Aquaculture biologist

An Aquaculture Biologist is a scientist who studies and works in the field of aquaculture, which involves the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and algae. Their work focuses on ensuring sustainable practices for cultivating these organisms, improving production efficiency, and maintaining the health of aquatic species. Aquaculture Biologists play a critical role in the development of sustainable seafood production, research on aquatic ecosystems, and the conservation of marine and freshwater species.

Here are some typical duties of aquaculture biologists:

• Research and develop methods for improving the growth, health, and reproduction of aquatic organisms in captivity.
• Monitor water quality and the health of aquatic species in aquaculture farms to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Study the biology and behavior of aquatic species to enhance breeding programs and prevent disease outbreaks.
• Work on sustainable aquaculture practices that reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity.
• Collaborate with fisheries, environmental agencies, and agricultural scientists to improve aquaculture technologies.
• Design and implement feeding programs for aquaculture species, ensuring balanced nutrition and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct experiments to enhance breeding techniques, increase yield, and improve resilience to diseases.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards for sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present at industry conferences to share innovations in aquaculture.

The following job titles also refer to aquaculture biologist:

expert in aquaculture biology
aquaculture biology researcher
aquaculture biology research analyst
consultant aquaculture biologist
aquaculture biology scholar
aquaculture biology research scientist
aquaculture biology specialist
specialist in aquaculture biology
aquaculture biology expert
aquaculture biology science researcher
aquaculture biology scientist
aquaculture biology analyst
aquacultures biologist

Aquaculture Biologists work in a range of environments, including research laboratories, aquaculture farms, hatcheries, and marine or freshwater ecosystems. The job may involve both indoor and outdoor work, depending on whether the biologist is conducting experiments in controlled environments or monitoring aquatic species in open water systems. Fieldwork is common, especially for those studying the environmental effects of aquaculture practices or working directly with aquatic species in ponds, tanks, or ocean farms. Working conditions may vary, with some periods of time spent outdoors in various weather conditions or extended hours in research facilities managing data and conducting experiments.

A bachelor’s degree in aquaculture, marine biology, fisheries science, or a related field is typically required to become an Aquaculture Biologist. Advanced positions, especially in research or management, often require a master’s degree or PhD. Experience in laboratory techniques, water quality analysis, and working with aquatic organisms is essential. Aquaculture Biologists must also have a strong understanding of environmental science, biology, and sustainable farming practices. Hands-on experience through internships, research projects, or working at aquaculture farms is highly beneficial for career development. Continuous education is necessary to stay updated with the latest advancements in aquaculture technology and sustainability practices.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Aquaculture biologist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to aquaculture biologist.

aquatic animal health professional
biologist
biophysicist
ecologist
aquaculture environmental analyst

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of aquaculture biologist.

• Microbiology-bacteriology: Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
• Botany: The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
• Aquatic species: The care and maintenance of aquatic biological species.
• Virology: The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Applied zoology: The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.
• Ecology: The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.
• Biotechnology in aquaculture: Biotechnology and polymerase chain reactions for studies in sustainable aquaculture production methods.
• Fish anatomy: The study of the form or morphology of fish species.
• Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing a hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
• 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.

These skills are necessary for the role of aquaculture biologist.

• Conduct research on flora: Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
• Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
• 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.
• Keep task records: Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
• Use specialised equipment: Use specialised equipment such as an electron microscope, telemetry, digital imaging analysis, global positioning systems, and computer modelling in studies and analyses of production methodology.
• Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
• Conduct fish mortality studies: Collect fish mortality data. Identify causes of mortality and provide solutions .
• Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
• 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.
• Carry out fish disease prevention measures: Carry out disease prevention measures for fish, mollusks, and crustaceans for land-based and water-based aquaculture facilities.
• Gather experimental data: Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
• 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.
• Control aquatic production environment: Assess the impact of biological conditions such as algae and fouling organisms by managing water intakes, catchments and oxygen use.
• Perform field research: Participate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.
• Conserve natural resources: Protect waters and natural resources and coordinate actions. Work with environmental agencies and resource management personnel.
• Inspect fish stock: Collect and examine fish to evaluate the health of fish stock.
• Conduct fish populations studies: Study captive fish populations to determine survival, growth, and migration.
• Monitor water quality: Measure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2, NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.
• 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.
• Collect biological data: Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.
• Conduct research on fauna: Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
• Analyse work-related written reports: Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aquaculture biologist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Fish identification and classification: The processes that allow the identification and classification of fish.
• Animal welfare legislation: The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
• Pollution legislation: Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.
• Assessment of risks and threats: The security documentation and any security-related communications and information.
• Fish welfare regulations: The set of rules that apply in fish harvesting methods that ensure fish well-being.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aquaculture biologist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Monitor fish mortality rates: Monitor fish mortalities and assess possible causes.
• Develop management plans: Develop management plans to maintain fisheries and habitat, or restore them when necessary.
• Deliver online training: Provide training by using online technologies, adapting the learning materials, using e-learning methods and communicating online. Instruct virtual classrooms.
• Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
• Communicate verbal instructions: Communicate transparent instructions. Ensure that messages are understood and followed correctly.
• Administer treatments to fish: Administer treatments to fish, including vaccination of fish by immersion and injection, continually monitoring fish for signs of stress.
• Communicate specialised veterinary information: Communicate the relevance of and the advances in the area of specialisation to general practice veterinarians and to non-veterinarians.
• Adapt communication style according to recipient: Adapt communication style to that of the recipient of the message in order to create a rapport.
• Speak different languages: Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
• Prepare fish treatment facilities: Prepare fish treatment facilities to effectively isolate contaminated fish during treatment. Control the application of treatments to avoid contaminating other stock, containers and the wider environment.
• Develop fish health and welfare management plans: Develop a plan that lists risks from outdoor factors, such as predators, and pests.
• Provide advice to hatcheries: Provide recommendations for the installation and well-functioning of hatcheries.
• Assess environmental impact in aquaculture operations: Measure the environmental impact of a company’s aquaculture operations. Take into account factors such as the quality of the sea and surface water, fish and sea plant habitats and risks regarding the quality of air, odour and noise.
• Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
• Ensure animal welfare in slaughtering practices: Respect the needs of livestock and apply the regulations regarding animal welfare in the meat and meat products manufacturing sector. Respond correctly to animal issues from unloading until stunning of the animals.
• Analyse fish samples for diagnosis: Analyse samples or lesions from farmed aquatic species for professional diagnosis and treatments.
• Handle the disposal of chemicals: Dispose of chemicals and treatments safely according to site waste management procedures.
• Create training materials: Develop and compile training items and resources according to didactical methods and training needs and using specific media types.
• Prepare fish treatment plan: Prepare health treatment plans to meet specific fish disease requirements.
• Preserve fish samples for diagnosis: Collect and preserve larval, fish and mollusk samples or lesions for diagnosis by fish disease specialists.
• Discuss research proposals: Discuss proposals and projects with researchers, decide on resources to allocate and whether to move forward with the study.
• Conduct ecological research: Conduct ecological and biological research in the field and in controlled conditions, using scientific methods and equipment.
• Diagnose aquatic animals disease symptoms: Observe and describe symptoms and lesions of fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. Monitor abnormal fish behaviour in feeding, swimming, and surfacing.
• Communicate technicalities with clients: Communicate with and support clients and veterinarians in case of problems. Provide feedback to production and management.
• Identify risks in aquaculture facilities: Identify the hazards and evaluate the risks to health and safety in aquaculture facilities.
• Communicate in an outdoor setting: Communicate with participants in more than one language of the European Union; handle a crisis following guidelines and recognise the importance of proper behaviour in crisis situations.
• Develop aquaculture breeding strategies: Create and develop an aquaculture breeding strategy using a variety of techniques; naturally spawned fish eggs, induced spawning of fish eggs, environmental controlled spawning, hormonally regulated fish spawning, broodstock recruitment by genetic selection.
• Carry out internet research: Execute efficient search on the internet in order to gather relevant information and share it with others.
• Write routine reports: Compose routine reports; identify appropriate forms or documents to record data from manual inspections and/or electronic systems. Write clear observations as required. A written report is usually a summary of readings from the routine performance of the reticulation system.
• Screen live fish deformities: Screen for deformities in live fish including larvae
• Maintain relationships with animal welfare establishments: Ensure good relations with other animal welfare establishments and agencies.
• Assess fish health condition: Identify and prepare fish conditions for the safe application of treatments.
• Monitor treated fish: Monitor treated fish to evaluate the effect of treatments.
• Interview parties in relation to animal welfare investigations: Conduct interviews of suspects and witnesses in relation to cases of alleged breach of animal-related legislation.
• Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
• Apply risk management processes: Identify risk and apply a risk management process, e.g. hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).
• Maintain aquaculture treatment records: Provide accurate information to maintain records of treatments applied.
• Develop management plans to reduce risks in aquaculture: Develop a management plan to reduce the risks from pests, predators and diseases. Supervise implementation of plan, especially disease prevention measures, throughout the aquaculture facility.
• Coordinate operational activities: Synchronise activities and responsibilities of the operational staff to ensure that the resources of an organisation are used most efficiently in pursuit of the specified objectives.
• Prepare visual data: Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.
• Inspect animal welfare management: Monitor animal health and welfare management and husbandry, and analyse risk factors in relation to animal health, disease and welfare status.
• Report analysis results: Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods that led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.
• Collect fish samples for diagnosis: Collect fish and shellfish samples for diagnosis by fish diseases specialists.
• Report pollution incidents: Examine the extent of the damage and consequences when an incident causes pollution, and report it to the relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.
• Communicate by telephone: Liaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.
• Control fish diseases: Identify the symptoms of fish diseases. Apply appropriate measures to treat or eliminate diagnosed conditions.
• Advise on animal welfare: Prepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Seek innovation in current practices: Search for improvements and present innovative solutions, creativity and alternative thinking to develop new technologies, methods or ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
• Provide on-site training in aquaculture facilities: Provide on-site training in aquaculture facilities, through instruction and demonstration of skills. Provide, implement and supervise a training development plan.
• Communicate in English in a competent way: Competent use of English; R351refers to level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

2131 – Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals

---

References

1. Aquaculture biologist – ESCO
2. Aquaculture Biologist – Aquatic Network
3. How To Become an Aquatic Biologist | EnvironmentalScience.org
4. Featured image: By U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region – Biologist Ed Williams turning a rock for aquatic insectsUploaded by AlbertHerring, Public Domain