Job Description & Qualifications for an Aquaculture Research Scientist
Aquaculture research scientists investigate and analyze animal wildlife in water-based ecosystems. They work to develop better ways of harvesting fish and plants for human consumption, in addition to protecting endangered species in lakes, rivers and oceans. Working closely with the Department of Agriculture and other government agencies and university programs, aquaculture research scientists develop new technologies for the improvement of water-related organisms by monitoring and testing their environments all over the world.
Education and Skills
Aquaculture research scientists must obtain a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, wildlife biology or ecology. While not required, a Ph.D. in a similar discipline is appealing to employers, and the advanced curriculum will provide the investigative groundwork for more progressive, independent research. Aquaculture research scientists should possess a passion for observing and protecting water habitats. They should be excellent critical thinkers with the analytical mindset to create experiments and work with complicated technical tools. Communication skills are also essential, as aquaculture research scientists will have a lot of interaction with other scientists as the leader of research teams and as educators.
While the exact requirements of licensure vary by state, aquaculture research scientists must receive permission to conduct research in the state in which they work. In Michigan, for example, scientists must provide a plan that clearly defines the scope of the research, which includes the method of data gathering and full descriptions of how the fish or other wildlife will be harvested or handled. In California, there are additional licenses required for scientists who remove wildlife from the natural habitat. In all cases, there is a fee and an application process that must be completed before research begins. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or FWS, requires a Special Use Permit for studies they sanction. Aquaculture research scientists should consider the licensure requirements before committing themselves to working in a certain area.
Aquaculture research scientists can work with government agencies, universities or private research firms to discover ways of making water-based ecosystems recover, thrive and work in conjunction with human objectives. The field of aquaculture is sustained by its ability to produce protein-rich food sources for the world’s growing population, so researchers seek ways to make food production more cost-effective and more abundant. Depending on the research, aquaculture research scientists can work in a natural environment or in controlled laboratories, where they monitor hatcheries, conduct testing on animal health and observe breeding cages. In addition, they find ways to combat pollution and loss of habitat for endangered species. Scientists who possess a Ph.D. will report on their research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a healthy growth of job opportunities in the field of zoology, wildlife biology, and food agriculture. Aquaculture itself is a thriving business. In the United States, total aquaculture production is worth $1.2 billion annually. As the demand for more sustainable food products increases, the need for qualified aquaculture researchers will also escalate to ensure the safety and quality of food harvesting policies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that new developments in genomics and food sustainability will create more of a need for skilled researchers.
2016 Salary Information for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a median annual salary of $60,520 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a 25th percentile salary of $48,360, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $76,320, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 19,400 people were employed in the U.S. as zoologists and wildlife biologists.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
- Michigan Business One Stop: Aquaculture Facility Registration and Permit
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Special Permits - Fees and Descriptions
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Research
- NOAA Fisheries: Basic Questions about Aquaculture
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
- Career Trend: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Harlow Keith has been involved in the human resources sector since 1998. He founded a human resources training company and has written several published articles. Harlow became interested in his field at the tender age of 15 while editing his father's resume.