Description

Diploma in Certified Aquaculture Professional (CAP) 1. Program Overview The Diploma in Certified Aquaculture Professional (CAP) is a comprehensive professional qualification designed to develop skilled aquaculture practitioners capable of planning, operating, and managing sustainable aquaculture systems. The program balances scientific knowledge, hands-on practical skills, and business competence, aligned with international aquaculture standards and adapted to regional conditions . 2. Qualification Title Diploma in Certified Aquaculture Professional (CAP) 3. Course Level • Professional Diploma / Advanced Vocational Qualification • Post-secondary level 4. Target Audience • Aquaculture and fisheries graduates • Fish farm owners and managers • Technicians and extension workers • Entrepreneurs entering aquaculture • NGO and government fisheries staff • Career changers seeking practical aquaculture skills 5. Entry Requirements • Minimum secondary school education (preferred) • Basic literacy and numeracy • No prior aquaculture experience required 6. Course Duration & Structure Total Duration: 6 Months 7. Course Aims & Learning Outcomes Overall Aims • Develop competent aquaculture professionals • Promote sustainable and climate-resilient fish farming • Build practical farm management and problem-solving skills Learning Outcomes By the end of the diploma, learners will be able to: • Design and manage pond-based aquaculture systems • Maintain optimal water quality and fish health • Apply efficient feeding and growth management strategies • Prevent, diagnose, and treat common fish diseases • Implement biosecurity and environmental best practices • Prepare business plans and manage aquaculture enterprises 8. Course Modules & Hour Distribution Module 1: Fundamentals of Aquaculture • Aquaculture concepts and history • Global and regional aquaculture overview • Types of aquaculture systems • Role of aquaculture in food security Practical: Farm/system identification Module 2: Fish Biology & Species Selection • Fish anatomy and physiology • Growth, reproduction, and life cycles • Species selection criteria • Cultured species: carp, tilapia, catfish Practical: Fish handling, length–weight measurement Module 3: Aquaculture Systems & Pond Design • Site selection and soil analysis • Pond layout, depth, and construction • Inlet, outlet, and drainage systems • Pond lining and leakage control • Pond preparation techniques Practical: Pond design drawings, field demonstrations Module 4: Water Quality & Environmental Management • Physical, chemical, and biological parameters • Nitrogen cycle • Water testing tools and methods • Aeration and water exchange • Environmental sustainability Practical: Daily water testing and record keeping Module 5: Fish Nutrition & Growth Management • Nutritional requirements of fish • Feed ingredients and formulation • Feeding strategies and schedules • Feed conversion ratio (FCR) • Growth monitoring and sampling Practical: Feed calculation, growth trials Module 6: Fish Health, Disease & Biosecurity • Fish stress and immunity • Common bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases • Disease diagnosis and treatment • Use of probiotics and medicines • Biosecurity and farm hygiene Practical: Disease identification and treatment simulation Module 7: Farm Operations, Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling • Stocking density and routine management • Harvesting methods • Grading and transportation • Post-harvest handling and quality control Practical: Netting, grading, harvesting exercises Module 8: Sustainable & Climate-Smart Aquaculture • Low-water aquaculture systems • Integrated fish farming • Biofloc basics • RAS overview • Climate change adaptation Practical: Low-water system demonstration Module 9: Aquaculture Business & Farm Management • Farm economics and budgeting • Cost–benefit analysis • Record keeping and reporting • Marketing and value chains • Risk management and regulations Practical: Business plan preparation Module 10: Final Project, Internship & Certification • Individual or group project • Farm feasibility study or management plan • Internship / field attachment • Final written and practical examination 9. Teaching & Learning Methods • Interactive lectures • Practical farm-based training • Demonstrations and simulations • Case studies and group work • Field visits and internships 10. Assessment Strategy Component Weight Continuous assessment (quizzes, assignments) 20% Practical skills assessment 30% Final written examination 20% Project & presentation 30% 11. Certification Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded: Diploma in Certified Aquaculture Professional (CAP) 12. Career Opportunities • Aquaculture farm manager • Fish production technician • Aquaculture extension officer • Feed and hatchery technician • Aquaculture consultant • Entrepreneur / farm owner 13. Progression Pathways • Advanced aquaculture diplomas • Specialized certifications (RAS, Biofloc, Hatchery) • Bachelor-level studies in aquaculture or fisheries