Generation Aqua: Degrees vs. deckhands
Aquaculture North America | BY Imani Black | June 2025
What does the aquaculture industry really value in its workforce?
In aquaculture, the question of what’s truly valued in a career is central to workforce development: Is it advanced degrees—like Master’s or PhDs in fisheries, hatchery/RAS systems, animal husbandry, or larvae production?
Or is it certifications in hands-on skills like marine mechanics, welding, or other trade qualifications?
This question is at the heart of workforce development in aquaculture, and in my opinion, the answer isn’t as straightforward as we might hope.
