Seafood provides the primary source of protein for nearly one-fifth of the world’s population, making the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture systems a critical global concern. A new experiential learning course offered through Brooklyn College’s Aquatic Research and Environmental Assessment Center (AREAC) is helping prepare the next generation of aquatic science, conservation, and resource management professionals to meet that challenge.
The undergraduate Earth and Environmental Sciences course EESC 4350: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture combines classroom instruction in aquatic ecosystem science, fish biology, and seafood management with hands-on learning. Throughout the semester, students design, establish, and maintain an aquaculture system at AREAC, gaining practical experience with the biological, environmental, and operational aspects of sustainable seafood production.
The course introduces students to the complex systems that support global fisheries and aquaculture while highlighting career opportunities in aquatic science, environmental management, and conservation. By connecting scientific theory with real-world application, EESC 4350 provides students with valuable skills and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the seafood industry.
The inaugural offering of the course in spring 2026 was a resounding success, thanks to an enthusiastic and engaged cohort of students. AREAC plans to offer the course annually each spring, continuing its commitment to experiential learning and workforce development in aquatic and environmental science.
