department of Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Resources is one of the four departments in the School of Natural Resources. It combines passion for marine science with hands-on learning and prepares students for careers in fisheries and marine conservation.

Where Passion for Fisheries and Marine Science Meets Hands-On Learning

The department uses its ocean and marine environments as “living laboratories,” giving students strong practical exposure and an educational experience grounded in real-world fisheries and marine systems.

Entry Requirements

Department and Program Structure

Students complete common foundation courses in Year 1 and Year 2, then specialize in their chosen major from Year 3 through Year 4.

Department

Qualified Teaching Team

The department includes eleven academic staff, four technical staff, and one administrative staff member, with both academic and industry experience.

Award

Degree and Exit Award

The department offers undergraduate degree majors in Aquaculture, Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries Science & Management, and Fisheries Technology, with an Advanced Diploma available as an exit award.

Why Choose the Aquaculture Major?

The Aquaculture major is one of the four majors in the department and builds strong scientific and applied capability in fish production, fish health, aquatic systems, and fisheries technology.

Foundation and Specialization

  • Common foundation in Year 1 and Year 2.
  • Specialization begins in Year 3.
  • Advanced Aquaculture coursework continues into Year 4.

Practical and Applied Focus

  • Strong grounding in aquaculture systems and aquatic ecology.
  • Training in fish disease management, fish nutrition, and inland fisheries.
  • Preparation for both research and applied fisheries careers.

Year 1 and Year 2 Foundation Courses

All students complete common foundation and second-year courses before majoring in Aquaculture.

Year 1 Foundation Courses Semester
SFM 111 Introduction to FisheriesSemester 1
STA 112 Applied BiologySemester 1
STA 113 Applied ChemistrySemester 1
STA 114 Communication SkillsSemester 1
SIT 114 Introduction to ICTSemester 1
SFM 121 Introduction to AquacultureSemester 2
SFM 122 Introduction to Aquatic EcosystemsSemester 2
STA 121 Applied PhysicsSemester 2
STA 122 Applied MathematicsSemester 2
SLP 121 Natural Resources Conservation and UtilizationSemester 2
Year 2 Courses Semester
SFM 211 IchthyologySemester 1
SFM 212 Marine Conservation BiologySemester 1
SFM 213 Introduction to Fisheries TechnologySemester 1
STA 211.4 Statistics for Natural ResourcesSemester 1
SFM 211 Aquatic Invertebrate BiologySemester 2
SFM 222 Introduction to Fisheries and Marine Resource ManagementSemester 2
SFM 223 Introduction to SeafoodSemester 2
SFM 224 Fisheries OceanographySemester 2

Aquaculture Major Courses

Specialized Aquaculture courses begin in Year 3 and continue in Year 4.

Aquaculture Strand (1) — Year 3 Level
A311 BiostatisticsYear 3
SFM 311.1 Advances in AquacultureYear 3
SFM 311.2 Limnology & Freshwater EcologyYear 3
STA 311.4 Seafood ScienceYear 3
A322 Research MethodsYear 3
SFM 321 Selected Topics (Seminars)Year 3
SFM 321.1 Fish Disease & ManagementYear 3
SFM 324.3 Fisheries Science & TechnologyYear 3
Aquaculture Strand (1) — Year 4 Level
A417 Special Project 1Year 4
SFM 411.2 Marine Pollution AssessmentYear 4
SFM 411.3 Inland FisheriesYear 4
SFM 411.1 Fish NutritionYear 4
A427D Special Project 2Year 4
SFM 421.3 Fish Population DynamicsYear 4
SFM 423.3 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries ManagementYear 4
SFM 421.1 Food Safety Standards (HACCP)Year 4

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for admission into the program.

  • Grade 12 Higher School Certificate or equivalent.
  • Grades of B or better in Language & Literature.
  • Maths A or Maths B.
  • Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8 or higher.

Career Pathways

Graduates can pursue both research and applied professional pathways in fisheries and marine resources.

Research

Research Career Pathway

Pathways include Marine Biology, Oceanography, Freshwater Ecology, Fisheries Climatology, and Fish Population Dynamics.

Applied

Applied Career Pathway

Graduates may work in Fisheries Management, Aquaculture, Ecotourism, Education, Environmental Consulting, Fisheries Consulting, Conservation, and Food Technology.

Department Contact

Contact the Department of Fisheries, School of Natural Resources, for admissions and program enquiries.

Mailing Address

Department of Fisheries
School of Natural Resources
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment
Private Mail Bag, Kokopo
East New Britain Province

Phone & Email

Main Switchboard: 987 1200
Admissions: studentadmin@unre.ac.pg
General Enquiries: publicrelations@unre.ac.pg

Apply Now

Join a department where fisheries and marine science meet hands-on learning and a commitment to excellence.

Apply Now