Home > Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM)

Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM)

School of Environment Resources and Development | Department of Food, Agriculture, and Bioresources

AARM is committed to improving regional institutional capacity in aquaculture and aquatic resources management and related fields through innovative approaches that integrate education, research, and outreach activities on sustainable management of fisheries, and aquaculture.

Asia contributes over 90% of global aquaculture production and plays a key role in the development of appropriate cultural systems and technologies. Aquaculture production accounts for almost half of the world’s fish supply and increases by 10%. It is expected to surpass capture fisheries production in the next 10 years. Further development of aquaculture is also expected to help us move away from dependence on overexploited capture fisheries resources and to enhance and conserve aquatic habitats and biodiversity, but this expansion should not exceed the carrying capacity of water resources.

Wild aquatic resources are essential sources of nutrition for rural populations. Any degradation of these resources from over-fishing, use of illegal fishing gears, the introduction of exotic fish, misuse of chemicals, agro-industrial waste discharge, deforestation, breeding ground degradation and dam construction that can lead to blocking of migratory pathways will have dramatic impacts on the nutritional and health status of rural people.

Population growth, poverty, resource use conflicts, illegal activities, pollution, biodiversity conservation, policy, and institutional gaps, and conflicts are the major issues and problems in coastal management. A management approach that integrates sectors (government agencies, non-government organizations, community, etc.), disciplines (science, engineering, and management), land- and sea-based activities (agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, etc.) is important to address the various issues and problems in the coastal area.

FOCUS AREAS

  • Cleaner Aquaculture Production Systems
  • Applied genetics in aquaculture 
  • Aquaculture-environment interactions
  • Innovative hatchery techniques 
  • Climate-smart fisheries 
  • Aquaculture production / consumption
  • Sustainable seafood and nutrition security
  • Aquaculture nutrition and feed supplements
  • Aquaponics & Green aquaculture
  • Industry Linkages Aquaculture Business

PREFERRED BACKGROUND

  • Should hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of study (for Master’s courses), and Masters with course work and thesis study (for PhD). Eligible undergraduate degrees include: Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, Mariculture, Agricultural sciences, Biology, Marine Biology, Life Science, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Agricultural/Civil engineering, or Social Sciences.
  • Minimum GPA – 2.75 or equivalent at Bachelors level (for Master’s courses) and 3.5 or equivalent at Masters level (for PhD).

COURSE STRUCTURE

Course CodeCourseNumber of CreditsDescription/Course ObjectiveSemester
ED71.04Aquatic Seed Production3

The objective of this course is to enable students to acquire a sound knowledge of the reproductive biology, breeding behaviour and larval development of the important cultivable finfish and shellfish in aquaculture. The course will familiarize them with specific hatchery techniques including broodstock management, larval rearing, feeding and nursery rearing protocols. The course also endeavours to provide skills necessary for hatchery managers through practicum and on-field training.

Aug Sem
ED71.36Aquaculture Nutrition and Feed Technology3

The objective of this course is to provide a thorough knowledge on the scientific principles of aquaculture nutrition and the application of that scientific knowledge (feed technology) to produce nutritious, water-stable, and aquatic-pollution-minimizing fish feeds. Students will also develop hands-on skills on formulating fish feeds, manufacturing techniques, feed storage, designing appropriate feeding systems, and conducting nutritional experimentation.

Aug Sem
ED71.52Research Workshop2

This course provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to identify research problems in food production systems and to conceptualize research projects to resolve them. The students get familiar with various research planning approaches, proposal development tools, and writing and presentation of a research proposal and thesis/ dissertation.

Jan Sem
ED71.55Statistics for Aquaculture and Fisheries Management3

Research issues in aquaculture and fisheries are diverse which may range from conducting laboratory experiments under controlled environment to field surveys to collect data and analyze complex interactions of socio-economic and environmental factors. Students need in-depth knowledge and skill on both scientific experimentation and survey designs in order to generate or collect reliable data. After acquiring required data, they need both theoretical knowledge and practical competency in using relevant statistical tools. They also need skills on analyzing and interpreting both qualitative information and quantitative data to find solutions to the research problems. Therefore, this course provides theoretical knowledge to the students and helps them develop required skills to become experienced researchers.

Jan Sem
ED71.9021Selected Topic: Applied Genetics in Aquaculture3

The application of genetics and biotechnological tools to improve aquaculture production has advanced greatly over the past few decades. These include the characterization of wild genetic diversity and genetic improvement of cultured stocks. However, such applications are still lagging behind agriculture and livestock sectors as most of the cultured fish are still genetically similar to their wild counterparts. More emphasis on domestication of the stocks with high performance traits and adopting appropriate broodstock management strategies could help overcome the negative effects of inbreeding and unintentional selection. This course is aimed to provide students with the basic concepts of applied genetics and selective breeding with emphasis on sustainable management of fish stocks, and conservation of genetic resources for aquaculture.

Aug Sem
ED71.9022Selected Topic: Cleaner Aquaculture Systems3

Demand for fish as food is projected to increase manifold in the decades to come and so intensification of aquaculture production has been one of the major priorities worldwide. The primary goal is to boost outputs from aquaculture in tune with the increasing demand for fish as safe and nutritious food for a booming global population without compromising the environmental capacity to sustain production. The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge on the emerging approaches that have potential to boost aquaculture outputs without compromising environmental sustainability, in our pursuit to produce cleaner, safe and nutritious food from aquatic environments.

Aug Sem
ED71.9023Selected Topic: Sustainable Seafood and Nutrition Security3

Rapidly increasing human population is creating food security problems. Over 2 billion people are suffering from one or more forms of malnutrition. Even where food might be adequate, without balanced food, people cannot be healthy. Poorer countries and communities are encountering malnutrition due to lack of food or inadequate macro nutrients such as energy and protein, and micronutrient deficiencies such as Vitamins A, D, and minerals e.g. Calcium, Iron, Zinc, etc.). At the same time, in rich countries and among rich people obesity is another problem caused by imbalanced diet. From health point of view, seafood or aquatic food is the best source of protein, which contains a good profile of essential amino acids. However, many people are not aware of this fact and seafood is still not consumed due to different taboos and traditional/cultural barriers. As a result, it has been difficult to reduce malnutrition in some countries.

Aug Sem
ED71.9024Selected Topic: Sustainable Seafood Business3

Seafood products are highly traded items in both the local and global markets. Seafood production, processing and trading have been highly commercial and globalized activities, which have resulted in a competition tougher than before. More recently, regulatory requirements are becoming stricter and often more complex. This course provides students with practical Seafood business management tools in the production, processing, quality control, and marketing of Seafood products in both the local and global markets to ensure the long-run sustainability of seafood production.

Jan Sem
ED71.9025Selected Topic: Sustainable Seafood and SDGs3

Rapidly increasing human population is creating food security problems. Over 2 billion people are suffering from one or more forms of malnutrition or hunger. Hunger is one of the most important goal amongst the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Even where food production might be adequate, but accessibility, affordability and utilization can be the problems. Nutritionally balanced and safe diet is necessary for healthy life. Poorer countries and communities are encountering malnutrition due to lack of food or inadequate macro nutrients i.e. energy and protein, and micronutrients such as Vitamins A, D, and minerals e.g. Calcium, Iron, Zinc, etc. On the other hand, in rich countries and among rich people obesity is the main problem caused by imbalanced diets. From health point of view, seafood or aquatic food is the best source of protein, which contains a good profile of essential amino acids. However, many people are not aware of this fact and seafood is still not consumed and its potential has not been realized due to different taboos and traditional/cultural barriers. As a result, it has been difficult to reduce malnutrition in some countries.

Aug Sem
ED71.9026Selected Topic: Aquaculture Health Management3

Increasing intensity and output from aquaculture in response to the growing demand for fish as food also brings in a number of challenges, particularly concerned with diseases. Proper understanding of the pathogenic organisms and their effective control measures is essential to overcome the adverse impact of aquatic animal diseases on aquaculture production. This course is intended for students to understand the basic principles of aquatic health management, and to impart knowledge on preventive and remedial measures for maintaining healthy aquaculture stocks. The course will also introduce the concepts of biosecurity in farm management and the significance of quarantine measures that govern the transboundary movement of aquatic animals.

Aug Sem
ED71.xxxxSelected topic: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology in Aquaculture3

Microbiology and biotechnology are widely applied in modern aquaculture. This course is designed specifically for postgraduate students under the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) program, which aims to introduce the students to how microbiology and biotechnology can be applied in the field of aquaculture. The course also centers on recent advanced technologies in aquaculture and farm management. Besides lectures, laboratory sessions emphasize on demonstrations and practical experiences for students.

Jan Sem
Minor details: Please find the courses listed below, identified for being offered as ‘Minor’ in the AARM Academic Program.
Course codeCourse titleCreditSemester
ED71.9021Selected Topic: Applied Genetics in Aquaculture3(30-45)August
ED71.36Aquaculture Nutrition and Feed Technology3(30-45)August
ED71.9024Selected Topic: Sustainable Seafood Business3(45-0)January
ED71.xxxxSelected Topic: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology in Aquaculture3(30-45)January

PROGRAM BROCHURE:

CONCERNED FACULTY