Fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry, and Fiji and other Pacific Island countries are in a prime location to sustainably develop and enhance the industry creating employment and business other opportunities. This is the view of Fiji National University (FNU) academic Dr Ravinesh Ram.
Dr Ram, who is the Head of Department Fisheries at FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF), said these specialists will contribute to the field through their knowledge on fish breeding and nutrition, fishery management, sustainable and post-harvest fisheries, applications of aquaculture and aquaponics, fisheries facilities and marketing and communication in the fisheries sector.
“Those interested in forging a career in this sector can do so at FNU through the Trade Diploma in Applied Fisheries programme,” he said.
“Our students become graduates with adequate knowledge and skills in fisheries so that they can confidentially and practically contribute to the fisheries sector through employment or self-employment.”
“They will also be competent in the area of aquaculture, offshore and inshore fisheries, fishing technology, fisheries biology and ecology, fisheries stock assessment and fisheries administration.”
The 18-unit course is offered at the Koronivia Campus through a blended mode of learning, with all learning and teaching delivery fully online during the current national restrictions.
Dr Ram said students who study at FNU had the opportunity to do so at a dual-sector University, with clear learning pathways from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to higher education programmes.
“Hence, students such as those in the Trade Diploma in Applied Fisheries can progress further to the Bachelors’ and postgraduate studies to aid in their professional development and progression,” he said.
“At FNU, we have programmes not offered by any other university in Fiji and our industrial attachment component to all our courses make our graduates work-ready, as we believe in education for employability.”
With courses designed in close consultation with industry stakeholders, Dr Ram said they would also strengthen engagement and enhancement of courses.
“We are strengthening our collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries to share research facilities,” he said.
Dr Ram said plans are in motion to develop more postgraduate courses in Fisheries studies.
Prospective students can enrol now for Semester 2 studies by visiting the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more.
Interested students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.
