Fisheries
Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Manager, Fisheries Scientist, Hatchery Manager, Fisheries Consultant, Inspector/Water Bailiff
The Sector
The fisheries sector is very popular, possibly due to the notion that a hobby such as fishing can become a career. Whilst this is true, most jobs in fisheries are very hard work and involve working unsociable hours in all weather. The main attraction to fish farming is the idea of working with fish in a rural environment. However, there are certain disadvantages; many farms are isolated with little housing in the vicinity; the fish need to be tended seven days a week; unpleasant weather; poor working conditions; and minimal job security.
Sector Profile
The sector employs around 3000 people in the UK, mainly in government agencies, water companies, environmental and engineering consultancies and fish farms. An increasing number of people seeking employment in the fisheries field are being engaged by consultancies carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other environmental management work.
Issues and Trends
Currently, there are more people attempting to obtain employment in this field than there are openings, particularly at the lower entry points. While numbers employed in water companies are fairly stable, there is growth in the public sector and in consultancy.
Other issues which may alter or threaten fisheries resources include concerns over commercial fish farming; introduced fish diseases; increased commercialism; and the introduction of new species. Some legislation impacts on the fisheries sector, including the Water Framework Directive, under which river catchments are assessed for their ecological status.
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