Fisheries Technology
The Outlook
Career opportunities for Fisheries Technology graduates include positions as fisheries technicians, fish culturists, aquaculture technicians, hatchery technicians/operators, and water treatment operators. Additionally, positions exist in the private sector and with government agencies such as the Department of Environmental Conservation and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. In this growing field, graduates will also have the potential for self-employment.
The Program
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Fisheries Technology is designed to provide students with knowledge, field experience, and training that will prepare them for careers in areas of fisheries management and fish culture. Specifically, students will gain hands-on experience with modern fisheries equipment and procedures. Additionally, the required internship will provide real-world experience in fisheries work.
Graduates of the Fisheries Technology degree program will be competitive candidates for entry-level positions within local, state, and federal natural resource agencies. Graduates will also be employable at private fish hatcheries, preserves, and environmental consulting firms.
The Experience
The Finger Lakes region of central and western New York provides an exceptional outdoor classroom for students interested in Fisheries Technology. Field experiences are conducted both on- and off-campus on a variety of freshwater bodies including streams, ponds, and lakes. Currently, FLCC owns six research vessels, including a state-of-the-art electrofishing boat. Students utilize industry-standard equipment, such as water sampling and testing devices, backpack electrofishers, fish tagging and marking equipment, and a wide variety of aquatic sampling nets.
The Fish Culture and Aquatic Research Center located at the College’s Muller Conservation Field Station, south of Honeoye Lake, provides students unique learning experiences in fish culture and aquaculture. Fish culturing operations focus on the collection, spawning, raising and stocking of walleye by utilizing both intensive and extensive techniques. Students are also trained in the use of water recirculation and biofiltration techniques for various aquaculture applications at the Muller Conservation Field Station.