Fish Culture Fundamentals

Program Overview

Gain essential knowledge and hands-on theory in aquaculture with Fleming College’s Fish Culture Fundamentals Micro-Credential. Designed to build core skills relevant to freshwater and marine fish farming, this specialization includes 12 fully online, self-paced courses. Learn foundational topics like fish biology, water quality, biosecurity, fish handling, and harvesting — all developed with industry needs in mind.

Each course can be taken individually, or you can complete the full series to earn your Fish Culture Fundamentals micro-credential.

Is This for You?

This micro-credential is ideal if you are:

• New to the aquaculture industry and want foundational, hands-on knowledge.
• A current aquaculture technician or fish farm worker seeking formal training or upskilling.
• A graduate or student in environmental science, biology, or natural resources who wants to specialize.
• Considering a career change into aquaculture, fisheries, or food production.
• Working in government, Indigenous communities, or environmental NGOs and looking to understand fish culture systems.

No prior aquaculture experience is necessary, just curiosity, commitment, and comfort learning online at your own pace.

Admissions Requirements

To register for individual courses or the full specialization:

• You must be 19 years of age or older, OR
• Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Additional recommendations:
  • Basic math and computer literacy will support success in self-directed learning.
  • A background or interest in biology, environmental science, or trades is helpful, but not required.

There are no formal prerequisites for these courses, and you may enroll from anywhere in Canada or beyond.

Courses in Fish Culture Fundamentals

Details and registration below

Fish Cultural Fundamentals

• Animal Welfare (FIWI090)
• Aquaculture Infrastructure - Land Based (FIWI091)
• Intro to Certifications and Regulations in Aquaculture (FIWI092)
• Introduction to Aquaculture (FIWI093)
• Introduction to Indigenous Environmental Studies (FIWI094)
• Math for Aquaculture (FIWI095)
• Water Quality in Aquaculture (FIWI096)
• Aquaculture Infrastructure - Open Net Pen (FIWI097)
• Foundations of Aquaculture Biology (FIWI098)
• Foundations of Aquaculture Safety (FIWI099)
• Foundations of Fish Husbandry (FIWI100)
• Introduction to Aquaculture Operations (FIWI101)
• Applied Aquaculture Skills (co-op) (FIWI102)

Fish Cultural Fundamentals

Animal Welfare

FIWI090

This self-directed course introduces the principles of animal welfare in aquaculture, with a focus on the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) policies and how they apply to fish and fish farming practices. Learners will explore key welfare-related operational procedures and complete a training module on safe and humane handling techniques.

Aquaculture Infrastructure - Land Based

FIWI091

This self-directed course explores the design, components, and operation of land-based aquaculture systems. Learners will examine water treatment processes, tank configurations, plumbing and filtration systems, and environmental controls essential for supporting healthy fish production in closed or semi-closed systems.

Intro to Certifications and Regulations in Aquaculture

FIWI092

This self-directed course provides an overview of key provincial and federal regulations governing aquaculture operations in Canada. Learners will also explore legislation specific to Indigenous communities and examine leading third-party certification programs, including Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), to understand their role in sustainable and responsible aquaculture.

Introduction to Aquaculture

FIWI093

In this self-directed course, you will gain a broad introduction to aquaculture practices and systems. Topics include the controlled cultivation of freshwater and marine species, both plants and animals and the fundamentals of aquatic organism production in various aquaculture environments.

Introduction to Indigenous Environmental Studies

FIWI094

This multidisciplinary, self-directed course introduces learners to environmental and ecological topics through an Indigenous lens. Participants will explore how Indigenous and Western knowledge systems can be integrated in areas such as environmental resource management, community engagement, mining, aquaculture, and fish and wildlife practices. The course also examines the historical and health-related impacts of environmental change on Indigenous communities.

Math for Aquaculture

FIWI095

This self-directed course provides foundational math skills tailored to aquaculture operations. Learners will develop practical abilities in measurement conversions, volume and area calculations, percentages, basic algebra, and data interpretation. These skills will be applied to real-world aquaculture scenarios such as feed conversion ratios, tank density, fish growth, and system volume management.

Water Quality in Aquaculture

FIWI096

This self-directed course introduces the essential water quality parameters required for maintaining healthy and productive aquaculture systems. Learners will examine topics such as the nitrogen cycle, dissolved oxygen, temperature, ammonia, plankton, and ozone use. The course also covers techniques for oxygen application and provides an introduction to microscope use for water quality monitoring.

Aquaculture Infrastructure - Open Net Pen

FIWI097

This self-directed course explores the structure and function of open net pen aquaculture systems. Learners will gain an understanding of different net pen designs, anchoring techniques, net types and sizes, as well as the technology used for feed delivery and monitoring, including camera systems and related equipment.

Foundations of Aquaculture Biology

FIWI098

This self-directed course provides an introduction to the anatomy and organ functions of key aquaculture species in Ontario. Learners will develop skills in performing necropsies, recognizing basic disease symptoms, and conducting blood and organ sampling. The course also covers the fundamentals of treatment options, including dosages for minor diseases, therapeutic interventions, vaccines, antibiotics, and associated safety protocols.

Foundations of Aquaculture Safety

FIWI099

This self-directed foundational course covers essential safety legislation and best practices relevant to aquaculture technicians. Learners will develop skills in hazard identification and safe work procedures, including knot tying, lockout/tagout protocols, confined space awareness, battery safety, sharps handling, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Foundations of Fish Husbandry

FIWI100

This self-directed course introduces essential fish husbandry practices for aquaculture environments. Learners will develop skills in fish handling, grading, feeding, and tank maintenance. The course also covers calculations for flow rates, water exchange rates, and stocking densities across different species and rearing systems.

Introduction to Aquaculture Operations

FIWI101

This self-directed course offers an overview of the daily operational tasks involved in managing an aquaculture facility. Learners will explore activities such as facility walkarounds, equipment inspections, harvesting procedures, production scheduling, and emergency response protocols, including alarm system management.

Applied Aquaculture Skills (co-op)

FIWI102

This practical, hands-on course allows learners to apply the aquaculture skills and knowledge gained throughout the program in a real-world aquaculture environment. Emphasis is placed on developing competence in everyday operational tasks and problem-solving.