Tropical marine aquaculture is increasingly used for conservation efforts focused on coral reef species and coral restoration projects. Increasing environmental concerns over global degradation of many tropical marine coral reef ecosystems, and specifically Florida Keys coral reef ecosystems necessitates the need for immediate education of qualified tropical marine aquaculture technicians. The Tropical Ornamental Mariculture Technician (TOMT) certificate is designed to develop marine ornamental entrepreneurs and provide technician level marine aquaculture skills that will help fill the marine aquaculture jobs of the future while helping supply the demand for oceanic resources from a cultured environment and not the ocean.

Required Courses – 30 total credit hours

• OCB 1000 Introduction to Marine Biology (3)
• ENT 1000 Entrepreneurship (3) OR GEB 1011 Introduction to Business (3)
• OCB 2721C Survey of Mariculture (4)
• FAS 2419 Aquaculture Best Management Practices (3)
• OCB 2722C Mariculture Systems and Design (3)
• OCB 2723C Nutrition of Mariculture Species (3)
• OCB 2724C Tropical Ornamental Mariculture (3)
• OCB 2725 Diseases and Parasites in Marine Aquaculture (3)
• OCB 2725L Diseases and Parasites in Marine Aquaculture – Laboratory (1)
• OCB 2940 – Internship (4) OR OCB 2902 – Directed Individual Study (4)

The courses listed above are only a guide.  Following these tracks does not guarantee admission into a university.  Course requirements may change each year.  You are responsible and encouraged to work closely with your advisor. For more information, contact the Office of Advising Services at 305-809-3196.

Tropical Ornamental Mariculture Technician (TOMT) Certificate Internships:

• Mote International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration
• Key West Aquarium
• Coral Restoration Foundation
• Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
• Dynasty Marine