HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single required pathway for this occupation, and requirements can vary by employer and region. Many people build experience by starting in aquaculture support roles and learning day-to-day farm operations on the job. Helpful preparation may come from secondary school courses in science, math, and computer use, followed by college, university, or other workplace training related to aquaculture, fish farming, or agriculture. Because the job includes supervising people, keeping records, and watching environmental conditions, experience with teamwork, communication, and basic business tasks can also be useful. Practical experience on a farm, hatchery, or marine site is often an advantage.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Manage the overall operation of a fish hatchery, fish farm or other aquatic farm
- Identify requirements of the species and select and oversee preparation of site for species cultivation
- Co-ordinate selection and maintenance of brood stock
- Determine food requirements and structure feeding regimes
- Monitor environment and maintain optimum conditions
- Conduct and supervise stock examination to identify disease or parasites, and apply prescribed medicinal substances to control and prevent infection
- Operate and maintain cultivating and harvesting equipment
- Collect and record growth and production data
- Supervise and train aquaculture and fish hatchery support workers and supervise technicians and technologists
- Maintain financial records and establish market strategies, inventory and quality control methods
- Scuba dive to inspect sea farm operations
- Design and construct pens, floating stations and collector strings or fences for sea farms.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking water conditions, feeding schedules, and the health of the stock. The manager then walks or boats around the site to inspect pens, tanks, equipment, and growing areas. If animals show signs of stress, disease, or parasites, the manager records the issue and helps decide on the next steps. During the day, they may review growth data, update production records, organize supplies, and check inventory. They also give directions to workers, answer questions, and make sure tasks are done safely and on time. At larger operations, part of the day may involve planning, budgeting, quality checks, or meeting with technicians and other staff.
SKILLS TO BUILD