Nature of the Work

Aquaculture farmers raise fish and shellfish in marine, brackish, or fresh water, usually in ponds, floating net pens, raceways, or recirculating systems. They stock, feed, protect, and otherwise manage aquatic life sold for consumption or used for research or recreational fishing. Aquacultural managers manage the day-to-day activities of one or more fish and shellfish farms and hatcheries. Their duties and responsibilities focus both on the business and on the technological aspects of running a farm.

The fish hatchery manager's job is a multi-faceted one. He or she has to direct the efforts of hatchery workers, keep abreast of the latest fish breeding technology, and be familiar with the business side of the operation. Watch this video to learn more about this career.

Work Environment

Aquacultural managers spend part of the day working outdoors, and the other part of the day working indoors on computers.The outdoor work of aquacultural managers is often strenuous; work hours are frequently long. Hours can vary depending on the time of the year and the needs of the fish.

Aquacultural jobs can be hazardous. Equipment can cause serious injury, and workers must be constantly alert on the job. The proper operation of equipment and handling of chemicals are necessary to avoid accidents, safeguard health, and protect the environment.

Training, Other Qualifications

Many state-run hatcheries require that the manager have a bachelor's degree in fishery sciences or a related field, and pass a civil service exam.

Because of rapid changes in the industry, aquacultural managers need to stay informed about continuing advances in aquacultural methods, both in the United States and abroad. They need to monitor changes in governmental regulations that may affect production methods or markets. Besides print journals that inform the aquacultural community, managers use the Internet for quick access to the latest developments in research areas such as fish breeding.

Education and Training

Most entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree in fishery sciences or a related field. For students interested in aquaculture, formal programs include coursework in fisheries biology, fish culture, hatchery management and maintenance, and hydrology.

Other Qualifications

Aquacultural managers need managerial skills to organize and operate a business. They must also be familiar with complex safety regulations and requirements of governmental agricultural support programs. Computer skills are becoming increasingly important, especially on large farms, where computers are widely used for recordkeeping, business analysis, and scientific data analysis. In addition, skills in personnel management, communication, and conflict resolution are important in the operation of a farm business.

Mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with tools of all kinds also are valuable skills for an aquacultural manager, who often maintain and repair equipment.

On the Job

• Grow fish and shellfish as cash crops or for release into freshwater or saltwater.
• Supervise and train aquaculture and fish hatchery support workers.
• Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
• Conduct and supervise stock examinations in order to identify diseases or parasites.
• Account for and disburse funds.
• Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
• Monitor environments to ensure maintenance of optimum conditions for aquatic life.
• Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
• Coordinate the selection and maintenance of brood stock.
• Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
• Determine, administer, and execute policies relating to operations administration and standards, and facility maintenance.
• Collect information regarding techniques for fish collection and fertilization, spawn incubation, and treatment of spawn and fry.
• Determine how to allocate resources, and how to respond to unanticipated problems such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
• Operate and maintain cultivating and harvesting equipment.
• Confer with biologists, fish pathologists, and other fishery personnel to obtain data concerning fish habits, diseases, food, and environmental requirements.
• Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
• Identify environmental requirements of a particular species, and select and oversee the preparation of sites for species cultivation.
• Scuba dive in order to inspect sea farm operations.
• Design and construct pens, floating stations, and collector strings or fences for sea farms.

Source: BLS

Companies That Hire Aquacultural Managers

• Novartis
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, School of Marine Science and Technology

Ask Questions

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Sources

• BLS. (2009). Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2008-09 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/
• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ON THE AIR! (2009). The Tech Club: Laurie Trotta. Retrieved December 8, 2009, from http://www.womeninscience.org/transcript.php?storyID=178
• The State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (2009). Fish Hatchery Manager. Retrieved December 8, 2009, from http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wfprep/coei/media/English_Video_List_UnCap.html

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