Course: Sustainable Aquaculture

Salmon salmon everywhere!

About every second fish consumed by humans today comes from aquaculture, and in Iceland, fish farms are popping up like mushrooms!

Is this good? Or bad? Or neither?

In the aquaculture course we want to discuss the background, importance, and consequences of this industry. The main focus is on marine aquaculture, but to some extent we will also discuss inland aquaculture. As a marine ecologist I put a particular focus on the environment. We will discuss the various problems (eutrophication, organic loading of the sea floor, oxygen depletion, pathogens, medication, social and animal welfare etc.), as well as potential (partial) solutions, such as extractive and IMTA approaches, recirculation etc. For an understanding of the processes we need to delve into biology, and also to some extent into chemistry. But don’t fear! Its all manageable!

In the course there will be a sufficient room for student commitment, in the form of presentations, discussions, role play. And hopefully we have the chance of an excursion to a fish farm again. I am looking forward to it!

More information can be found here https://www.uw.is/en/study/resources/course-catalogue/course-catalogue-2023-2024/sustainable-aquaculture

All master's courses taught at UW are open to guest students, exchange students, and people from the world of work. The courses are part of our two international multidisciplinary master's programs, Coastal and Marine Management and Coastal Communities and Regional Development. The courses are modular, taught in English, hands-on and many of them include field trips and company visits. Check out the UW course catalogue to find out more.