The Job Description For a Fish Biologist
Employed by government agencies, universities and corporations, fish biologists research the behaviors and activities of fish to expand human knowledge and find solutions to existing problems involving aquatic life. Like medical and materials scientists, fish biologists often depend on government, private and academic funding to work on research projects and promote the findings from their work.
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
Fish biologists, also called fisheries biologists, observe, study and record information on saltwater and freshwater fish. These biologists look for signs and symptoms indicating disease, stress or unusual behavior in fish and their natural habitat. In fisheries, fish biologists constantly analyze and review data collected on aquatic ecosystems, such as feeding habits, migration patterns and water quality. They are also responsible for obtaining water samples, adjusting and repairing components of aquatic systems, and responding to questions from the general public on the restoration and care of fish populations.
Education
-
Some fish and fisheries biologist positions require only a bachelor's degree in fisheries biology, zoology, aquatic biology or a related major. However, a doctorate is needed to conduct independent research in colleges and universities and to advance to positions with more responsibility. Biology students receive instruction in mathematics, comparative anatomy, physiology, cellular biology, chemistry and ecology. Master's degree and doctoral candidates must also perform fieldwork and laboratory research and complete a thesis or dissertation.
-
Skills
-
Fish biologists should have excellent writing and presentation communication skills, as they may have to document and report their findings to various audiences. They should be able to work on a computer and perform basic Internet research. Biologists must be highly analytical, good problem-solvers and have a basic knowledge of relevant government regulations, marketing and management principles. In addition, fish biologists should be able to work in a team or independently.
Salary
-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for wildlife biologists and microbiologists was $64,350 as of May 2008. Graduates with college degrees in biological and life sciences receive an average salary of $33,254, according to a July 2009 report published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The average annual salary for fisheries biologists was $44,000 as of May 2010, according to SimplyHired.
Potential
-
The job outlook for marine biologists was favorable as of May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for biological scientists were expected to increase by 21 percent from 2008 to 2018 due to growth within the biotechnology field. As public awareness of the environmental damage caused by pollution grows, biological scientists will be employed to measure the impact of human activities on marine animals living in oceans, rivers and lakes.
-
References
- Photo Credit fish image by cherie from Fotolia.com
