Program overview
Catch science sounds like "how to fish," but it's much more than that. Simply put, this major teaches you how to use scientific methods to obtain aquatic resources from the ocean or freshwater while ensuring that fish and shrimp populations don't dwindle. You'll learn about fishing gear design principles (e.g., how to weave nets without harming fish), how to use sonar on fishing vessels to locate fish schools, and how to determine how much can be caught from a body of water without damaging the ecosystem. Core courses include Fishing Gear and Methods, Fishery Resource Assessment, Fishing Technology, and Fisheries Management and Regulations. Chinese universities have strong practical advantages in this field—for example, Shanghai Ocean University and Ocean University of China have dedicated fishing laboratories and training vessels, allowing students to go out to sea for experiments. This major suits students who enjoy hands-on work, are interested in the ocean or lakes, and don't mind wind and sun. If you have a decent foundation in math and physics, you'll find it easier, as you'll need to calculate net forces and fish distribution models.