Pursuing my academic interests in aquaculture
Maddy Entrekin from Georgia, USA, chose to continue her studies at Plymouth for the MSc Sustainable Aquaculture
Promoting future sustainability
I’ve always had a particularly strong affinity for animals as well as the marine environment and, after completing my undergraduate degree here in Plymouth, it felt like the right choice to remain at a university with such a strong background in marine sciences and research.
Plymouth is renowned for marine research and felt like the perfect place to pursue my academic interests.
Aquaculture has rapidly become the fastest growing food production industry and is regarded as one of the most viable potential solutions for future food supply challenges, so transitioning from a background in marine biology and coastal ecology to aquaculture felt like a practical way to apply my knowledge to promote future sustainability in a real-world context.
One of my favourite modules so far has been BIO5208 Contemporary Issues in Aquaculture, as it addresses different factors that currently affect this industry and how the application of sustainable solutions will ensure its future longevity.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both of the two primary lecturers for this programme. Their breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for encouraging the success of their students both during university and onwards made them excellent to learn from and work with.
I love that each assignment throughout the modules allows you to focus specifically on your interests, with the main one being the final research project.
My project and dissertation focuses on assessing the ecological value of offshore mussel farms to previously degraded ecosystems and how these farms may serve as an ‘other effective area-based conservation measure’ (OECM) by functioning as a de facto Marine Protected Area (MPA).
I feel extremely prepared for getting a job after finishing my course, and I plan to return to my home country and work for organisations like the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service so that I can integrate my knowledge and skills within my community and promote sustainability on local and regional levels.
Plymouth is a beautiful coastal city
It is the perfect place to study marine biology and its related subjects. It’s an excellent swimming and diving location and is home to the Marine Biological Association. My hometown is roughly a 6-hour drive from the coast, so I love the ease of being able to integrate both my academic and leisurely interests into my daily life in Plymouth.
It was very easy to meet new friends on campus through my course, clubs, and societies, and with organisations like Global Buddies, you can also meet other international students and people from your home country.
I am currently the secretary for the Scuba Society and the social secretary for Ladies Basketball. While it’s important to remain focused on your studies, it felt important to me to balance a healthy social life too! One of my favourite non-academic moments was hosting a boat party for the Scuba Society and cruising around Plymouth Sound with our members.
MSc Sustainable Aquaculture
Aquaculture is recognised as the fastest growth sector of agribusiness. Today, 50% of the fish we eat are farmed and by 2030 it will be 60%. Our multidisciplinary approach places emphasis on the sustainable use of aquatic and marine resources for commercial exploitation of food and products.
Discover the scientific rationale for improving aquatic animal health and production, reducing environmental impact, and addressing the socio-economic factors.
