Fisheries Scientists

Salary
Graduate: £11,000 to £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £23,000 to £40,000

Main Employers

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

Job Profile
Fisheries scientists are dedicated to effective management, use, and conservation of aquatic plants and animals. As researchers, managers, administrators, or educators, they play an integral role in the sustainable management of recreational and commercial fisheries.

Fisheries scientists research species and habitats, monitor commercial harvests of fishes, crabs, shrimps, or oysters and study sportfish populations. Some work as disease specialists at fish hatcheries, aquatic resource specialists for environmental consulting firms, or production managers for private aquaculture facilities.

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

Monitoring fish health and stock levels
Conducting laboratory studies
Computer modelling
Conducting surveys in water quality, fish spawning and fish movement

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Aquatic Science; Biology; Chemistry; Ecology; Economics; Environmental Science; Fisheries Science; Genetics; Law; Mathematics; Marine Sciences; Microbiology; Oceanography; Statistics; Zoology

A postgraduate course in aquaculture is advantageous for those intending to specialise in research. Typical areas of research include disease, reproduction and genetics, nutrition and environmental factors affecting aquatic life.

Career Development
Within fisheries, you can become a research assistant, research scientist, scientific officer, water bailiff, fisheries officer and team leader. Other fields of work include fish nutrition, fish retailing and processing, ornamental fish retail, public display aquaria. Many of the positions for qualified staff go to biologists with specialist postgraduate training or fisheries experience.

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