Fisheries Scientist

Overview

Who is Fisheries Scientist?

A fisheries scientist is a scientist that specialises in the study of fish and their habitats. Fisheries experts collect data on fish and monitor their populations inside a body of water. They research fish migration and other activities. Certain scientists focus only on a single fish species in a lake or river. They gain knowledge of aquatic habitats in order to identify population dynamics and their effect on fishes. They often work for a conservation centre, a sector, a non-profit organisation, or the government. They keep track of the estimated number of fish in a body of water at any one moment, how many are spawning and when, and if environmental conditions have damaged fish stocks.

Typical day at work

What does Fisheries Scientist do?

Fisheries scientists conduct assessments and monitoring of fish and aquatic invertebrate populations to estimate the ecological and economic health of the ecosystem and harvest rates for particular species. Certain people specialise in population management, whether it is increasing the number of endangered species or decreasing the population of overpopulated animals. Others investigate how fish react to sickness, intending to develop human-friendly medicines.

• Survey fish stocks to ensure the correct type and amount of fish are in the right places
• Conduct annual surveys of rivers
• Carry out electro-fishing and netting activities
• Monitor scientific data
• Write reports
• Support recreational angling
• Contribute to habitat improvement schemes
• Communicate with and advise external bodies, e.g. angling clubs, councils, and fisheries owners
• Work with planning authorities to ensure new building developments do not have an adverse impact on river fisheries

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Fisheries Scientist?

• An interest in improving the environment
• An interest in fish and fishing
• Good people skills
• The ability to analyze and interpret data
• A practical disposition
• A driving license, which is useful for inland work
• Boat-handling experience, which is helpful for marine work.
• Patience and determination
• Creativity and flexibility
• A logical and scientific mind
• Numerical ability
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent analytical skills
• Teamworking and interpersonal skills

Courses

Which course I can pursue?