Fisheries Officer

Salary
Graduate: £11,000 to £17,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £23,000 to £36,000

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
Fisheries officers are responsible for the management, conservation and preservation of fisheries' resources. They protect fish and those who harvest them, monitor their assigned areas and enforce regulations. Fisheries officers are involved in studies regarding growth and development of resources, as well as pinpointing areas that are being depleted by illegal fishing or commercial encroachment. They monitor natural fish stocks and water resources and assess damage caused by hazards such as oil spills or general pollution.

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

• Improving fish habitat by reconstructing river banks and streams
• Working with planning authorities, ensuring that new building does not take place too close to river banks
• Approving and issuing licences for the movement of fish
• Patrolling and investigating waterways for unlawful fishing methods
• Enforcing laws such as the Endangered Species Act
• Preparing reports, witness statements and evidence for prosecutions
• Educating and advising owners of sports fisheries
• Conducting surveys in water quality, fish spawning and fish movement
• Giving training courses on boating safety, fishing rights and the importance of preserving natural spaces

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.

Diploma holders are not at a disadvantage, particularly with evidence of good practical skills and experience and entry without a degree or HND is possible. Many of the privately owned sports fisheries do not demand high-level academic qualifications and look for employees with skills in engineering, construction, DIY and IT.

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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