Assessing Workforce Needs in Aquarium Technology, Marine Interpretation, and Aquaculture

In order to determine the number of employees, the job skills, and the educational preparation that the aquarium and marine interpretation industry needs in its workforce in the Pacific Northwest and nationally, and to plan a degree program that addresses this need, this project is conducting a comprehensive survey of the field, including aquariums, interpretive centers, fish and wildlife agencies, and aquaculture facilities. Based on the survey results, the project is developing outlines of potential academic programs that are of interest to the local and national industry and examining existing curricular materials to determine what materials can be adapted for this purpose and what new materials need to be developed.