Fish Biologist Job Description
A fish biologist is an individual who studies fishes and their habitats. Since fish biology is technically focused on the behavior of fishes in their natural surroundings, people who work in this position get to spend a lot of time outside their offices.
If you are someone who likes to spend time in the great outdoors and is interested in different types and species of fishes, this is the work for you!
Working as a fish biologist requires one to possess a degree in fisheries management, biology, ecology, or zoology. In addition to this, one needs to possess a deep interest in studying aquatic life, along with a scientific and analytic mind.
Moreover, you need to have great observation skills, along with exceptional knowledge of handling research work in this field. To work as a fish biologist, you also need excellent communication skills, as you need to communicate through writing, and verbally what you have researched, and how you intend to use the information which you have collected is high.
Since you will be traveling to different locations, in different climates and weather conditions, you have to possess the flexibility to move from one place to another. One more skill that you require in order to work as a fish biologist is the ability to document the conclusion derived from your travels to different fish habitats.
What follows is a list of job duties that are particular to the position of a fish biologist:
Fish Biologist Duties & Responsibilities
• Conduct biological surveys of water bodies, aimed at the preservation and development of fisheries in an assigned area.
• Study all factors affecting fish populations, including food conditions, population balance, and chemical and biological factors.
• Make good use of automated data processing equipment to enter, process, and summarize fishery data, for the purpose of creating reports.
• Gather information, and create summaries of biological data, and collect samples for research purposes.
• Develop and implement plans in a manner to support the way existing fisheries and habitats are preserved.
• Provide technical assistance after conducting field examinations and experiments, to determine mortality rates.
• Plan and direct research activities on fish health, physiology, and genetics, and recommend and implement programs for population monitoring.
• Assist in the development and implementation of organizational policies, strategies, and operational initiatives.
• Counsel fishery owners on fish protection, and on ways to successfully and safely handle their habitats.
• Handle water quality determinations, environmental impact studies, and fishery operation inspections on a regular basis.