About the Mariculture Program

The goal of the Mariculture Program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is to prepare graduate students for a career in aquaculture/mariculture, in either the private or public sectors. This is accomplished through a rigorous core curriculum combined with an intensive "hands-on" research or internship project.

There have been 50+ degrees conferred in the Mariculture Program since 1991. Enrollment is approximately 4-6 new students /year with an after-graduation status of 93% employment in the field of aquaculture. Approximately 13 of the graduates have enrolled in US Ph.D. programs following graduation.

Research emphasis areas include all aspects of shrimp and fish mariculture. Special projects currently underway include: various aspects of shrimp nutrition, biosecurity in shrimp production ponds and raceways, finfish survival and pond stocking density, sea urchin nutrition, crab larval rearing, coral disease and coral nutrition.

A cooperative Ph.D. program is now in place between TAMU-CC and College Station and both campuses employ excellent researchers. Students can now conduct research and take classes in Corpus Christi and need only reside in College Station for approximately two semesters to fulfill the necessary residency requirements. Thanks to new teleconferencing (TTVN) technology now available, jointly-taught courses can now be offered at all TAMU campuses.

About the Department of Life Sciences