Fisheries Studies

Work in the Fisheries Science and Fisheries Management fields shares many features with Aquaculture employment. Most opportunities in this area will relate to the development, management and protection of recreational fisheries or to scientific investigation with regard to longer-term protection and conservation of fisheries as a resource.

Freshwater angling is one of the most popular sports within the UK with an estimated 4 million participants; as a result job opportunities are available with private and government organisations charged with the management of fisheries at a variety of levels. At the same time there has been a general increase in public awareness with regard to the protection and conservation of our freshwater resources in the face of many conflicting demands.

The UK Industry

The Fisheries industry within the UK is highly diverse and dispersed and as a result the opportunities are difficult to define precisely. In general terms, however, they range from opportunities on small scale private commercial fisheries to scientific or management posts within government organisations.

Private Fisheries

Within the UK there is a great diversity of private fisheries ranging from exclusive and expensive salmon and trout waters to open access day ticket coarse fisheries. The job opportunities and responsibilities on such fisheries will vary greatly but due to their heavy commitment to the angling customer, all are likely require some expertise in dealing with the public as well as fishery management skills. You may find it useful to visit a range of angling association and private fishery web sites to view the type of work and potential opportunities that exist for employment in this field. (See links to useful information on fisheries).

District Salmon Fishery Boards (DSFB - Scotland)

The position and organisation of Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries administration, protection and management is currently under review and it is likely that things will change in the near future. At present there are 49 District Salmon Fishery Boards in Scotland whose responsibilities include the protection and improvement of the fisheries within their districts, the stocking of the district with salmon and sea trout. To fulfil these responsibilities most Boards employ Fishery Inspectors and bailiffs. More detailed and up-to-date information can be obtained from the Association of District Salmon Fishery Boards site. (See links to useful information on fisheries)

Salmon Trusts (Scotland)

Salmon Trusts have been established in a number of areas, often independent of the DSFB. These organisations have status and have a much wider remit including fishery enhancement and conservation at the broadest level. The Trusts generally employ fishery biologists, assistant biologists and field workers. Part time jobs are often available in the summer months.
The work of the Trusts and other fishery management and protection bodies is co-ordinated by the Sport Fisheries Co-ordination Centre, whose site provides an insight into the work of these organisations. (See links to useful information on fisheries)

Environment Agency (England and Wales)

The Environment Agency in England and Wales has responsibility for the administration, protection improvement and development of salmon and freshwater fisheries in eight regions covering the country. Job opportunities exist within this organisation at various levels and disciplines from bailiffs to regional fisheries officers.

Fisheries Research/Science

The Fisheries Research Service in Scotland and the Centre for Environmental Fisheries and Aquaculture in England carry out more pure scientific research into wild fish stocks on behalf of the government bodies (SERAD and DEFRA) and from time to time offer vacancies for Fisheries biologists or fieldwork assistants.

The aquaculture industry can be viewed in a UK and global context.

Aquaculture in its broadest definition is the 'culture of aquatic organisms'. Although most aquaculture activity involves the culture of edible finfish, there are examples of other species being cultivated for a wide range of purposes. Aquatic plants are occasionally cultured, such as the sea weed production practiced in Japan to provide the raw material for a popular processed food. Species of Crustaceans and shell fish are cultured for human consumption whilst other more novel aquatic species such as rag worm are cultured to provide bait for sport anglers. The global aquaculture industry is very diverse indeed.

UK industry

Nationally in the UK the Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout sectors form the backbone of the industry. These two fish species are farmed from the south of England through to the Scottish northern isles. Other marine species are also significant. The production of shell fish is well established, but promising marine finfish such as Halibut and cod are only just reaching production on a commercial scale.

Salmon farming

The Salmon farming industry is by far the largest sector, producing 158,000 Tonnes of Salmon for the Market in 2001 and providing most of the full time employment in many regions in the North West of Scotland. Several multi national companies dominate production and offer an attractive long term career opportunity for budding newcomers to the industry.

Trout farming

Rainbow trout farming, which was established in the UK long before the Salmon sector, provides employment across the UK. Although most production directly enters the human food chain, there is a thriving sub sector producing high quality stock for live sale to sport fisheries. Other species of trout such as our native Brown trout, American Brook trout and the novelty colour variants and hybrids are also produced for the fishery market.

Shellfish production

Mussells, Oysters, Scallops and to a lesser extent Clams are all cultivated for sale as sea food and can command worthwhile prices. The production of most shellfish is centred on Scotland and Ireland, but clams and oysters are also produced in England and Wales. The fresh water crayfish is farmed, and more commonly ranched, on a small scale in the calcium rich waters of Southern England.

Marine finfish (mariculture)

Although the early pioneering hatchery work was done with Turbot, its requirement for warmer water led to relocation of on-growing operations in Spain. In the UK and more specifically Scotland, cold water species, such as Halibut and Cod have more commercial potential. The culture of marine species is highly specialised due to the very small size of the first feeding juveniles and their insistence on live feed. Some of the larger multinational Salmon farming companies have invested heavily in commercialising Halibut and Cod production, and employment opportunities are growing as a result.

Cyprinid production

The carp family (Cyprinids) are produced for three main purposes. To provide a supply of hardy outdoor ornamental fish for garden ponds, fish for restocking coarse fisheries and to supply fish for consumption. There are small specialist ethnic food markets for common carp in the UK, the most lucrative being the supply of live carp to the Chinese restaurant trade.

Over the last ten years interest has been growing in the home production of ornamental Cyprinid species such as Koi, Golden Orfe, Golden Tench, and hardy varieties of goldfish. There is fierce competition from the warmer countries in the world, able to produce fish cheaply for export to the UK markets. However, latterly, recognition of the advantage offered by hardy home produced fish, not subjected to extreme stress during long haul flights, has fuelled the growth of this sector, particularly in the South of England where the warmer climate favours outdoor pond production.

You will find a lot of useful information on aquaculture from the sites below:

www.britishtrout.co.uk
www.scottishsalmon.co.uk
www.marlab.ac.uk
www.scottishshellfish.co.uk
www.bmfa.uk.com
www.ifm.org.uk
www.frs-scotland.gov.uk
www.asfb.org.uk