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Preparing Students to Meet Increasing Global Demand for Aquaculture and Mariculture Careers

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Thanks in part to dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students across Alaska, enrollment in University of Alaska Southeast's Applied Fisheries is at its strongest. The At-sea Processors Association provides scholarships to help high school students explore potential careers and complete the Fisheries Technology Occupational Endorsement in Fisheries Management and other college-credit courses at UAS. APA’s generosity has been instrumental in the success of Applied Fisheries’ dual-enrollment program, with nearly 300 UAS students benefiting from APA’s support to date. The University of Alaska Fairbanks also significantly benefits from APA’s contributions in support of research. 

At-sea Processors Association is a trade association of five member companies that own and operate catcher/processor vessels and are committed to minimizing fishing impacts on the environment. They work with fishery managers, scientists, environmentalists, and other industries to achieve this outcome. As donors to both UAS and UAF, members of APA have advocated for and utilized the Education Tax Credit program in Alaska. 

The Education Tax Credit program, first established in 1987 by the Legislature, encourages private businesses to make charitable contributions to support schools in Alaska. This has resulted in highly effective partnerships between businesses, the university, and the state - leading to charitable contributions toward student scholarships, research, centers of excellence, facilities and much more. 

Stephanie Madsen, executive director of APA and a member of the UA Foundation Board of Directors, regularly advocates for the ETC, once saying, “Since 2000, this program has allowed the members of APA to invest in programs ranging from undergraduate and graduate fellowships, to research addressing current fishery management concerns, to technical training for youth.”

With extensive coastline, waters, and marine resources, Alaska requires a range of associated professionals. University of Alaska Southeast’s Applied Fisheries program offers numerous fields of study designed to prepare students for careers in various industries. Students can choose between occupational endorsement, certification, and degree-track options in the program, which is located at the UAS Sitka campus.

Workers working with seaweedWorkers working with seaweed
Workers working with seaweed

All tracks are designed to address workforce needs, according to Joel Markis, program director and associate professor. Aquaculture and mariculture concentrations have been part of the program’s offerings for years, but Markis noted that interest in the mariculture industry is rising. In 2022, UAS received a portion of a federal grant directed to Alaska for the mariculture industry, which is being used to grow the mariculture workforce development program. Beyond the grant, Markis emphasized that philanthropic support from industry partners, such as APA, is pivotal for the program and the hands-on training it provides.

Douglas Island Pink and Chum, Inc., better known as DIPAC, is another significant partner to the Applied Fisheries program. DIPAC was formed in 1976 in response to legislation allowing the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to issue permits to private non-profit salmon hatcheries. The program, unique to Alaska, allows private non-profit corporations like DIPAC to own and operate hatcheries to improve salmon harvests. 

Many of the concentrations in Applied Fisheries require students to develop maritime skills, such as operating small vessels and essential maintenance for outboard motors, in addition to their in-class lectures and lab work. Funding from DIPAC allowed the purchase of an inflatable boat that students learn to operate, dive off of and use for towing.

In April, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute provided the 2024 update of The Economic Value of Alaska’s Seafood Industry report. According to the report, the seafood industry contributes $6 billion to Alaska’ economy and employs more than 48,000 workers. Markis noted significant growth potential in the industry, attributing it to increasing global demand for aquaculture and mariculture. He is grateful for the ongoing support from industry partners and individuals, who contribute to the program’s workforce development efforts and its commitment to teaching responsible and sustainable practices.

“We are so proud to have the continued support of industry for the UAS Applied Fisheries Program. It is essential we are providing the hands-on learning opportunities students want and industry needs,” said UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer.

Learn more about the Alaska Education Tax Credit.

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