Fisheries officer

Fisheries officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Most fisheries officers work for government agencies and departments including The Environment Agency and the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate. Opportunities also arise with sea fisheries committees, angling clubs, private fishing estates, sports fisheries, water authorities and research establishments such as The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

Typical responsibilities include:

• undertaking investigative surveys of water quality and the health, spawning and movement of fish
• policing waterways to check for unlawful fishing
• liaising with the planning departments of local authorities about the location of new buildings etc
• checking anglers’ licences
• writing reports
• preparing evidence and statements for prosecution cases
• catching, measuring, examining and releasing fish and assessing their health
• making improvements to habitats through work on streams and river banks
• providing advice about the location of fish stock
• handling general enquiries from the public
• granting licences to move fish
• working with other organisations and agencies to plan environmental projects
• offering information and advice to sports fisheries about legal/importation restrictions
• keeping up to date with changes in legislation/EU directives.

Job vacancies are advertised via the internet, by recruitment agencies, in local, regional and national newspapers, in relevant scientific publications such as New Scientist, Nature and Marine Scientist and in journals published by the professional institutions. Speculative applications are advisable.

Qualifications and training required

It is not essential to possess formal academic qualifications to enter the profession – relevant experience and practical skills are often regarded as being equally important. However, a degree/HND in marine sciences, aquaculture, biology, fisheries science/management, environmental science, oceanography, fisheries studies, zoology or agriculture may be advantageous. Gaining a relevant postgraduate qualification is helpful for candidates that are interested in getting a research post.

Key skills for fisheries officers

Candidates should have excellent analytical, teamworking, interpersonal and communication skills. Due to the competitive nature of the profession, relevant work experience is normally essential – this can be gained via job shadowing, vacation work or placements. The work is physically and mentally draining with long hours, including some evenings and weekends.