Aquaculture Farmer

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Aquaculture farmers (or Marine Farmers) are involved in freshwater and marine farming and hatchery management, as well as research into farmed species. They can be involved in equipment design, site development and research, and the harvesting, processing and shipment of products. Future Growth Static

Aquaculture farmers rear fish and other aquatic livestock such as oysters, marron, crayfish and prawns. They may work in the open seas or in specially prepared areas such as tanks, dams or shallows that contain cages. They inspect the livestock and ensure healthy growing conditions by checking the oxygen levels and temperature of the water, and make sure that it's free from contamination. They determine when to harvest their livestock, and oversee its harvesting, grading and transportation. They also organise the sale of their stock and manage the business side of their farm.

 

 

Hatchery

Hatchery

ANZSCO ID: 1211

Alternative names: Marine Farmer, Aquaculture Manager,

Specialisations: Seafood farmer; Fish Farmer; Hatchery Manager (Fish); Mussel Farmer; Oyster Farmer

Knowledge, skills and attributes

An aquaculture farmer needs:

  • a love of water and the sea

  • to enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions

  • practical skills and an enjoyment of manual tasks

  • good problem-solving skills

  • good people and resource management skills

  • business and social skills, as managers have to deal with customers regularly (often major wholesalers)

  • numerical ability, for calculating feeding regimes and for invoicing purposes

  • organisational skills

  • the ability to co-ordinate the activities of others

  • enjoy science

  •  good observational skills

  •  able to cope with the physical demands of the job

  •  aptitude for working with computers.

Macquarie Harbour Tasmania
Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania: Farming Salmon

Duties and Tasks

Aquaculture farmers may perform the following tasks:

  •  breed and raise marine organisms such as fish, eels, crustaceans, shellfish, pearl-producing shellfish, algae, crocodiles and turtles in artificial conditions

  •  identify common diseases in fish and shellfish, and take the necessary steps to prevent problems that may occur in intensive farming

  •  assist with experiments relating to nutrition or methods of controlling predators, parasites and other disease-causing organisms

  •  monitor the environment using oxygen meters, salinity meters, pH (acidity) meters and water chemistry analysis kits

  • calculate the feeding regime, which is often done by automatic computer systems

  •  maintain live feed and algae cultures

  • ensure the water supply is of a sufficient quality for the stock

  • be aware of different water management techniques

  • adapt to new technologies as they develop and learn practical skills

  • pay close attention to detail, in order to avoid expensive fish losses in what can be a high-risk industry

  • confer with biologists, fish pathologists, and other fishery personnel to obtain data concerning fish habits, diseases, food, and environmental requirements.

  • possess stock skills such as fish handling, spawning, grading and harvesting

  •  keep records of breeding, production and treatment programmes - plan breeding programmes and grow schedules to obtain maximum efficiency

  •  develop and implement systems of profitable farm management.

  • direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques

  • scuba dive in order to inspect sea farm operations

  • design and construct pens, floating stations, and collector strings or fences for sea farms.

  • adhere to environmental standards

  • sell fish products and assist the general public - this may apply if you work for a farm that also offers other retail and leisure activities, such as angling

  • market and sell the fish - although this responsibility depends on the individual farm

  • understand legislation and how to implement this into practical application

 

Working conditions

Aquaculture farmers work outdoors in all kinds of weather. They may also work in a hatchery or laboratory. The work can be located in isolated areas and heavy lifting may be required. Shiftwork is common, including on weekends and public holidays.

Aquaculture farmers work either in boats on the open sea or in hatcheries. They work in all weather conditions and often need to work early and long hours, particularly during harvesting. They may also spend time in offices undertaking administrative tasks.


Tools and technologies

Aquaculture farmers may operate fishing vessels and the harvesting machinery onboard these vessels. They may also operate tanks, ponds, open-water cages and other enclosures. They may be required to operate scuba equipment if their farming operation requires diving. They also use ropes, knives, winches, hydraulic machinery and fish-feeding machinery.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an aquaculture farmer you usually need to complete a formal qualification in aquaculture or marine science.

VET courses in aquaculture are offered at State Training Providers and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can also complete a traineeship. The equipment and facilities officer – aquaculture, stock production and harvesting officer – aquaculture, leading hand – aquaculture, and manager/team leader – aquaculture traineeships usually take 24 to 36 months to complete.

You can complete a science degree with a major in marine science, marine and freshwater biology or a related field.

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Electrical Linesperson

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Greenkeeper

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Crop Farmer

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Aquaculture Farmer

Miner

Mining Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Jillaroo Jackeroo

Arborist

Horse Manager

Wool Classer

Farrier

Waste Water Operator

Horse Groomer

Grain Oilseed Pasture Grower

Animal Attendant and Trainer

Coastal Engineer

Pomologist

Pest and Weed Controller

Geographer

Olericulturist

Environmental Consultant

Floriculturist

Agricultural Consultant

Sustainability Consultant

Wind Turbine Technician

Zoo Education Manager

Hazardous Materials Labourer

Feedlot Manager

Farmer

Horticultural Assistant

Zookeeper

Civil Engineer

Viticulturalist

Horticulturalist

Surveyor

Beekeeper

Landscape Architect

Lifeguard

Horse Trainer

Forester

Electrical Linesperson

Shearer

Greenkeeper

Stonemason

Crop Farmer

Livestock Farmer

Aquaculture Farmer

Miner

Mining Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Jillaroo Jackeroo

Arborist

Horse Manager

Wool Classer

Farrier

Waste Water Operator

Horse Groomer

Grain Oilseed Pasture Grower

Animal Attendant and Trainer

Coastal Engineer

Pomologist

Pest and Weed Controller

Geographer

Olericulturist

Environmental Consultant

Floriculturist

Agricultural Consultant

Sustainability Consultant

Wind Turbine Technician

Zoo Education Manager

Hazardous Materials Labourer

Feedlot Manager

Farmer

Horticultural Assistant

Zookeeper

Civil Engineer

Viticulturalist

Horticulturalist

Surveyor

Beekeeper

Landscape Architect

Lifeguard