Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada-based Excel Career College has launched a fully funded "AI in Aquaculture" program which aims to help future-proof the province’s aquaculture sector.
The 17-week program will give graduates both practical training in current best practices and theoretical learning in emerging technologies that are likely to vastly change the industry in coming years.
"The program represents a major step forward in preparing British Columbia’s aquaculture workforce for the future," Excel Career College President Bisman Arora said. "By blending traditional knowledge with advanced AI tools and industry certifications, we’re offering a unique opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability in one of the province’s key sectors.”
Participants will earn key industry certifications, including WHMIS, Forklift, SVOP, CPR, GBA+, and Confined Space and take curriculum on the industry applications of AI, including AI in Aquaculture, Ethical and Responsible AI Practices, Integration of Traditional and Digital Knowledge, and Commercialization and Entrepreneurship in AI. Practicum placements and project-based learning will give participants a chance to learn organically while making industry connections.
Tuition is fully funded for eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are accepted into the program.
AI experts, including Tony Chen, the co-founder and CEO of aquaculture data analytics firm Manolin, said that seafood could be doing more to leverage the technology.
"To use AI effectively, I think companies need to be very clear about the problem they're trying to solve through the technology,” Chen said during the 2025 Global Seafood Market Conference. “Seafood is far ahead of other food industries when it comes to AI in that there's more data available compared to other sectors.”
