A biologist who specializes in aquatic life is known as a fisheries biologist. A fisheries biologist can work for either industry or the government and has a wide range of responsibilities. Fisheries biologists are employed by power, extraction, and aquaculture companies, as well as the federal government and all state governments.
A fisheries biologist’s responsibilities vary depending on who he works for and what they require. For example, through the department of natural resources or the department of environmental protection, a fisheries biologist working for a state governmental agency may be entrusted with raising fish for stocking. He’ll devote a lot of time to researching habitats, determining which species will thrive in specific environments, and actually raising fish from eggs to the point where they can be released.
A fisheries biologist for a coal, natural gas, or other mineral extraction company might spend time determining how a particular construction project will affect the living conditions of existing fish. He’ll also look into ways to reduce the negative effects of mining site run-off on fish, as well as keep track of the company’s compliance with state and federal regulations.
The education process for fisheries biologists is similar whether one wants to work for industry or the government. With a four-year degree in biological sciences, it is possible to find work in the field. However, given the research-intensive nature of the job, having more education makes it easier to find work. A four-year degree in biology, zoology, or a closely related field is a good place to start, but many entry-level fisheries biologists will also have graduate degrees.
While still in school, fisheries biologists can improve their employability by participating in work-study programs, volunteering, or working part-time in the field. Some common fisheries biologist tasks, such as conducting censuses of a specific body of water, are made easier with extra assistance. Volunteering to assist with these projects can provide a valuable networking opportunity as well as practical experience. It’s never too early to get involved in this type of activity; census taking necessitates the recording of a species’ population. While a fisheries biologist is required for this type of activity, having extra hands on hand, even if they have no specialized training, is advantageous.
When a fisheries biologist finds work, he or she often stays in the same field for the rest of his or her career. Some people choose to work for the government for the rest of their lives, while others progress through the ranks of industry. Others alternate between working for the private sector and the government. Many businesses recognize the value of hiring someone with regulatory experience to assist them in remaining compliant.