How to become a manager in aquaculture
Official title: Managers in aquaculture
Also called: Fish farm manager, Aquaculture manager, Aquaculture director, Aquaculture operator, Fish culture manager, Fish hatchery manager, Eel farmer, Fish farmer, Trout farmer, Mussel farmer, Mussel grower, Oyster farmer
Managers in aquaculture manage operations of facilities which cultivate and harvest fish, shellfish or marine plants for replenishment of wildlife stocks or for commercial sale. They are employed by public or private fish hatcheries and commercial aquatic farms, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Manage the overall operation of a fish hatchery, fish farm or other aquatic farm
- Identify requirements of the species and select and oversee preparation of site for species cultivation
- Co-ordinate selection and maintenance of brood stock
- Determine food requirements and structure feeding regimes
- Monitor environment and maintain optimum conditions
- Conduct and supervise stock examination to identify disease or parasites, and apply prescribed medicinal substances to control and prevent infection
- Operate and maintain cultivating and harvesting equipment
- Collect and record growth and production data
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. A college diploma in aquaculture or a related field or Several years of experience in fishing or aquaculture operations are usually required. A commercial aquaculture or fish hatchery licence, permit or lease is required for self-employed aquaculture managers.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: A commercial aquaculture or fish hatchery licence, permit or lease is required for self-employed aquaculture managers.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $62,400 a year The middle half earn $49,725 to $112,496.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a manager in aquaculture?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. A college diploma in aquaculture or a related field or Several years of experience in fishing or aquaculture operations are usually required. A commercial aquaculture or fish hatchery licence, permit or lease is required for self-employed aquaculture managers.
How much does a manager in aquaculture earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $62,400 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $49,725 to $112,496.
Do you need a degree to become a manager in aquaculture?
Usually not. Only 22% 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 (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03