Overview

See Department website and program contacts here

The Fisheries Technology (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in fisheries, hatchery operations, aquaculture, and natural resource management. The curriculum combines biological science knowledge with hands-on technical training to prepare students for employment in private, state, federal, and tribal fisheries environments.

Coursework includes topics such as fish biology, fish husbandry, hatchery operations, spawning and transport procedures, and fisheries techniques. Students develop practical skills through field projects and hands-on experience assisting with operation of the campus fish hatchery.

The Fisheries Technology program is workforce-focused and prepares students for careers as fish culturists, hatchery technicians, and fisheries technicians in a variety of natural resource and aquatic environments.

Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.

Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:

• Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
• Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings

Program Learning Objectives

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Develop and apply a variety of techniques commonly used to evaluate and manage fisheries in the Pacific Northwest
• Develop and apply basic fish husbandry principles employed in Pacific Northwest fish culture facilities to successfully raise a variety of aquatic species
• Design, conduct and present (written and oral) a fisheries-related research project
• Apply a variety of building and equipment maintenance techniques commonly employed at fish culture facilities
• Demonstrate and apply basic biological principles to the study of fish
• Demonstrate and apply basic statistical processes to the analysis of fisheries data
• Discuss current issues impacting the field of natural resources
• Conduct and record a stream survey in accordance with a standardized procedure

Education Plan

This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.

Chest waders and rain gear are required and must be purchased by the student. Students completing the program will usually assist in propagation and rearing of game and food fish. Because of the rigorous activity demanded by the work, good physical condition is a necessity.

General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program. 

WR227Z Technical Writing is a corequisite for FI213 Field Projects III, so both should be taken during spring term the second year.

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Students must have current First Aid and CPR cards.  HPE285OL Wilderness Survival, HE251 Wilderness First Aid and HE289 Wilderness First Responder offer certification in First Aid and CPR. Students may also contact the Red Cross or American Heart Association for training.

Suggested Electives

Awarding Requirements

The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Fisheries Technology degree:

• All program core courses (FI) must be completed within five (5) years of starting the program.

Career Information

Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.