Fish farm manager

Fish farm managers are responsible for rearing and breeding fish for food, ornamental pools and sports fishing stocks. They manage the whole process, from hatching fish eggs to harvesting the fish for sale.

Work activities

Fish farm managers breed and rear fish for food, ornamental pools and sports fishing stocks. Managers who provide fish for food usually deal with salmon and trout, and also shellfish such as mussels and scallops. Managers oversee the whole process, from hatching fish eggs, or buying in small fish, to harvesting the fish for sale. Fish farm managers organise and supervise the farm’s workers, they are also likely to get involved with a wide range of practical tasks as most farms are small. In practical work, managers feed fish, either by hand or using automated machines, grade them according to size, clean ponds and tanks, move fish into bigger areas, and generally maintain buildings and equipment.

Caring for the fish and preventing disease is an essential part of the work. Managers need to check the fish for signs of disease or illness and monitor the quality of the water. They check and control water conditions such as temperature and oxygen levels and apply chemicals to prevent the spread of disease. An outbreak of disease can have a huge financial impact on the farm. Managers need to make careful plans, including setting and monitoring budgets. They are in charge of staff recruitment and training, book-keeping, ordering fresh stock and equipment, marketing, sales and making distribution arrangements for stock.

Fish farm managers are responsible for the health and safety of everyone who works on the farm, for example, preventing contamination from Weil’s disease. They need to put procedures into place and train everyone to follow them. Some fish farms have added smoking, filleting and other processing activities to the manager’s responsibilities, and other farms have shops selling fish and aquatic equipment. A lot of the work is outdoors in all types of weather.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a fish farm manager, you should have:

Knowledge of fish biology, chemistry and nutrition.
Management skills, such as the ability to plan, organise, make decisions, keep records, set budgets, market stock and negotiate contracts.
Communication skills to lead workers and explain concisely what you want them to do.
The ability to cope with pressure.

Fish farming is a high-risk industry, where loss of fish to disease or pollution can have a serious financial impact. Managers can be involved in the day-to-day work of the farm, so you need to have good practical skills, be physically fit and enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather. A full driving licence is often essential for management posts. Computer skills are an advantage for many tasks.

Pay and opportunities

Pay for fish farm managers varies depending on the type of farm and level of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Fish farm managers earn between £18,000 and £35,000 per year.

Fish farm managers usually work a basic 44-46-hour week. However, long and irregular hours, evening and weekend work may be required.

Employers are fish farms of all sizes. A large number of fish farms are in Scotland; there are smaller numbers in the North and South West of England, Wales and in other rural areas throughout the UK. Some fish farms are in isolated areas of the country.

What’s happening in this work area?

Fish farming is one of the world’s fastest growing food-producing sectors. There is increasing competition across the world. There’s also competition between farms that produce different species. For example, there’s a growing demand for new species entering the market, such as farmed sea bass and cod, which puts pressure on farms that deal with more traditional species like trout and salmon. The rising cost of fish feed and fuel is a concern for fish farmers. However, employment prospects are generally good, with the industry needing to attract new staff and keep current workers.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers and fish farm magazines (including their online versions), on job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

To become a fish farm manager, you’ll usually need a relevant degree, foundation degree or higher national qualification. Evidence of relevant skills and knowledge gained during work experience is also very important. Relevant subjects include applied biology, marine biology, veterinary science, aquaculture and zoology.

A range of colleges and universities offer degrees in aquaculture or fishing management, including at Master’s level. Study can be part time/flexible or via distance learning. Courses have been developed in partnership with industry.

Evidence of skills and knowledge gained in work experience is very important for entry. It is possible for experienced people to work their way up into management posts without degrees, foundation degrees or higher national qualifications, although academic or vocational qualifications are desirable. The Institute of Fishing Management offers certificate and diploma courses, by distance learning.

Some fish farm managers use their experience to move into research work or teaching or set up their own fish farms.

Qualifications

The entry requirements for relevant degree courses vary depending on the subject and university. You should check prospectuses carefully. A general idea of the usual entry requirements for relevant courses would be:

Two to three A-levels, including at least one science subject (preferably biology for most courses).
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.

A further 2/3 GCSEs at grades 9-4.

Entry to a relevant HND or foundation degree course is usually with:

One A-level, preferably in a science subject/maths.
Four GCSEs at grades 9-4.

Equivalent qualifications, such as Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, might be acceptable for entry.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: it is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained relevant skills and knowledge through practical work experience, for example, as a fish farm worker or by working in a related area, such as agriculture.

If you don’t have the qualifications you need to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check individual course details. The Institute of Fishing Management offers Certificate and Diploma courses, by distance learning. You can search for relevant courses on the website of Lantra, the sector skills council for the land-based and environmental sector.

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