A professional master’s degree in fisheries science designed for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking advanced, applied training in fisheries science and management is being launched by Dalhousie University in Halifax.
The Master of Fisheries Science is an interdisciplinary program that was developed by Dal researchers Dr. Aaron MacNeil and Dr. Joanna Mills Flemming in partnership with research scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). It is being administered by the Marine Affairs Program and is set to launch in September by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science.
“The Master of Fisheries Science (MFSc) is designed to give students more exposure to the real world,” said Maxine Westhead, director of Dal’s affiliate Marine Affairs Program.
“It’s also meaningful for them to go out into the field to see how data are actually collected on a vessel that’s rolling around in the ocean.”
Dr. Mills Flemming sees the program as a continuation of Dalhousie’s long tradition of fisheries science.
“Canada was one of the world leaders in fisheries science and management, making major advances that are still foundational today and Dalhousie has long been recognized internationally for its strength in fisheries and marine science,” she said.
“Our goal with this program is to expand Canadian fisheries science capacity by training a new generation of fisheries professionals in cutting-edge methods that can meet the challenges faced by fisheries in Canada and beyond.”
Dr. MacNeil said that the MSFc program fits within a larger ambition for Dalhousie to meet the needs of Nova Scotian fishers.
“Building lasting fisheries science capacity requires investment in teaching combined with new investment in research. Our hope is that the MSFc program will build capacity across stakeholder groups here in Nova Scotia, helping elevate the level of expertise in industry, governmental and non-governmental organizations,” said Dr. MacNeil.
The program is centred around data, encouraging students to develop the analytical skills they’ll need to pursue a career in the field, said Westhead.
“Our vision for our graduates is that they are proficient in coding and statistical modeling for stock assessment, with their expertise extending to designing and leading field surveys and sampling programs. They also excel in communicating complex scientific information, which is essential for explaining evidence, defining risks and framing options for decision-makers.”
The 16-month program is course-based rather than thesis-based. The program is structured to develop skills and abilities in five key areas with an emphasis on real-world application: stock assessment, statistics and data science, fisheries biology, society and management and communications.
Courses will be delivered through a combination of classroom lectures, intensive field courses, applied projects and engagement with fisheries professionals. Students will learn in a close-knit cohort with strong mentorship from faculty and practitioners.
The MFSc is awaiting approval from the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission. Following that, it will begin accepting applications for its initial cohort of 15 to 20 students that will start in September 2026.
The cohort will first head to Cape Breton to learn from an Indigenous community about cultural connections to fish and moderate livelihood fisheries before taking part in a week-long field course at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, N.B.
A capstone group project focused on stock evaluation will reinforce the collaborative skills that are essential for success in fisheries science and management. Students will work in multidisciplinary teams to integrate data preparation, modelling, uncertainty analysis and communication of results, mirroring the way stock assessments are conducted in practice.
“Stock assessment is a team sport, right?” said Westhead. “One individual can’t do everything. You rely on a team. Having a professional network is such a big part of getting students ready to launch a career post-graduation,” said Westhead.
Graduates will be prepared for careers in government agencies, Indigenous, local or international fisheries organizations, consulting, non-government organizations, industry or further doctoral study. The program is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s East Coast, with field components across Atlantic Canada.
