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 i...