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WHAT IS FISHERIES SCIENCE?
Fisheries science is a natural resources management or wildlife management career focused on managing fish populations in reservoirs, lakes, rivers, oceans, and/or aquaculture facilities. Fisheries professionals most typically manage sport and commercial fisheries and fish hatchery operations, often addressing the difficult issue of how to maintain the delicate balance of having a healthy aquatic ecosystem while still allowing people to go fishing.
The field is important socially because fish are a staple food in the diets of most world cultures, and properly managing fish and fish habitats ensures that they are safe for human consumption. The field is important economically because perhaps millions of people worldwide rely on the industry for jobs and recreation.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Fisheries Science programs are often coupled with Wildlife Management programs, and students should expect to study a core of programs focused on biology and ecology, including freshwater and marine environments. Coursework in most programs will also cover nutrition, disease, habitat management, technology, population dynamics, research techniques, and an emphasis on field work and experience. Beyond the environmental curricula, students should expect to take courses aimed at developing computer skills and statistical analysis. Specific courses we've seen include:
- Intro. to Fisheries & Wildlife
- Field Botany
- Natural History of the Vertebrates
- Principals of Statistical Methods
- Genetics
- Ichthyology
- Vessel Repair and Maintenance
- Mid-Ocean Navigation
- Living Aquatic Resources
- Design of Fish Capture Systems
- Fish Stock Assessment
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Great Resources
on Fisheries Science
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- Limnology
- Aquatic Entomology
- Fish Ecology
- Freshwater Fish Culture
- Remote Sensing
- Vertebrate Anatomy
- Biometrics
- Survey of Organic Chemistry
- Animal Physiology
- Fish Ecology
- Freshwater Fish Culture
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Fisheries Science graduates will find work at federal and state agencies in wildlife, fish, and natural resource management, as well as in the private sector managing sport and commercial fisheries and fish hatchery operations with consulting firms, reclamation companies, and aquaculture farms. Academic research positions and jobs with nonprofit organizations are also key employers, including environmental advocacy groups, community education societies, zoos, nature centers and sporting clubs and associations. Water districts, agencies and associations also commonly employ fisheries specialists.
Job responsibilities will vary greatly, depending on the field of employ. For example, aquaculture farmers raise fish and shellfish in marine, brackish, or fresh water, usually in ponds, floating net pens, raceways, or recirculating systems; a fish and game agent might patrol public lands for illegal fishermen while also ensuring a viable stock; a consulting firm might specialize in studying the reintroduction of endangered species such as pacific salmon or steelhead trout. Some specific job titles that we've seen include:
- Conservation Agent
- Marine Program Development Leader
- Fish Passage Manager
- Fisheries Biologist
- Natural Resource Scientist/Manager
- Fish Ecology Technician
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Career Guidance
from EnviroEducation.com
 A career in Fisheries Management is a diverse and exciting field. Here, Jennifer Gilden shares her experiences in the field  >>>
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- Estuarine Research Associates
- Fish Propagation Staff Biologist
- Endangered Species Act (ESA) Program Specialist
- Area Fish Production Managers
- Wildlife Biologist
- Senior Fish Pathologist
- Ocean Salmon Fisheries Manager
- Wildlife/Parks Assistant Manager
- Salmon Hatchery Assistant Manager
- Area Coordinator for Fisheries Observers
- Game and Fish Director
- Freshwater Conservation Program Director
- Senior Fisheries Hydrologist
- Harvest Management Biologist
- Wetlands Biologist
- Instream Flow Specialist
- Aquatic Ecologist
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a specific category for Fisheries Scientists, but fisheries-related positions are discussed in a number of different documents. According to reviewed reports, annual earnings vary greatly, depending on the specific field. For example, full-time, salaried aquaculture farmer managers (included in the BLS report titled "Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Managers") had a median annual salary of $28,000 in 2000, while Conservation Scientists were at about $47,000, and Natural Science Managers were at $84,000.
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