Fisheries Specialist

Fisheries specialists operate within the office, field, and laboratory. In each of these settings, individuals in this occupation carry out various duties.

 The office:

• Draft and revise fisheries management policies and regulations based on scientific evidence and sustainability principles.
• Analyze data from field and lab studies to identify trends, draft reports, and make recommendations for fisheries management.
• Seek funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and manage budgets for research and conservation projects.
• Maintain communication with government agencies, environmental organizations, industry groups, and the public to share information and collaborate on fisheries management.
• Design and plan research projects, conservation initiatives, and outreach programs, setting objectives, timelines, and resources needed.
• Create educational and outreach materials, such as brochures, presentations, and web content, to promote awareness of fisheries conservation.

The field: 

• Conduct on-site evaluations of aquatic environments to assess habitat conditions and identify areas requiring conservation efforts.
• Perform surveys to collect data on fish populations, including species identification, counting, and measuring.
• Measure water quality parameters and other environmental factors that affect fish habitats.
• Gather water, sediment, and biological samples for analysis to monitor ecosystem health and pollution levels.
• Meet with local communities, fishers, and industry representatives to discuss sustainable practices and conservation strategies.
• Oversee the implementation of habitat restoration projects and monitor their progress and effectiveness.

The laboratory:

• Conduct chemical, physical, and biological analyses of water, sediment, and tissue samples to assess environmental health and pollution.
• Perform genetic analyses to study fish populations, identify species, and understand biodiversity.
• Analyze samples for signs of disease or pathogens affecting fish populations.
• Manage and organize data collected from field and laboratory studies for easy access and analysis.
• Ensure that laboratory equipment is calibrated correctly and maintained and that procedures meet quality standards.
• Conduct controlled experiments to test hypotheses related to fisheries science, such as the effects of pollutants on fish health.