Overview

What’s involved

A fisheries manager oversees and monitors the fisheries management plan for sustainable fishing in a designated area to ensure continued productivity and conservation for the future. They gather information and conduct research to make decisions on where fishing can take place, determine catch limits, and specify the vessels and gear that can be used. 

Consulting and communicating with stakeholders to ensure compliance is an important part of the role. They also provide legislative, policy, and technical advice to internal and external stakeholders, promoting fisheries objectives regarding natural resource management.

How do they spend their day?

A fisheries manager spends their day in an office or out in the field completing tasks such as:

  • Managing a team to analyse information, develop and implement policies, strategies, and projects for the sustainability of fish resources and aquatic environments
  • Prepare and maintain project documentation for reporting, monitoring and evaluation
  • Attend stakeholder meetings 
  • Write reports, briefs and correspondence
  • Provide operational and technical fisheries advice on key natural resource management proposals
     

Occupation Insights

Average salary
$90,000 - $250,000 per year
Salaries will vary depending on experience, number of sites and locations
Skills you will use
Analysing data
Stakeholder communication
Research and development
Writing reports
Strategic planning
Fisheries policies, plans and legislation
Natural resource management
Project management

  • A degree in fisheries science, marine biology, environmental science, or a related field is typically required
  • Additional certifications or training in fisheries management or environmental policy can be beneficial

  • Fisheries management, environmental conservation or related fields
  • Managing teams and projects

  • Contemporary fisheries, natural resource management, sustainability and aquatic environmental management issues 
  • Policies, plans, and legislation related to the management of fish resources and aquatic environments
  • Data analysis and research methods
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Research and Development
  • Strategic planning
  • Prepare and maintain detailed project documentation

  • Organised
  • Methodical and analytical
  • Critical thinking 
  • Attention to detail   
  • Good interpersonal communication 
  • Ability to liaise with a variety of stakeholders with differing priorities and views
  • Capability to stay current with legislative and technical changes related to fisheries management