Competency Alignment Between the Fisheries Science Curriculum and Industry Requirements: Perspectives of Fisheries Educators

The fisheries industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by innovations, environmental changes, and evolving workforce demands, requiring Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to continuously evaluate curriculum relevance. This study explored the alignment between the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries curriculum and industry competency requirements from the perspectives of fisheries educators in selected HEIs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Philippines. The study used a qualitative phenomenological research design with a purposive sampling approach. Data were gathered through open-ended questionnaires and interviews with deans and program chairpersons and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results revealed that there is existing alignment between the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries curriculum and the competency needs of the fisheries industry, particularly the core competencies in aquaculture, capture fisheries, fisheries management, post-harvest technology, fisheries extension, and fisheries laws. However, the alignment is only partial due to gaps related to experiential learning; the inclusion of new competencies such as climate change adaptation, sustainability, digital technologies, international standards, entrepreneurship education, and localization of course content in terms of the regional fisheries system; and the need for further integration of these competencies into the curriculum. The research study finds that the continuous development of the curriculum, close collaboration with the industries, betterment of training facilities, and regular review of the curriculum are vital to ensure workforce relevance and prepare Fisheries graduates to become adaptive, innovative, and globally competitive professionals capable of supporting sustainable fisheries development and the Philippine blue economy.