Aquaculture… A career for me?

1. Raising • Harvesting • Controlled environment Aquaculture… A career for me? Estefania James

2. Why Aquaculture? • As wild fisheries production continues to decline, the availability of domestic farm-raised fish and shellfish is growing exponentially. • The market continues to be very promising with more health conscious consumers becoming aware of the benefits of eating fish and shellfish products. • Aquaculture is now the fastest growing animal-production industry, and it represents nearly a $100 billion dollar industry worldwide. Connecticut Sea Grant College Program Publication Number CTSG-07-07

4. Would an aquaculture career suit you? Aquaculture biologists need a strong background in advanced mathematics and computer skills, in addition to study of the animal and aquatic sciences, is the way to gain a competitive edge in the market. Aquaculture engineers may require expertise in different areas such as acoustics, robotics, electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering. • Aquaculture managers need skills in management, staff supervision, administration and accounting, and purchasing, with specific species knowledge. • Aquaculture technicians need to enjoy working outside and must have a love of nature and fish. They need to have good communication skills and the ability to follow instructions.

5. Ohio species Largemouth bass Yellow Perch Bluegill Freshwater prawn Rainbow trout

6. Types of Careers Research Extension Production Engineer, hatchery manager, economist, processor, product distributor, resource manager, aquaculture farmer, investor Investigator, scientific writer, technology designer, feed developer Extension specialist, trainer, laboratory assistant Laboratory technician, pathologist, water quality technician, microbiologist, pharmaceutical industry Teacher, consultant, aquarist, biologist, health inspector, equipment vendor, enforcement officer, marketing professional in Aquaculture (freshwater and marine water) Technicians Educators& others

7. What do we do at the OSU South Centers? • Extension • Research

8. Salary There is a wide range of salaries paid in aquaculture careers. Salaries are dependent on many factors including geographic location, education, experience, and the type of occupation. Many entry-level and seasonal or part-time jobs offer hourly wages, while full-time positions usually offer more competitive salaries and benefits packages.

9. Career Qualifications A master's degree is usually needed for managerial positions at larger facilities, senior scientist positions at large fisheries, or on research projects. With plenty of experience gained, aquaculture workers can qualify for positions as consultants in private firms or as senior scientists. Aquaculturists with PhDs can lead research projects from a far earlier stage. All aquaculture careers require enthusiastic, hard-working individuals, though not all require previous experience or advanced degrees. Many entry-level farm employers will conduct on-the-job training and require only a high school diploma. Progressing to better paid positions nearly always requires a bachelor's degree. Once in possession of a degree, it is usual to work as a trainee or technician to gain practical experience. It can then be possible to progress to positions such as managers in small fisheries or hatcheries, assistant managers in larger ones, or as staff biologists.

10. Questions?