Profession aquaculture biologist

Aquaculture biologists apply knowledge gained from research about aquatic animals and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment, in order to improve aquaculture production, prevent animal health and environmental problems and to provide solutions if necessary.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Fish anatomy

    The study of the form or morphology of fish species.

  • Biotechnology in aquaculture

    Biotechnology and polymerase chain reactions for studies in sustainable aquaculture production methods.

  • Fish biology

    The study of fish, shellfish or crustacean organisms, categorized into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origins and distribution.

  • Molecular biology

    The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.

  • Pollution prevention

    The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

  • Botany

    The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.

  • Biology

    Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Ecology

    The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

  • Microbiology-bacteriology

    Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

  • Aquatic species

    The care and maintenance of aquatic biological species.

  • Virology

    The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.

  • Biosecurity

    Be aware of the general principles of the concept of bio-security and in particular, the disease prevention rules to be implemented in case of epidemics endangering public health.

  • Laboratory techniques

    Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

  • Scientific research methodology

    The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

  • Applied zoology

    The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.

Skills

  • Gather experimental data

    Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

  • Apply scientific methods

    Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

  • Conduct fish populations studies

    Study captive fish populations to determine survival, growth, and migration.

  • Collect biological data

    Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

  • Perform laboratory tests

    Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

  • Perform field research

    Participate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.

  • Carry out fish disease prevention measures

    Carry out disease prevention measures for fish, molluscs, and crustaceans for land-based and water-based aquaculture facilities.

  • Send biological samples to laboratory

    Forward collected biological samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.

  • Conduct fish mortality studies

    Collect fish mortality data. Identify causes of mortality and provide solutions .

  • Use specialised equipment

    Use specialised equipment such as electron microscope, telemetry, digital imaging analysis, global positioning systems, and computer modelling in studies and analyses of production methodology.

  • Inspect fish stock

    Collect and examine fish to evaluate the health of fish stock.

  • Keep task records

    Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.

  • Follow safety precautions in fishery operations

    Comply with policies and institutional regulations to guarantee a safe workplace for employees in fishery and aquaculture operations. Deal with potential risks and dangers by taking appropriate safety measures.

  • Conduct research on flora

    Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

  • Conserve natural resources

    Protect waters and natural resources and coordinate actions. Work with environmental agencies and resource management personnel.

  • Develop aquaculture strategies

    Cultivate strategies for aquaculture plans based on reports and research in order to deal with specific fish farm issues. Plan and organise work activities in order to improve aquaculture production and tackle further problems.

  • Monitor water quality

    Measure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2,NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.

  • Conduct research on fauna

    Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

  • Implement scientific decision making in healthcare

    Implement scientific findings for evidence-based practice, integrating research evidence into decision making by forming a focused clinical question in response to a recognised information need, searching for the most appropriate evidence to meet that need, critically appraising the retrieved evidence, incorporating the evidence into a strategy for action, and evaluating the effects of any decisions and actions taken.

  • Perform scientific research

    Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

  • Analyse work-related written reports

    Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.

  • Control aquatic production environment

    Assess the impact of biological conditions such as algae and fouling organisms by managing water intakes, catchments and oxygen use.

Optional knowledge and skills

communicate in an outdoor setting develop fish health and welfare management plans preserve fish samples for diagnosis report analysis results maintain relationships with animal welfare establishments identify risks in aquaculture facilities maintain aquaculture treatment records deliver online training provide on-site training in aquaculture facilities communicate specialised veterinary information inspect animal welfare management communicate technicalities with clients develop management plans write work-related reports collect fish samples for diagnosis fish welfare regulations speak different languages adapt communication style according to recipient animal welfare legislation control fish diseases develop aquaculture breeding strategies communicate by telephone analyse fish samples for diagnosis write routine reports report pollution incidents interview parties in relation to animal welfare investigations ensure animal welfare in slaughtering practices provide advice to hatcheries communicate in english in a competent way assess fish health condition conduct ecological research administer treatments to fish fish identification and classification pollution legislation develop management plans to reduce risks in aquaculture handle the disposal of chemicals assessment of risks and threats coordinate operational activities monitor fish mortality rates prepare fish treatment plan advise on animal welfare carry out internet research screen live fish deformities create training materials discuss research proposals communicate verbal instructions monitor treated fish write research proposals seek innovation in current practices assess environmental impact in aquaculture operations prepare visual data use different communication channels prepare fish treatment facilities apply risk management processes diagnose aquatic animals disease symptoms

Source: Sisyphus ODB