Fisheries Manager

Salary
Graduate: £11,000 to £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £23,000 to £50,000

Main Employers

• Environment agencies
• Water companies
• Sea fisheries committees
• Sports fisheries and angling clubs
• Fish farms
• Private estates 
• Research and academic institutions
• Freelance and consultancy work

Job Profile
The work of a fisheries manager includes developing policies and legislation and planning and implementing education and communication programmes. Fisheries managers consider the biological and environmental recommendations of fisheries scientists, the requirements of the local community and the needs of commercial and recreational fishers.

Roles and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Taking part in projects to improve water and plant life
• Monitoring and recording the activities of anglers, commercial fishers and industrial organisations
• Assisting local law enforcement agencies
• Investigating unlicensed or unknown fishing vessels
• Investigating water pollution and habitat damage
• Designing and implementing control measures to prevent damage
• Issuing various licenses and permits
• Giving evidence against illegal fishers and fishing practices

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Agriculture; Aquaculture &Fisheries Science; Biology; Countryside Management; Environmental Science; Fish Farming; Fisheries Management; Fisheries Studies; Marine Sciences; Oceanography

A postgraduate course in aquaculture is advantageous for those intending to specialise in research. Typical areas of research include disease; reproduction and genetics; nutrition; production systems; and environmental factors affecting aquatic life. An MSc in fisheries management, applied fish biology, or marine science may also help.

Career Development
The majority of fish farms are small, with owners doing most of the work themselves. There are thought to be in excess of 500 fish farms in Britain. Promotion and career development opportunities vary with employers. Some sports fisheries have few staff, so prospects are limited. Many qualified positions go to biologists with specialist postgraduate training or fisheries experience. For anyone prepared to move out of fisheries and into general management in a government agency or department, much higher salaries can be obtained. Although this may improve career prospects, it may not be attractive to dedicated fisheries workers.

Graduates have opportunities to transfer to research work within government establishments. Alternatively, there may be roles in teaching and research in universities offering fish farming and related courses.

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