The Fishery Science
If you have love for marine life and the sea, then Fishery Science is one of the most rewarding
careers for you…
Fishery Sciences is quite an exciting career choice in India. Our country is blessed with more
than 8000 km of coastline, and is among the seventh largest exporter of fishes. Moreover, the cuisines and cultures in this country are heavily based on fish and seafood. Though fishery science is not so popular in India, it is quite exciting and rewarding, especially for those who have interest in marine life.
Role of a Fishery Scientist
As a fishery scientist, your job is not limited to just experimenting in a research laboratory, but also
having to work in fish farms and seas. Assessing the impact of change in habitat on fishes and
developing new modules for their sustainability is also your job as a fishery scientist. You will have to
study fish and fauna and work on various projects mainly focusing on the effects of human activities on aquatic life. In addition, you will have to create hatcheries and breed fishes in ponds and make sure it reaches marketable size. But the biggest challenge as a fishery scientist is to develop innovative ideas and technologies for use in aquaculture like aerators, pumps, feeding equipment etc.
Job Opportunities
As a fishery scientist, you can find openings in government organisations, State Departments of
Agriculture and agencies such as the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). A number
of commercial entities have also entered the area of fish food processing and marketing, for which
individuals specialised in Fish Processing Technology or Fisheries Resources and Management are
desired.
Apart from this, as a fishery scientist, you can work in various institutions across the country that
conducts courses in Fisheries and Aquatic Resource research. And if you have good research skills,
you can find employment in institutes like the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), the
National Fisheries Development Board etc. Your expertise will also be sought in creating Oceanarium
or a public aquarium. Self-employment is another option as you can set up your own private hatchery, given that the population of fish and water animals is fast depleting with industrial and urban wastes polluting seawater. You can also find opportunities in various associated fields such as aquaculture, fish nutrition, fish pathology, fish genetics and biotechnology.
Qualifications Required
There are various undergraduate and postgraduate courses available in the field of Fisheries. After
completing 10+2 with Biological Science as one of the subjects, Fishery Science can be studied at the
BSc level. You can also do your MSc in Fishery Science after completing your BSc in Zoology. Your
knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics will regularly be drawn upon in your study of Fishery
Science. Selection process for admission in various universities/colleges is either through university
level exam (CUSAT) or state level entrance examination.
Skills Needed
The first thing you will need before you jump into this exciting career is a love for marine life and the
sea. Preferably sea sickness should not be your weakness as it can be a gamechanger. Importantly
you should have a scientific temperament for research as most of the work will be research-based.
Managerial skills can be of great benefit as the industry is directly related to money.
In broad terms Fisheries is a vibrant sector that has many facets including aquaculture, gears,
navigation, oceanography, aquarium management, fish breeding, processing, export and import of
seafood, special products and by-products, research and related activities. Also, with India being the
fourth largest producer of fish in the world, a career in Fishery Science offers great opportunities.
Colleges/ Institutes offering courses in Fishery Science
- Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai
- Central Inland Capture Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore
- Post Graduate College of Fisheries, Hyderabad
- National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow
- College of Fishery Science, Nagpur
- College of Fishery Science, Tuticorin, TN
- Gujarat Agriculture University, College of Fisheries, Krushinagar
-Team ScienceNow
