Breadcrumb
Fisheries Biology, B.S.
Our program is all about learning by doing. The nearby ocean, bay, rivers, and lagoons play an important role in your education, and resources like our on-campus fish hatchery and ocean-going vessel, along with passionate professors, give you cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on learning to help you excel in your career.
You’ll become knowledgeable and practiced in conservation, fishery management, aquaculture, water quality, fish ecology, and habitat restoration. We’re also home to the only Fisheries Biology program in California.
Why this Program
Spectacular Setting
Cal Poly Humboldt is located near the Pacific Ocean, Humboldt Bay, coastal rivers, and lagoons. We collaborate closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as a commercial fishing fleet, Native Americans, recreational fishers, and the aquaculture industry.
Unmatched Facilities
Our on-campus fish hatchery, marine laboratory, 90-foot ocean-going vessel, and fish collection are just some of the resources that will help you learn.
Get your Hands Wet
Fieldwork is a crucial part of our Fisheries program. You’ll get out on the water, putting your classroom knowledge into practice.
Program Concentrations
This option focuses on rearing of marine and freshwater fish, water quality, disease management, and aquarium maintenance. The on-campus fish hatchery and the Telonicher Marine Laboratory provide working environments for fish rearing. Students interested in aquaculture may also study at the University’s seaweed farm in Humboldt Bay.
This option focuses on the biology and ecology of fish that occupy a wide range of freshwater habitats. Fisheries management, conservation biology and restoration ecology are considered. Emphasis is also placed on how water quality and land use practices affect watersheds and freshwater ecosystems.
This option focuses on the biology and ecology of fishes inhabiting marine and estuarine environments. The R/V Coral Sea and many smaller boats support “hands-on” field studies in coastal waters, Humboldt Bay, lagoons, and many local estuaries. The Telonicher Marine Laboratory allows for the culture and study of the early life stages of marine fishes.
Did you know?
The study of Natural Resources and Fisheries was spawned at Humboldt in 1940, when 10,400 salmon eggs were delivered to our campus hatchery.
Humboldt is the only CSU institution that offers an undergraduate degree in Fisheries Biology. It is also the only academic institution in the state of California to offer a master’s degree with an emphasis in Fisheries.
Our Fish Collection contains more than 70,000 specimens, with more than 1,200 cataloged species.
Careers
Our graduates are known throughout the country for being highly prepared for the job market and have gone on to pursue a variety of careers.
- Aquaculturist
- Aquatic Biologist
- Customs Inspector
- Fish Hatchery Manager
- Fish & Game Warden
- Fisheries Biologist
- Habitat Restoration Specialist
- Reservoir Manager
- Wastewater Treatment Analyst
- Watershed Restoration Specialist
