Published Apr 19, 2023 The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) – Sitka Campus is located on Baranof Island which resides on Lingít Aaní (Tlingit land) and has established a unique and one-of-a-kind training program in sustainable ocean farming, where hands-on learning is at the forefront of the curriculum.
In Alaska, the excitement surrounding mariculture opportunities has been growing given the state’s abundant natural resources, clean waters, maritime experience, and existing seafood infrastructure. This program is designed to mirror and grow alongside this burgeoning industry, and provide students experience in its established salmon enhancement program.
In an immersive fall semester, students drive and maintain boats, create a small kelp farm next to rearing Pacific salmon, and work right alongside those in the salmon, shellfish and kelp industries. They become part of a unique and beautiful community in Southeast Alaska, making meaningful friendships and professional contacts that will last a lifetime. Students from all over the country come to Sitka to learn about the salmon enhancement industry, seaweed propagation and out planting, and shellfish farming in the Alaska Aquaculture Semester. They take 13 credits of immersive and hands-on courses that teach salmon biology, hatchery techniques, rearing and spawning methods, seaweed reproduction, hatchery systems, culinary uses, and farming techniques.
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