Managers in aquaculture

Overview

Managers in aquaculture manage operations of facilities which cultivate and harvest fish, shellfish or marine plants for replenishment of wildlife stocks or for commercial sale. They are employed by public or private fish hatcheries and commercial aquatic farms, or they may be self-employed.

This group performs some or all of the following 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

  • Manage 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

  • May scuba dive to inspect sea farm operations

  • May design and construct pens, floating stations and collector strings or fences for sea farms.

Job titles

  • aquaculture director
  • aquaculture manager
  • aquaculture operator
  • eel farmer
  • fish culture manager
  • fish culture operator

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$34,934

Median

$67,699

High

$111,642

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

81

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • A college diploma in aquaculture or a related field or Several years of experience in fishing or aquaculture operations are usually required.

  • A commercial aquaculture or fish hatchery licence, permit or lease is required for self-employed aquaculture managers.

Certification requirements

Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Managers in aquaculture in B.C.

  • Aquaculture Licensing - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Aquaculture Licensing - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a self-employed aquaculture manager in B.C., you must pursue official licensing with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Visit the website to learn more about licensing procedures specific to your operation.

Visit website

Work Experience

Work experience recommended

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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