Fisheries is not only capturing of fish or other aquatic species it also comes with processing, marketing and conservation. Managing and understanding of fisheries is called Fisheries Science. Developing and maintaining sea wealth is the primary objective of fisheries science. It also includes biological study of life, farming and breeding of important species of fishes.
Key to Success
To be successful in Fisheries you should have/ develop:
- Genuine interest in marine life
- Should be free from sea sickness
- Dedication to work and devotion
- Hard working
- Ability to come up with new ideas
- Ability to take quick decision
Scope and Opportunities
In India, out of a total area available for culture, only 30% of fresh water area and 10% of brackish water area is utilized. Hence there is a huge scope in Fisheries Science.
Opportunities for Fisheries Graduates exists in the following areas/sector –
- Government Sector – State as well as Central Government
- Academics – Research Assistant, Assistant Professor
- Banks – Agri-Business division
- Private Sector – Manager or officers in seafood processing and export units, fishing gear industries, aqua feed plants, and in pharmaceutical companies
- Foreign Jobs – in field of aquaculture, export & import
- Self Employment – As an entrepreneur, Feed manufacturing, ornamental fish culture and breeding, feed sales, aquaculture, hatchery and seed production, fish processing and marketing, commercial pearl production, fish disease diagnostic centre, consultancy services, net making, and establishment of agri clinics.
Lifestyle & Social Status
- Most of the jobs in this career will be at seashore areas or in rural areas.
- This can be a 24/7 job.
- You must be able to live with the smell of fish all the time.
- Travelling in sea waters under all weather conditions is a must.
Job Profile
- Fishery Biologist – Biologists who work in basic fishery research conduct multiple studies to increase awareness and understanding of different types of fish for masses. For example, some may choose to research the eating habits of salmon to verify if an area’s food supply can support the fish population.
- Conduct surveys to check water quality and behavior of fish, Plan environmental projects
- Providing advice for preservation of fish
- Study on farming, breeding and harvesting of fish, writing reports, granting licenses to move fish
- Maintain and restore the supply and overall health of these fish population
- Study the problems of fishes occurs because of industrial waste and create some rules and regulations for controlling and protecting the environment
Skill Sets
- Strong analytical skill
- Research skills
- Communication skills – both oral and written
- Critical Thinking
- Curious and inquisitive mind
- Managerial skill
Work Value
- Responsibility
- Autonomy
- Achievement
- Teamwork
- Results oriented
Current Job Scenario
As per the Government of India the contribution of fisheries to the GDP is around 1.4%. Nearly 10 million people, living in 4,000 coastal villages and more number of interior villages, depend on fisheries to earn their livelihood. You can enrich the life of these people with science and technology.
Top Recruiters
- Sea Star Marine Service
- Aksa Sea Foods
- Hiran Fish Aquarium
- Aksha Fish Meal & Oil
Course Synopsis
Course Options | B. F. Sc (Bachelor of Fisheries Science) | M. F. Sc (Master of Fisheries Science) | 10+2 Vocational courses |
Academic Eligibility | 12th Pass PCB group | B. F. Sc | 10th pass |
Fees | Rs. 1.60 Lakhs to Rs. 2.00 Lakhs | Rs. 2.00 Lakhs to Rs. 2.50 Lakhs | Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 |
Overall expenditure in Metro | Rs. 2 Lakhs to Rs. 2.5 Lakhs | Rs. 2 Lakhs to Rs. 2.5 Lakhs | Rs. 2 Lakhs to Rs. 2.5 Lakhs |
Overall expenditure in Tier-1 | Rs. 1.25 – Rs. 1.75 Lakhs | Rs. 1.25 – Rs. 1.75 Lakhs | Rs. 1.25 – Rs. 1.75 Lakhs |
Overall expenditure in Tier-2 | Rs. 70K – Rs. 1.1 Lakhs | Rs. 70K – Rs. 1.1 Lakhs | Rs. 70K – Rs. 1.1 Lakhs |
Duration | 4 Years | 2 Year | 2 years |
Mode | Regular | Regular | Regular |
Specialization | Aquaculture, Fishery Microbiology, Fish Processing Technology, Fisheries Resources and Management and Fisheries Environment and Ecology. | ||
Approved | UGC | UGC | NCERT |
Affiliation | Respective Universities | Respective Universities | |
Entrance Exam | admission in Central Institutes, one has to appear for all India level common Entrance Test conducted by ICAR, New Delhi | ||
Education Loan | |||
Scholarships |
Career Prospect
- Aquaculture cooperative marketing director
- Aquaculture director
- Facility operation manager
- Fish hatchery manager
- Hatchery supervisor
- Shellfish manager
- Scientist
Entrance Exam
- Central Institute of Fisheries, Nautical & Engineering Training (CIFNET) (National Level)
- ICAR
- Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Common Entrance Test
- Also check for State Level Entrance Exam
Success stories