Perception of Aquaculture Education to Support Further Growth of Aquaculture Industry in Victoria, Australia.

Purpose: The central aim of this study was to determine the perception of aquaculture educational provisions in the state of Victoria, and whether they are sufficient to ultimately support further growth of the industry. Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaires were formulated and distributed to participants in a variety of ways, including via mail and in person. Responses were recorded and all results analysed. Participants in this study included farm and enterprise owners and managers, as well as students and careers teachers. A wide demographic was covered, and ages of participants ranged from 17 years to over 50 years of age. Findings: Many farm owners held a relatively negative view of academia, and were quite critical of graduates and seemingly unaware of the potential benefits of educated and trained employees. The survey data also revealed substantial inadequacies in public aquaculture knowledge, a critical factor in the further development of the industry. Practical implications: It is proposed that while the tertiary sector is the most appropriate place for the preparation of skilled graduates, the inclusion of aquaculture study within the existing secondary school curriculum has genuine potential, and would serve to encourage interest in and awareness of the industry among adolescents. Originality/value: No prior studies on the perceptions of aquaculture industry have been conducted in Victoria, and very minimal work has been conducted in Australia on this topic in what is the most rapidly growing primary industry in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]