Aquaculture Skills Programmes (Short Courses) Available in South Africa

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), has published the third edition of the Aquaculture Skills Programmes Booklet which is a practical resource for anyone involved in aquaculture. As South Africa’s aquaculture sector expands, the need for specialised and accessible training has become more critical. This updated 2025 booklet brings together an extensive list of short courses aimed at building both foundational and advanced skills across the aquaculture value chain.

The publication includes:

• 11 accredited training providers: offering qualifications aligned with AgriSETA unit standards, including certificates in aquaculture farming, fish biology, water quality management, hatchery practices, and aquaponics system design.

• 13 non-accredited providers: many of whom focus on community-oriented, experience-based training that is tailored to emerging farmers and small-scale producers. These courses often include practical demonstrations and on-site learning.

• 2 online training platforms: the FAO eLearning Academy and AquaVitae that offer self-paced digital courses on aquaculture biosecurity, aquatic food systems, climate-smart aquaculture, and more.

Access the Aquaculture Skills Programme (Short courses) Booklet

The courses cover a broad range of topics including fish and shellfish production, system management, nutrition and feed, aquaponics, aquatic animal health, biosecurity, processing, and business development. Delivery formats range from short one-day workshops and multi-week training programmes to blended learning and fully remote online modules, making it easier for stakeholders to find options that suit their time, budget, and geographic location.

This consolidated guide helps stakeholders whether producers, trainers, extension officers, researchers or youth entering the sector to identify and access relevant training opportunities to strengthen capacity and grow sustainable livelihoods within aquaculture.

We encourage all sector stakeholders to familiarise themselves with this valuable resource and share it within their networks as we continue working toward a more skilled and inclusive aquaculture industry.

Download the Aquaculture Skills Programme Booklet here.