Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, under the School of Fisheries and Wildlife at Bahir Dar University, stands out as a pioneer hub leading education, research, and community engagement outreach in Ethiopia focusing on fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic sciences. Strategically located at the southern gulf of Lake Tana and the source of the Blue Nile, the department leverages its proximity to one of Africa's largest freshwater bodies for impactful teaching and applied research.

Since its establishment, the department has been keen in advancing knowledge, embarking upon research that addresses real-world problems, and developing innovative technologies. Our main goal is to train highly skilled professionals who play a vital role in sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, water quality management, and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.

Vision

To be a national center of excellence and regionally recognized program in fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic sciences education, research, and innovation.

Mission

To provide quality education, conduct problem-solving research, and offer community outreach through community engagement contributing to the sustainable utilization, management, and conservation of aquatic resources in Ethiopia and the region.

Core Values

  • Quality 
  • Excellence
  • Sustainability 
  • Innovation
  • Community Engagement
  • Integrity and Professionalism
  • Gender Equality and Inclusiveness

Academic Programs

The department offers high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to meet national and regional needs:

Undergraduate Program

  • BSc in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Postgraduate Programs

  • MSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • MSc in Aquatic and Wetland Ecosystem Management
  • PhD in Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • PhD in Aquatic and Wetland Ecosystem Management

Research and Innovation

The department conducts cutting-edge research in:

  • Fish stock assessment and population dynamics
  • Inland water fishery management
  • Aquaculture systems and technologies
  • Fish breeding and genetics
  • Fish feed and nutrition
  • Aquatic ecosystem health and monitoring
  • Postharvest fish processing and value addition
  • Water quality and limnology
  • Fish health and disease management
  • Climate change impacts on aquatic systems

We collaborate with national and international partners including NGOs, government agencies, universities, and research centers.

Community Engagement

The department thrives for community engagement projects related to:

1. Sustainable Fisheries 

2. Aquaculture Outreach & Demonstration Farms

3. Fish Processing & Value Addition 

4. Water Quality Monitoring 

6. Fisheries Cooperatives Support

7. Climate Change Adaptation in Fisheries

 

Industry Linkages

We maintain strong linkages with the fisheries and aquaculture industry through:

  • Internship and attachment programs for students
  • Collaborative research with hatcheries, processors, and input suppliers
  • Incubation support for youth and women-led fish farming and value addition enterprises

Facilities

  • Teaching and research laboratories (3 laboratories: Fishery, Aquaculture and Limnology)
  • Experimental fish ponds and hatcheries
  • Water quality monitoring and limnology lab
  • Fish processing and value addition facility
  • Access to Lake Tana for field-based learning

 

Multifilament and Monofilament Fishing gears

Life saver Jackets

Sample preservation Deep freezer

Microscopes

 

 

 

Fish processing and value addition

 

 

In door Aquariums for experiments

 

Water filtration machine

Spectrophotometer 

Electrical water quality measuring instruments

 

 

Researchers working in the laboratory

Contact Us

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
School of Fisheries and Wildlife, Bahir Dar University
Southern Gulf of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
📧 Email: adamuyimer16@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +251 918 717733
🌐 Website: https://www.bdu.edu.et/caes/ 

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/2062144960976110/