Aquaculture - Job Description

With backgrounds in marine or aquatic biology, aquaculture technicians can work for federal and state government agencies, commercial industry organizations, or universities. Within the government, these professionals help biologists with the duties of managing public lakes, rivers and recreational fishing areas, particularly during the busy fishing seasons. In commercial industry, technicians at private fish farms or hatcheries rear, process, and market fish for commercial sale to food suppliers and aquariums. In universities, they assist biologists and academic researchers to manage fish on campus and donated lands for research and educational purposes.

Duties of an Aquaculture Technician

Aquaculture technicians study fish and shellfish rearing and husbandry techniques to determine the best ways to raise and keep fish. In addition to cultivating fish for food, they also provide care for fish that will be sold as pets. Aquaculture technicians' duties can include replenishing the depleted fish population in lakes and streams. They might work at aquariums, zoos, or water parks, feeding and caring for the fish. Technicians can also assist commercial aquaculture companies with business plans and economic forecasts.

Aside from fish, technicians might grow marine plants to be sold to zoos, aquariums, pet stores, and marine exhibits for display purposes or to enhance an aquatic environment. Marine plants might also be sold to health food companies, grocery stores, or pharmaceutical laboratories to serve as food, vitamin supplements, and medicines.

To recap, aquaculture technicians need to know how to grow marine animals and plants, and often sell these products to commercial markets for food, supplements, or for recreation purposes. They need knowledge of aquatic biology and business, which can be learned in a certificate program. These professionals can work for a private company, government agency, or even an academic institution.