Aquatic Resources

About Aquatic Resources

If you are interested in water, the environment, sustainability, climate change and how humans interact with and impact local to global resources, then you may want to learn more about the Aquatic Resources Program (AQUA) at StFX. AQUA uses an interdisciplinary approach – combining natural and social science perspectives – to motivate student engagement and foster understanding of water resource issues – both marine and freshwater. You'll explore how water permeates our lives from the food we eat to the health of the earth's oceans and more, how water shapes our world, and how water sustains living organisms. Students majoring in Aquatic Resources may complete a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. 

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Why Study Aquatic Resources at StFX?

StFX is located next to Canada’s rugged Atlantic coastline, as well as rivers, lakes and wetlands, so you'll have plenty of opportunity for hands-on research exploring freshwater and marine systems firsthand. These experiences, in addition to challenging and progressive course content, will give you a distinct advantage in whatever you choose to do next. Academically, you will develop and hone skills in oral and written communications, organization, critical thinking, collaboration, and research. AQUA students are well positioned to understand global resource issues, including those involving water, that occur between countries, cultures, cities and rural communities, and between regions within countries.

First Year at a Glance

In your first year, you will explore the characteristics that determine the scientific nature of aquatic resource ecosystems – freshwater and oceans – and examine the effects human use has on water and resources. You will be encouraged to consider water-related challenges such as climate change, population growth/demand, food production/procurement, eutrophication, pollution, and sustainability from local and international perspectives. Topics include water as a unique substance, ecological principles, management practices, governance, rivers, wetlands, freshwater and ocean resources, biodiversity conservation, and more.

Future Opportunities

Students who major in Aquatic Resources have an array of fascinating career opportunities. Many graduates go on to advanced studies in law, planning, resource and sustainability management, marine and freshwater sciences, climate change, marine biology, archaeology, Indigenous policy, and more. AQUA graduates have pursued careers in environmental research and analysis, water resources science, marine biology, aquaculture policy analysis, coastal resource management, fisheries enforcement, and much more.