Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences is responsible for statewide academic, research and service programs relating to Alaska's marine and freshwater environments and fisheries.

SFOS offers a minor, bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in fisheries, and a minor in marine sciences. Fieldwork opportunities are available to undergraduate students through cooperating state and federal agencies and internships are available with non-profit and industry fishery partners. Fisheries majors are prepared for graduate study or to enter management, private industry or other fields.

SFOS offers master of science and doctoral degrees in oceanography, marine biology and fisheries. Students can also pursue studies in seafood science through the fisheries program. Graduate students prepare for careers in university research and education, or research or management with state and federal agencies and private industry. As part of their degree programs, graduate students conduct research in collaboration with faculty, often in remote locations around Alaska and beyond.

Marine education, research and extension work are conducted through departments that make up SFOS. The Institute of Marine Science, with major laboratory facilities in Fairbanks, focuses on oceanographic and marine biological research and graduate education. The Kasitsna Bay laboratory near Homer is the site for coastal research on intertidal and subtidal communities. The Global Undersea Research Unit in Fairbanks emphasizes the use of submersibles, remotely operated vehicles and other undersea observing systems. The Juneau Center, located adjacent to the NOAA Fisheries Auke Bay laboratory, focuses on fisheries research and education. The Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center is focused on research and extension work in seafood science and sustainable harvest technology. The Marine Advisory Program offers statewide public education and outreach from its offices in Anchorage and coastal communities. SFOS will also operate the oceanographic vessel Sikuliaq, which will be the only research ship in the United States capable of working in the ice-laden waters of polar regions. Sikuliaq is scheduled to begin operations in 2014 and will be based in Seward, Alaska.

For more information, visit www.sfos.uaf.edu or call 907-474-7824.