How to become an aquaculture and marine harvest labourer
Official title: Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
Also called: Aquaculture worker, Mussel farm labourer, Marine plant gatherer, Aquaculture support worker, Hatchery worker - aquaculture, Fish hatchery worker - aquaculture, Fry marker, Fry tagger, Clam digger, Fish tagger, Oyster picker, Quahog digger
Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers include aquaculture support workers, marine plant gatherers, shellfish diggers and other labourers in aquaculture and fishing. Aquaculture support workers are employed by public or private fish hatcheries and commercial aquatic farms. Marine plant gatherers and mollusk harvesters may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Assist aquaculture technicians in the operation of fish hatcheries or other aquatic farms
- Feed aquaculture stocks, vaccinate stocks, perform culling and marking or banding techniques and report any observed irregularities in stocks
- Operate, maintain and clean pumps, filters, tanks and other aquaculture equipment and clean and maintain aquaculture enclosures
- Keep daily records of water flow and fish, shellfish and marine plant samples
- Grade and weigh aquaculture stocks
- Prepare aquaculture stocks for market
- Rake seaweed, dulse or Irish moss from beach, rocks or shallow water and load into a cart, wagon or other receptacles
- Spread gatherings to dry and remove foreign objects
How to become one
Some secondary school education is usually required. Shellfish harvesters require commercial fishing licences. Marine Emergency Duties certificate may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: Shellfish harvesters require commercial fishing licences.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $42,900 a year The middle half earn $35,100 to $58,500.
- About 3,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,200 are projected by 2033. (+3.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an aquaculture and marine harvest labourer?
Some secondary school education is usually required. Shellfish harvesters require commercial fishing licences. Marine Emergency Duties certificate may be required for some occupations in this unit group.
How much does an aquaculture and marine harvest labourer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $42,900 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $35,100 to $58,500.
Is an aquaculture and marine harvest labourer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2033, from about 3,100 to about 3,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an aquaculture and marine harvest labourer?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03