Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.

Degree Overview

Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management (CIP 03.0301) is a specialized branch of the aquatic sciences that focuses on the biological, economic, and social aspects of fish populations. While marine biology studies life in the ocean generally, fisheries science is an "applied" field—it is specifically about how we manage fish as a resource for food, recreation, and ecosystem health.

This field is ideal for "aquatic strategists"—individuals who love being on the water but are also fascinated by the data behind sustainable harvest and the protection of underwater habitats.

What Is a Fisheries Science and Management Degree?

A degree in this field prepares you to balance the needs of the fishing industry with the biological limits of aquatic environments. You will study how fish grow, reproduce, and interact with their surroundings. More importantly, you will learn the mathematics of sustainability—calculating exactly how many fish can be caught without causing a population to collapse. It is a field that guards the world's food security and the health of our oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train "Fisheries Biologists" to monitor the health of commercial and recreational fish stocks
• Teach the science of Aquaculture (fish farming) to meet global protein demands
• Develop specialists in habitat restoration for spawning grounds and coral reefs
• Prepare professionals to manage the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on marine life

What Will You Learn?

Students learn to view the water as a complex, three-dimensional system where temperature, chemistry, and human activity all collide.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Master Stock Assessment techniques using math and statistics to estimate fish populations
• Perform field sampling using nets, electrofishing, and sonar technology
• Analyze water chemistry (pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity) to assess habitat quality
• Use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to track fish migration and essential habitats
• Understand "Fisheries Socioeconomics"—how regulations affect the livelihoods of fishing communities
• Identify hundreds of species of fish and understand their life cycles

Topics You May Explore

Coursework is a mix of laboratory science and "wet" field work:

• Limnology and Oceanography: The study of inland waters (lakes/rivers) and the open sea.
• Fish Physiology and Anatomy: Understanding how fish function internally.
• Aquaculture Systems: The engineering and biology of raising fish in controlled environments.
• Marine Policy and Law: Studying international treaties and the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
• Ecotoxicology: How pollutants and microplastics affect aquatic food webs.
• Riparian Management: Protecting the land areas directly adjacent to water.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates find roles in government, private industry, and environmental advocacy.

Common job roles include:

• Fisheries Biologist: Collecting data on fish health and population trends for research.
• Hatchery Manager: Overseeing the breeding and raising of fish for conservation or food.
• Fisheries Observer: Working on commercial vessels to ensure they follow environmental laws.
• Aquatic Consultant: Advising construction or energy companies on minimizing water impacts.
• Restoration Ecologist: Designing projects to bring back native fish species to damaged rivers.
• Aquaculture Technician: Managing the day-to-day operations of a fish or shellfish farm.

Where Can You Work?

Fisheries professionals work in environments ranging from research vessels to high-tech labs:

• Federal Agencies: NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the EPA.
• State Government: Working for state departments of "Fish and Game" or "Natural Resources."
• Private Aquaculture Firms: Companies that produce salmon, tilapia, or oysters for market.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Groups like The Ocean Conservancy or Trout Unlimited.
• Commercial Fishing Corporations: Managing the sustainability of large-scale fleets.

How Much Can You Earn?

Salaries are competitive, especially for those with specialized skills in data analysis or aquaculture management.

• Fisheries Biologists: Median annual salary of approximately $65,000–$78,000.
• Aquaculture Managers: Salaries typically range from $60,000 to $90,000.
• Natural Sciences Managers: In leadership or policy roles, salaries can exceed $115,000.
• Field Technicians: Entry-level roles often start between $45,000 and $55,000.

Is This Degree Hard?

The difficulty lies in the heavy emphasis on math and science. You must be proficient in Biology, Organic Chemistry, and particularly Statistics (which is used for every population estimate). You must also be physically comfortable working in and on the water in all conditions—waves, rain, and cold—and be capable of handling heavy equipment on boats.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Are fascinated by life underwater and want to protect it
• Enjoy fishing or scuba diving and want to understand the science behind it
• Are a "numbers person" who likes using data to solve real-world problems
• Want a career that involves significant travel or time spent on boats and in the field
• Care about global food security and sustainable farming

How to Prepare in High School

• Take classes in Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, and Environmental Science
• Get your boating license or a SCUBA certification if possible
• Volunteer for a local river cleanup or a state "fish stocking" event
• Join a 4-H or FFA chapter that focuses on aquaculture or natural resources
• Practice your observation skills by learning to identify local fish species in your area

The ability to use rigorous data to ensure that our aquatic resources remain healthy for future generations is the hallmark of a successful fisheries professional.