Sustainable Aquaculture MSc

University of St Andrews

The research project will involve the study of a defined problem within the field of Sustainable Aquaculture. Students will be required to collate and analyse data and to discuss their results in the light of existing literature. In some cases, projects might also involve the design of experiments or the gathering of data. Each project will be written up in the form of a thesis.

This module provides advanced knowledge of the requirements of cultured species and the environmental impacts of aquaculture production. Students will become familiar with different environmental management approaches and the relevant tools and techniques. Carrying capacity and ecological approaches to aquaculture production will be discussed along with animal welfare and ethical issues raised by current aquaculture practices. The rapid adoption of certification schemes designed to promote consumer confidence in the sustainability of aquaculture products will be considered, and the requirements for sustainable aquaculture to incorporate ethical practices, animal welfare and consumer demands will be investigated. By the end of this module students should be familiar with aquaculture legislation, planning, policy and regulation in different regions along with current perspectives on aquaculture sustainability and welfare.

This module will discuss the principles of breeding and reproduction in different aquatic species. Students will learn about modern application of genetic techniques in aquaculture including broodstock management, environmental and hormonal controls, genetic markers, hybridisation, selective breeding, sex determination, species identification. The distinction between genetic improvement, manipulation and modification will be discussed. The role of environmental and hormonal control in larval rearing and gender manipulation will be examined in detail with regard to environmental effects and sustainability.

This module provides advanced knowledge of modern aquaculture production and practices, such as ponds, tanks, raceways, RAS, cages and offshore. Environmental, social and economic sustainability of aquaculture depends on an understanding of the interactions of differing but complementary management structures. This module will address the particular important component of production management, and a detailed consideration of factors which contribute to successful management of such production systems such as feed conversion efficiency, stocking density and the provision of larvae and juveniles in sufficient number and quality to maximise production efficiency.

This module will explore innovations in aquaculture production, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and other approaches such as aquaponics. The module will cover the use of automation, artificial intelligence, precision systems for data collection as well as the applications of technologies such as blockchain in traceability and certification. Closed systems apply engineering and technical solutions to operate aquaculture in land-based production. These offer opportunity for genetically improved species to be cultured in entirely closed conditions that could address many of the sustainability and consumer concerns. Aquaponics and biofloc systems hold considerable potential to develop additional sources of food production. All these systems and technologies could be powerful means to achieve sustainable development goals, but need to be considered in the wider context of ethical, social, environmental and financial sustainability.

Students who complete this module will have a deeper understanding of the causes of diseases in aquaculture and strategies for controlling them. A broad spectrum of pathologies in farmed species will be covered. The programme will examine the role that biosecurity measures play in disease prevention, stock welfare optimization, and the development of ethical and sustainable aquaculture. There will also be an exploration of immunology and the application of probiotics, vaccinations, and other strategies to elicit immune responses.

In this module students will explore business management and economics within the context of aquaculture production. Understanding the processes of producing safe, high quality aquaculture products is central to establishing efficient and sustainable aquaculture practices. This module will assess the diversity of aquaculture markets in different global regions and how market driven development at local, national and international trade levels can lead to enhanced social and economic sustainability. The module will assess all components of the value chain linking the different activities and stakeholders in sustainable aquaculture production. The role of product processing in adding value to the sale product will be examined as a driver for diversifying and expanding markets at national and international level.

This module will involve an examination of the nutritional requirements of different aquatic species, the formulation and production of balanced feeds as well as feeding strategies for various aquaculture species. This will cover raw materials, sourcing and storage including novel aquaculture feed ingredients. A detailed look at non-fed aquaculture will also be undertaken with a consideration of the effects on the environment from a nutrient-based perspective. Students will also be introduced to growth modelling and the principles of bioenergetics.

This module provides the core introduction for the degree pathways in Sustainable Aquaculture. It will define sustainable aquaculture within the context of developing food provision for an increasing population worldwide. The interactions of aquaculture with fisheries industries will be explored in terms of the origins of sustainable aquaculture and the sustainable supply of fish and seafood products. The global markets for aquaculture, fisheries and agricultural products will be assessed and the principles of developing sustainable aquaculture in different global environments will be discussed. A brief overview will be provided on the anatomy, biology, physiology, and behaviour of key species in aquaculture. An adaptive learning approach will allow students to address gaps in background understanding. The module will introduce students to the process of online learning including tools and study skills to help learners develop an effective study strategy for their chosen pathway.