Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist
What the work is
Studies commercial marine and aquatic plants, animals, ecosystems and aquaculture techniques to assess stock and enhance the productivity of aquatic wild harvest and aquaculture, and develop better ways of harvesting fish and plants.
Would you enjoy the work?
These are the main tasks in the official description. Mark how each one sounds to you.
- Conducts research on marine and aquatic plants, animals, ecosystems and aquaculture techniques, and publishes findings in scientific journals and presents them at conferences and seminars
- Studies environmental and other factors affecting commercial aquaculture or fisheries
- Manages aquatic resources to maximise their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits for the community
- Assesses the stock of aquatic wild harvest and aquaculture to determine productivity levels
- Develops and implements strategies to enhance wild harvest and aquaculture productivity
- Investigates and develops new methods and technologies for harvesting fish and plants
- Monitors and evaluates the environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture activities
- Collects and analyses data on fish populations and water quality
- Provides advice and recommendations to government agencies and industry stakeholders
Try it
A simulation and a case study from this kind of work, set in farms across a farming district, an agronomy practice and the shed of an oyster grower. They are fictional.
The kind of days you could have
Good days
- A paddock you advised on greens up and the farmer sends a photo with no caption
- You spot a disease early on a walk through a crop and save the harvest
- A grower says a tip from you saved them a season of trouble
Hard days
- A dry spell has everyone worried and every farmer wants an answer you do not yet have
- A farmer has already decided what to do and wants you to confirm it
- Long drives on dirt roads with samples to analyse and reports to write after
Written by Career Calling as a general guide. Real roles vary by employer and place.
Work a mission
Step into a simulated workplace in this field, with a brief from your manager.
Description and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, 2024, Version 1.0 (opens another site), occupation 244134, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. The skill guide above is our plain English summary.