How to become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist
Also called: Aquaculture or Fisheries Research Scientist
Studies commercial marine and aquatic plants, animals, ecosystems and aquaculture techniques to assess stock and enhance the productivity of aquatic wild harvest and aquaculture, and develop better ways of harvesting fish and plants.
Main tasks
- Conducts research on marine and aquatic plants, animals, ecosystems and aquaculture techniques, and publishes findings in scientific journals and presents them at conferences and seminars
- Studies environmental and other factors affecting commercial aquaculture or fisheries
- Manages aquatic resources to maximise their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits for the community
- Assesses the stock of aquatic wild harvest and aquaculture to determine productivity levels
- Develops and implements strategies to enhance wild harvest and aquaculture productivity
- Investigates and develops new methods and technologies for harvesting fish and plants
- Monitors and evaluates the environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture activities
- Collects and analyses data on fish populations and water quality
- Provides advice and recommendations to government agencies and industry stakeholders
Ways in
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $107,848 a year
- About 9,400 people work in this job group now, and about 11,100 are projected by 2035. (+17.5%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist?
Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees.
How much does an Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $107,848 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 9,400 to about 11,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist?
Usually. 83% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of an Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04