Profession aquaculture biologist

Aquaculture biologists apply knowledge gained from research about aquatic animals and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment, in order to improve aquaculture production, prevent animal health and environmental problems and to provide solutions if necessary.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic
• Investigative / Artistic
• Investigative / Social

Knowledge

• Fish anatomy

  The study of the form or morphology of fish species.

• Biotechnology in aquaculture

  Biotechnology and polymerase chain reactions for studies in sustainable aquaculture production methods.

• Fish biology

  The study of fish, shellfish or crustacean organisms, categorized into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origins and distribution.

• Molecular biology

  The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.

• Pollution prevention

  The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

• Botany

  The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.

• Biology

  Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

• Ecology

  The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

• Microbiology-bacteriology

  Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

• Aquatic species

  The care and maintenance of aquatic biological species.

• Virology

  The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.

• Biosecurity

  Be aware of the general principles of the concept of bio-security and in particular, the disease prevention rules to be implemented in case of epidemics endangering public health.

• Laboratory techniques

  Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Applied zoology

  The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.

Skills

• Gather experimental data

  Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

• Conduct fish populations studies

  Study captive fish populations to determine survival, growth, and migration.

• Collect biological data

  Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

• Perform laboratory tests

  Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

• Perform field research

  Participate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.

• Carry out fish disease prevention measures

  Carry out disease prevention measures for fish, molluscs, and crustaceans for land-based and water-based aquaculture facilities.

• Send biological samples to laboratory

  Forward collected biological samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.

• Conduct fish mortality studies

  Collect fish mortality data. Identify causes of mortality and provide solutions .

• Use specialised equipment

  Use specialised equipment such as electron microscope, telemetry, digital imaging analysis, global positioning systems, and computer modelling in studies and analyses of production methodology.

• Inspect fish stock

  Collect and examine fish to evaluate the health of fish stock.

• Keep task records

  Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.

• Follow safety precautions in fishery operations

  Comply with policies and institutional regulations to guarantee a safe workplace for employees in fishery and aquaculture operations. Deal with potential risks and dangers by taking appropriate safety measures.

• Conduct research on flora

  Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

• Conserve natural resources

  Protect waters and natural resources and coordinate actions. Work with environmental agencies and resource management personnel.

• Develop aquaculture strategies

  Cultivate strategies for aquaculture plans based on reports and research in order to deal with specific fish farm issues. Plan and organise work activities in order to improve aquaculture production and tackle further problems.

• Monitor water quality

  Measure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2,NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.

• Conduct research on fauna

  Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

• Implement scientific decision making in healthcare

  Implement scientific findings for evidence-based practice, integrating research evidence into decision making by forming a focused clinical question in response to a recognised information need, searching for the most appropriate evidence to meet that need, critically appraising the retrieved evidence, incorporating the evidence into a strategy for action, and evaluating the effects of any decisions and actions taken.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Analyse work-related written reports

  Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.

• Control aquatic production environment

  Assess the impact of biological conditions such as algae and fouling organisms by managing water intakes, catchments and oxygen use.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB