Overview

What’s involved

An aquaculture manager oversees the commercial growing of marine or freshwater animals, they are responsible for all workers and ensuring the ongoing success of the site. Managers oversee the efficient and profitable operation of an aquacultural business across multiple sites, locations, or regions.

How do they spend their day?

Aquaculture managers have a mix of indoor and outdoor roles as they assist with daily planning, rostering, staff supervision, and management of production with tasks such as:

  • Ensuring compliance including safety, work procedures, and biosecurity
  • Assisting in monitoring, updating, and editing data
  • Preparing budgets and forecasts of production outputs
  • Finding efficiencies in production methods
  • Overseeing various technical managerial roles
  • Conducting compliance audits
  • Reporting to boards and CEOs
  • Planning, handling, and daily care of brood stock
  • Managing live feeds production schedules
  • Implementing capital programs
  • Overseeing site design and development
  • Monitoring hatchery control systems
  • Managing research and development projects

Occupation Insights

Average salary
$80,000 - $200,000 per year
Skills you will use
Field work
People management
Relationship management
Feed planning
Manage compliance
Audit reporting
Research and reports
Board reporting
Manage projects
Data recording
Animal health

A bachelor's degree in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, or a related field of study and Driver’s License, Construction White Card, First Aid Certificate, Forklift License or Telehandler Certificate (Hydraulic lifting), Master <24m or above can be required.

A relevant degree or qualification in aquaculture, fisheries, or a related field is often required. Experience in operations management and knowledge of aquaculture or fisheries practices is necessary.

Managing people, animal health, live feeds, and routines to achieve production targets, collecting and interpreting data, adherence to work health and safety, writing work procedures, policy, data analysis, production targets, financial management and budget allocation, logistics and on farm application of relevant technology maintenance and use of power tools and forklifts

Good work ethic, responsible for production targets, ability to provide clear instruction and relay information, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.