Across the state, community colleges have been developing aquaculture programs offering either two-year degrees or specialized certificates to meet the industry’s growing needs. In recent years there has been an increase in aquaculture development in Northern California. This includes California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt establishing California’s first commercial open-water seaweed farm, the expansion of local oyster farmers, new inland seaweed production, and a proposed Yellowtail Kingfish farming project by Norwegian company Nordic Aquafarms. Amongst these developments, College of the Redwoods (CR), located in the heart of Humboldt County, is among the few institutions in the state offering an Associates of Science degree in Aquaculture Technology. CR’s program emphasizes practical farming practices, real-world applications, and transfer readiness, ensuring students are prepared for both immediate entry into the workforce and continued education.
This presentation explores the development journey of CR’s aquaculture program, highlighting each step from initial planning, implementation, and future goals. Topics will include curriculum development, program requirements, creation of outreach materials, social media engagement, and strategies for student recruitment. Additionally, the presentation will showcase CR’s efforts and process for an on-campus wet lab. To enhance practical learning, CR has explored potential collaborations with industry leaders like Nordic Aquafarms, with discussions around setting up temporary facilities to provide students with hands on experience even before the wet lab is fully operational. CR’s relationship with the local university, Cal Poly Humboldt, has provided students with valuable hands-on experience in their full operating hatchery, furthering strengthening practical training. Collaborative efforts between education institutions and industry stakeholders continue to play a significant role in the development of CR’s aquaculture program.