Aquacultural managers supervise staff by coordinating, directing, monitoring and supporting fish hatchery production for businesses, cooperatives and public departments or agencies. Their primary task is to ensure that fish and shellfish are grown as cash crops and released into freshwater or saltwater by utilising output and environmental data.
50hweek
Full Time
Long and irregular hours
The work of an aquacultural manager is physically demanding. In addition to walking and standing for long stretches of time, they typically handle up to 20 pounds of machines, equipment and tools in varying conditions, from very hot to very cold. Their work is mostly done outside at public or private fish hatcheries and commercial aquatic farms. Overtime work is common, and they may need to visit the site on weekends.
$35k
$68k
$140k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Undergraduate
Bachelor’s degree in marine biology or similar subject
4years
Although not essential, a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, fisheries and aquatics or another science-related field is becoming increasingly important among employers. That said, many employers will hire candidates with at least a high school diploma.
-1%
-8k
4.7%
To succeed in this career, you must attain an incredible amount of work-related skills, knowledge and expertise. Upon entry into this field, you will generally perform a lot of heavy-duty tasks before moving on to more intricate responsibilities. Eventually, with enough experience, you can progress to a more senior position such as research coordinator. You also go on to become a Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Specialist or aquaculture professor.