What it’s about:

The major in fisheries explores the biology and ecology of fishes and other aquatic species; the bodies of water that are their habitats; and the human use, management, and production of aquatic species. Courses cover both basic science and applied aspects of commercial and recreational fishing activities.

What study of this major is like:

Fisheries management is a science-based field that requires you to understand and apply principles of biology, ecology, statistics, and social sciences. Professionals who work in fisheries management do not simply sample, assess, and stock fish populations; they also improve habitats for certain species to protect biodiversity (for example, helping endangered species recover) and interact with the public. Fisheries managers must also be able to communicate technical information in person and in writing.

You begin your studies by establishing a strong foundation in fields such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English. You will also probably take an introductory course in natural resources management in your first year. Your second-year studies generally include plant and evolutionary biology, physical sciences, and social sciences, with an introduction to principles of fisheries and wildlife management. Through your first two years, the prime method of instruction is lecture, supplemented by laboratories in biology and chemistry and some field-work in natural resources management. Many majors tend to feel most challenged by course work in chemistry and calculus.

In your third and fourth years, course content becomes more fisheries-oriented; fieldwork and hands-on learning is more important. Your third year generally includes foundation courses, such as field techniques, ichthyology (the study of fishes), and key courses as freshwater ecology, human dimensions of fisheries and wildlife management, aquaculture, and a capstone course in fisheries management. The capstone course generally combines everything you have learned; groups of students devise action plans for solving real-world problems in fisheries management. In your third and fourth years, classes are smaller and you have more opportunities to interact personally with your professors and with other majors. In fact, major typically study in groups and socialize after hours. Many of them enroll in the local chapter of a professional society and begin to feel part of the profession.

You will be encouraged to learn from practical experience by volunteering to help graduate students with fieldwork or laboratory work, by participating in internships in fisheries management agencies or nongovernmental organizations, or by conducting independent research projects. In these activities, you can identify and explore areas of technical specialization. You can also establish professional contacts that may prove helpful if you look for an entry-level position after graduation: Of students graduating with bachelor’s degrees, roughly one-quarter move on to graduate studies and three-quarters obtain entry-level jobs in the field.

Some of the programs emphasize fisheries science, which encourage you to solve management problems by understanding fish ecology. Science-based programs are essential if you are considering going to graduate school and pursuing a challenging career in fisheries science. Other programs stress instruction in practical fisheries management and aim to product entry-level managers for state or federal fisheries management agencies. Programs may also differ in the amount of hand-on learning available and in the opportunities for participation in research and internships. Often, universities with graduate programs in fisheries offer more opportunities for learning outside formal classes.

Career options and trends:

Fisheries manager*; conservation officer; fish ecologist; fish culturist*; endangered species management officer; environmental consultant; fisheries research scientist; fisheries and wildlife journalist.

Many state and federal fisheries management agencies require their employees to become certified fisheries scientists under program administered by the American Fisheries Society. Certification requires formal education and professional experience. Although entry-level jobs can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree, an advanced degree will lead to a more rewarding career.

Not all jobs focus on management of sport and commercial fisheries, and many address recovery of endangered species, public education, development of public policy, and other areas. Most jobs in fisheries combine physical work outdoors with intellectual engagement-that talents, skills, and energies of fisheries managers seldom go unused.

Private-sector employment has grown in response to our increased awareness of environmental issues. Fisheries professionals are employed by environmental consulting firms, forest products companies, public utilities, and conservation groups. Aqua culturists can work in both public agencies and private firms.

Employment of captains and crews in the fishing industry is declining, because of foreign competition, stock depletion, and habitat destruction. The good news is that these same factors should spur demand for professionals trained in fisheries science and management.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors