Type of course

Admission requirements

Bachelor degree in a relevant field (technology, biology, economics, social sciences, marine sciences etc)

Application code: 9371

Course content

This interdisciplinary online course on Sustainable Aquaculture for Low Trophic Species takes you on a journey of exploring the principles and practices of low trophic aquaculture. This course is designed for students from various disciplines, including biology, environmental science, governance, and business, who are interested in learning about the opportunities and challenges of producing aquatic organisms in a responsible and efficient way.

Throughout the course, we will cover a range of topics including the biology and ecology of aquatic species, the design and operation of low trophic aquaculture systems, the environmental impacts and mitigation strategies, the economic and social aspects of aquaculture, and the policies and regulations that govern the industry. We will use a combination of video lectures, readings, case studies, and assessments to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

The course is a result of the AquaVitae project, and it is developed by UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Our course instructors are experts in their fields, working in academia, research and industry across the Atlantic, and are looking forward to sharing their knowledge and experience with you.

Participants will complete module quiz exams (yes/no, true/false) or multiple choice, open-ended questions with short answers or with a possibility to revise the answer, and peer-assessment. Participants receive a UiT SALTS101 Certificate | UiT OpenedX by successfully completing 60% of the course content.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge:

Upon completion of the course, participants will have developed:

• understanding of basic concepts relevant for an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to low trophic aquaculture
• familiarity with the biology and production methods of low trophic species relevant for aquaculture e.g., macroalgae, oysters, mussels, abalone, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, freshwater fishes
• ability to explain and support the potential of low trophic aquaculture in sustainable food production
• ability to describe the process of developing new products and outline reasons for investigating consumer concerns and preferences
• understanding of LTA culture systems, including Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture chains
• familiarity with the supply chains, governance approaches, including marine spatial planning

Skills:

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• identify the current status of LTA trade, and develop a map of the current markets
• demonstrate an understand the LTA business models
• reflect on the properties of production systems and categorize their use according to species
• describe the characteristics of low trophic aquaculture species and compare the conditions they require for successful and sustainable culture
• outline the good practices involved in hatchery/seedling and harvest of the LTA species
• explain the steps involved in creating climate adaptation plans for an LTA industry

General competence:

Upon completion of the course, participants will have the ability to:

• outline the main drivers and challenges behind the LTA, and argue the standpoint of different stakeholders within the LTA (producers, policymakers, NGOs, local population, fishing industry, salmon industry)
• recognize the benefits and potential risks of seafood consumption and provide supporting arguments for seafood consumption
• interpret the local setting and investigate biological, social, economic and governmental drivers and challenges specific to that area
• articulate and demonstrate how LTA can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals
• reflect on the needs, opportunities, and obstacles for advancing sustainable aquaculture of low trophic aquaculture species

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Information to incoming exchange students