Each year around 10,000-2,000 students aspire to become a Fisheries Officer, out of which only 35% are lucky enough to succeed. Most of the students need to opt for UG and PG courses in the related field. However, they need to appear for an Exam conducted by Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR).
Some of the top colleges offering courses to become a Fisheries Officer are BU Bhopal, SRM University, St. Xaviers Mumbai, etc. The average may range from INR 40,000 to INR 2,00,000.
After completing such a course, a Fisheries Officer can work in areas like Fish Breeding Farms, Food Processing and Technology, Fisheries Development Board, Environmental Agencies, etc. The average salary for such professionals may range from INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA.
Some quick facts of this profession to look at before discussing further about it in detail.
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Eligibility | UG or PG Degree |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2,00,000- INR 6,00,000 |
| Job Opportunity | Fisheries Colleges, Research Institutes, Fish Farmers Development Agencies, Aquariums, Fish Farms, Feed Manufacturing Units, Feed Sales Department, Ornamental Fish Culture and Breeding Centres etc |
Table of Contents
1.1 Decision Making
1.2 Subject Choices
2.2 Fishery Observer
2.3 Fisheries Protection Officer
4.1 Undergraduate Level Preparation
4.2 Postgraduate Level Preparation
5.2 BFSc
6.1 USA
6.2 UK
6.3 Canada
6.4 Australia
7.1 Salary
7.2 Job Security
7.3 Positive Impact
7.4 Higher studies
9.4 Experience Wise
What does a fisheries Officer Do?
A fisheries officer deals with the protection of facilities assets. They frequently manage the activities and guidelines that could affect endangered or at-risk species. The duties of this officer can change contingent upon the size of the fishing business and recreational uses in their state or region.
Fishery Officers are answerable for carry out surveys of aquatic life, investigate fish mortalities, study water quality, monitor fish stock levels and undertake technical project work. Some of their duties and responsibilities are mentioned below.
- Survey various fish stocks to ensure the right sort and measure of fish are in the correct places
- Conducts yearly overviews of rivers and carry out electro-fishing and netting activities
- They communicate with and prompt outside bodies, for example angling clubs, councils and fisheries owners.
- They also work with arranging specialists to ensure new building improvements don't antagonistically affect stream fisheries direct ecological effect evaluations
- Fisheries Officers support and issue licenses for the development of fish and stay up with the latest with enactment and significant logical and technical developments.
Steps to follow to become an Fishery Officer
To become a Fishery Officer, you have to make a strategy. Below we have shared some steps which will give you an idea about what points to consider while preparing yourself for Fishery Officer.
Decision Making
- The initial step is to ensure that you truly desire to seek after this profession. Make sure to set up your mind in which sector you wanna take forward your Fishery Officer career. As there are various segments in an economy which require Fishery Officers.
- Students, interested about how to start their career as a Fisheries officer, should start their preparations right from their higher secondary education.
- They need to choose a subject that would assist them with pursuing their profession over a long period of time.
- Getting admission in recognised institute or Universities in relevant discipline (for example, BSC/ B.FSC) would assist them with channelizing their career as a fishery officer the correct way
Subject Choices
- Although, there is no such requirement of subject combination for becoming a Fishery Officer.
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and so on are the relevant subjects that schools should offer at the higher secondary level to students who wish to become a Fishery Officer in the future.
- The most preferred and usual degree is fisheries science which is held by 15% of the Fishery Officers found today in every sector.
Entrance Exam Preparation
- Preparing for the entrance test is one of the important steps that need to be successfully accomplished in the journey to becoming a Fishery Officer.
- To get admission in the fishery program you have to prepare for the CIFNET entrance test as this is mandatory to get admitted into the best Fishery College.
- They must not be intimidated by the course syllabus, rather they should make a strategy to cover it and revise important parts as much as possible.
Selecting Correct Colleges
- The Fishery Officer course is also provided online by many platforms by providing certification or diploma courses in it. A student according to its requirement can opt for the same.
- Generally, private colleges provide ample platforms for aspiring Fishery Officer students, hence there are many privately owned institutions that offer certificate, diploma and UG courses in fisheries science.
- The popular colleges where you can find good fisheries courses are Central Agricultural University, Government Holkar Science College, Lovely Professional University, Annamalai University, etc.
After qualifying exam
- Appearing for the CIFNET test and taking admission in the best institute is just the beginning of your journey. This is a 4 year journey that has to be completed with consistency and patience.
- They must meet the college cut-off criteria before going further to the next round. The process consists of GD followed by a PI. For upper level courses, a research proposal is also required to be submitted.
- Along With your study you can even work for various organisations as a Fishery Officer.
How to become a Fishery Officer: Types
A profession in Fisheries officers offers worthwhile business. The significant duty of a fisheries official is to screen, oversee and ensure wild fish stocks, streams, lakes and different habitats where they live.
Some of the major classifications among the Fishery Officers are listed below.
Fisheries Biologist
Fisheries Biologists are viewed as researchers who study fish and their natural surroundings. They generally center around noticing the conduct of fish in their natural surroundings. They are a special type of wildlife biologist that work in oceanic regions where there are fish stocks. The average salary for such a professional ranges from INR 5 LPA to INR 8 LPA.
Fishery Observer
Fishery observer is an independent specialist, who serves in fishing handling plants. A fishery observer invests his energy in gathering information for certain kinds of at-sea information. They screen business fisheries and gather information to help science, preservation, and the board of marine fisheries. They likewise support consistency with fishing and safety regulations. The average salary of a Fishery Observer ranges from INR 3 LPA to INR 6 LPA.
Fisheries Protection Officer
A Fishery Protection Officer performs diverse front line jobs identified with Fisheries preservation and Seafood security. This work requires the ordinary lead of direct investigations of locally available fishing vessels, at preparing foundations and fish business premises and in different spots of fisheries and marine activity. The average salary of such a professional ranges from INR 6 LPA.
Fishery Technician
Fishery technicians are liable for testing and assembling information and support research & fisheries management. They additionally assume a huge part in the preservation and protection of fisheries assets. They also estimating, analyzing and delivering fish and surveying their wellbeing. making enhancements to fish living spaces through work on streams and waterway banks and taking care of general enquiries from the Public. The average salary of a Fishery Technician ranges around INR 4 LPA to INR 6.2 LPA.
How to Become Fishery Officer in India
Becoming a Fishery Officer in India is a challenging job. Students desire to pursue this profession, must train their mind to face some challenges and start preparing after qualifying for secondary class (10th). Thereafter they need to choose the right subjects, prepare for fishery sciences, followed by an internship related to Fishery Officer will be beneficial.
School Level Preparation
- Those who want to become a Fishery Officer have to study Chemistry, Physics, Biology etc for higher secondary level in school.
- They have to qualify an entrance test to get admission into a fisheries degree program or a relevant field.
- Students start their preparation for various entrance tests by taking admission in the various coaching institutes.
- Apart from that they can also solve the previous year question papers and the different sample papers or mock tests released by the examination board.
- For BFSC program the eligibility criteria is applicable for both Merit based or Entrance based tests
- The students must have cleared the last qualifying examination which is Class 12th boards with biology as one of the subjects.
- In order to get admission in BFSC the minimum aggregate is 50% from a recognized board
How to Become a Fishery Officer After 12th?
Students right after clearing 10+2 can pursue subjects preferably in the biological field with any subject that would help them get the correct ideas right from the ground level. However, students must have biology as one of the subjects in 10+2 to be eligible to pursue fisheries science program.
Undergraduate Preparation
- At the UG level, candidates aspiring to become a Fishery Officer should first focus on clearing the entrance exams and getting admitted in a bachelor’s degree course.
- It can be any fisheries course. The students can also enroll in the alternative courses such as Diploma or Certificate etc
- Students along with their undergraduate courses should focus on developing skills related to this field.
- Students opting for the master's courses should start preparing for the entrance test.
- They also start preparing for various government exams conducted for fishery officers.
Post Graduation Preparation
- After the completion of the bachelor course the students can take admission in various post graduate fishery science programs.
- Earning a Masters degree in fisheries field also allows graduates to apply for tenure track teaching positions at institutes and universities alongside Senior Position in Organization
- The eligibility criteria for master's is at least 50% minimum aggregate in bachelor from a recognized university by UGC
- The students must select their specialization according to their strengths and interests.
- Several colleges tie up with various organizations and conduct internships, through which students can achieve real-time experience
- After completion of their UG degree and before opting for a job or higher studies, it would be beneficial if you gain a professional certification along with an internship to secure yourself for a better placement package.
Courses to become a Fishery Officer
There are many courses which an individual can pursue in order to be a Fishery Officer. Given below are the list if various fishery science courses for the same:
Diploma in Aquaculture
Diploma in Aquaculture aims at acquainting students with the study of reproducing and raising of sea animals and plants, the underwater environment and its enclosures. The aim of this program is to develop an interest in students related to the field of aquatic science and its other dimensions.
Diploma in Aquaculture: Admission Process
- Selection of candidates to Diploma in Aquaculture course is done on the basis of merit score obtained in qualifying examination.
- Candidates can also pursue the program via online and part-time basis.
Diploma in Aquaculture: Eligibility Criteria
- Students must have passed in 10+2 exams with any stream from the recognized board or any other equivalent.
BFSc
BFSc enables one to be technically qualified fisheries capable with sufficient capacities to direct, save and make differentiated fisheries assets in the country for quality fish protein and food security.
BFSc: Admission Process
- Candidates applying for BFSc course after the completion of 10+2 with PCB subjects need to clear the entrance test led by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Common Entrance Test.
- A few universities and colleges give direct admission dependent on marks and followed by a personal interview of the applicants.
BFSc: Eligibility Criteria
- Qualifying in 10+2 in science from a perceived institute.
- students must have to score at least 50% marks.
- Some colleges also provide a 5% relaxation for reserved students.
BFSc: How to apply for the exam
- Open the registration form and click on apply now button
- Register yourself by entering personal details in the application form
- After completion, pay application fee before the due date to avoid rejection
- You can make payments through debit, credit, or net banking.
- Then download a copy of the form.
BFSc in Aquaculture
BFsc in Aquaculture is a 4 years undergrad course, study of Marine Culture with the grouping of Aqua life management, conservation, and sustainability. It is a multidisciplinary integrated course, which is additionally bifurcated into various aquaculture taken into consideration while being taught in the university setting.
BFSc in Aquaculture: Admission Process
- Candidates who have completed their 10+2 in science stream need to qualify the entrance tests according to the stated requirement for getting admission in college.
- After getting the test result, the students can present their application.
BFSc in Aquaculture: Eligibility Criteria
Students want to study in BFSc in Aquaculture must have followed the following criteria:
- Students willing to take admission in BFSc in Aquaculture program must have completed their intermediate from science from a recognised board
- They must have qualified for the entrance test too if applicable to the desired college.
MFSc in Aquaculture
MFSc in Aquaculture is a 2-year PG course studying about disciplines of Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Conservation, Ecology, Population Dynamics, etc.
MFSc in Aquaculture: Admission Process
- Admission to MFSc course is based on Entrance Exam as well as Merit Based.
- Candidates need to register themselves to the colleges offering courses and submit all the required documents.
M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture: Eligibility Criteria
- Students must have completed Graduation in any relevant stream
- They have at least 45%-50% aggregate score.
- Appearing students are also eligible
M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture: How to Apply for the Exam
- Open up the official examination authority website to check the notification
- Register and create a profile
- Login and click ‘Apply Now’ button
- Fill up the application form and upload required documents
- Pay the application fee and submit the form
M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture: How to Prepare for the Exam
- Take a note of any type of change in the exam pattern and scoring
- Go through the important books available and notes for the examination syllabus
- Consult with teachers to clear up your doubts
- Practice mock tests a week before the exam
How to become Fishery Officer Abroad
Pursuing fisheries courses abroad to become a Fishery Officer is one of the most sought after professions, one does not have to worry much about their future if they become a Fishery Officer. The difficulty level of the program is almost similar to what it is in india.
US
- In the USA, international students can earn a full-time undergraduate and masters degree in fisheries science.
- International students must be fluent in English and should submit language proficiency test scores.
- The duration of a Bachelor's Program is about 4-5 years while masters are of 2 years.
- The course fee is between INR 8 Lakhs to INR 28 Lakhs
Admission Process
- Undergraduate programs applications can be submitted through the Common application gateway. PG candidates can take use of the university website for the same
- Register on the website and sign in to start application
- Fill up your application form. Submit English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS and so on
- Submit the recommendation letter and statement of intent. Some programmes require prior work experience, for which applicable documents are required
- Submit your application and then pay the application fee.
Educational Requirements
To pursue fisheries science courses in the USA, students need to have a prior 10+2 or bachelor's degree in a relevant stream. Students should have biology, chemistry etc as one the main subjects at their academic levels
Top Colleges
| University Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Virginia Tech | INR 22,35,249 |
| University of Maine | INR 16,32,607 |
| Hillsborough Community College | INR 6,59,778 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | INR 30,66,507 |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | INR 18,82,803 |
| Oklahoma State University | INR 20,43,565 |
| Michigan State University | INR 29,92,933 |
| University of Wyoming | INR 13,09,996 |
| University of Missouri | INR 17,24,039 |
| Iowa State University | INR 19,21,335 |
UK
- The United Kingdom has a number of legal courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
- Top specialisations are agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture etc.
- The duration of most of the programs ranges from one to three years.
- Applications are to be submitted on the official college website
- The average course fee is between INR 6 to INR 27 lakhs
Admission Process
- Admission in Undergraduate courses are to be done through the UCAS portal while master's are done through the university official website
- Create a profile and start your application process.
- Fill up your application along with the required documents
- Submit the language proficiency test scores i.e. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE etc.
- Also upload your recommendation letters , resume and work experience, if present. Pay the application fee and submit.
Educational Requirements
To pursue fishery science courses in the UK, students need to have a prior degree in any relevant subject as well as a graduate degree in any relevant stream
Top Colleges
| University Name | Average Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| University of Stirling | INR 23,46,049 |
| University of Aberdeen | INR 22,09,860 |
| University of St Andrews | INR 16,60,993 |
| University of Greenwich | INR 24,85,742 |
| Aberystwyth University | INR 16,23,990 |
| University of Sheffield | INR 27,90,591 |
| Nottingham Trent University | INR 15,62,320 |
| University of Nottingham | INR 25,77,983 |
| University of Reading | INR 21,47,975 |
Canada
- In Canada, universities have different courses in agriculture or fisheries from diploma to pg level.
- The duration of programs is from 1 year to 4 years for the full-time degree programme.
- Admission is done on the institute official websites.
- International students must be fluent in either French language or English language
Admission Process
- Most of the university applications form from their official websites
- Before starting the semester program, register on the website to start your application
- Fill up your application form and transfer the required documents.
- English language proficiency test scores i.e. IELTS, TOEFL , PTE etc.
- Submit financial proof for availing scholarships.
- Submit the application form.
Educational Requirements
To pursue aquaculture courses in Canada, students need to have a prior 10+2 or bachelor's degree in any stream. Students should have biology, chemistry etc as one the main subjects at their academic levels.
Top Colleges
| University Name | Average Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Community College | INR 3,11,505 |
| Dalhousie University | INR 18,66,507 |
| Fleming College | INR 6,59,778 |
| University of Northern British Columbia | INR 13,20,372 |
| Vancouver Island University | INR 34,54,312 |
| The University of British Columbia | INR 25,36,783 |
| Lakeland College | INR 15,35,000 |
| Trent University | INR 13,54,266 |
| University of Alberta | INR 17,79,231 |
| University of Lethbridge | INR 10,57,044 |
Australia
- Australia offers full-time Certificate level and Postgraduate degree programmes in fisheries, fisheries production, fisheries trade, aquaculture etc.
- International students submit an English language proficiency test score i.e. IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, OET etc.
- Some of the programmes require students to have prior work experience in a related field. In such a case, applicable relevant documents must be submitted with the application.
- The average course fee ranges between INR 6 to INR 22 lakhs.
Admission Process
- Applications for UG Course can be submitted through the Common application gateway. PG candidates can utilise the university website for the same
- Register on the website and sign in to start application
- Fill up your application form. Submit English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS and so on
- Submit your recommendation letter by the teachers and statement of intent. Some programmes require prior work experience, for which applicable documents are required
- Submit your application and subsequently submit the application fee.
Educational Requirements
To pursue a master's program, students should have a prior bachelor’s degree in fisheries science with a specialization. Students must study subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry at the higher school level.
Top Colleges
| University Name | Average Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| University of Wollongong | INR 16,75,491 |
| TAFE Western Australia | INR 10,62,845 |
| University of Tasmania (UTAS) | INR 20,24,999 |
| Flinders University | INR 10,62,845 |
| Western Sydney University | INR 18,61,657 |
| CQ University Australia | INR 17,94,318 |
| Charles Sturt University | INR 17,14,676 |
| Curtin University | INR 18,72,606 |
Benefits of Career as an Fishery Officer
A Fishery Officer job is viewed as quite possibly the most worthwhile profession across the world. Contrasted with other average jobs growth, the Fishery Officer jobs are developing at a much-higher rate. The justification for this increase in the demand of fish, the demand for Fishery Officers is also increasing.
Therefore, more individuals seek to become Fishery Officers. It has its own advantages and some of them are mentioned below.
Salary
The average salary of Fishery Officers in India is INR 4,00,000. Fishery Officers freshers at the starting of their career earn INR 3,50,000 per annum. Fishery Officers with more than 10 years of experience can earn over INR 8,00,000 per annum
Job Security
In today's world, conducting rivers, seas, fishes etc is the essence of fisheries business. Regardless of whether it's a big business house or a small one, everything revolves arounds marine or fishery sciences. Thus, to deal with this productively, organizations would require skilled experts or all in all fisheries officers. They are the ones who recognize the hierarchical enhancements required, plan systems to carry out various fish stocks to ensure the right sort and measure of fish are in the correct places.
Fishery Officer opportunities are open in Government companies too which offer high job security to the candidates. Also, mid and senior level employees in various associations also enjoy the benefit of job security through many perks that the company makes available to them.
Positive Impact
The job of a Fishery Officer is quite challenging in itself. It requires a stressful job. This in turn, enables a student to work positively in their career. The job profile demands regular interactions with animals, hence improving the overall friendliness and work environment of the Fishery Officer aspiring student. A few of the positive impacts of this career are
- Compliance with the Fisheries Act and Regulations.
- Communicate with and prompt outside bodies, for example angling clubs, councils and fisheries owners
- They participate in public education and awareness programs around the state to help foster a greater awareness of fisheries resources and the need for their protection.
Higher Studies
Students can join an organization as a fisheries officer immediately after completing their course related to aquaculture or fisheries science etc as their specialization subjects. This qualification will bag them for an entry-level position. After working for a while if they want, they can upgrade their educational qualification by enrolling for a master's course in the relevant discipline.
Unique Experience
As a career as a Fishery Officer, it is very challenging. Occurring unique experiences by identifying, assessing, surveys of aquatic life, investigating fish mortalities, studying water quality, and gaining a vivid set of knowledge will help you to grow in this field.
How to becoming a Fishery Officer: Skills Required
To become a Fishery Officer you must hold some useful skills required in this career. The following are some skills for the Fishery Officer career.
- Analytical skills
- Angling equipment
- Resilience when working outside for long hours
- Information management skills
Salary of an Fishery Officer
The starting salary of a Fishery Officer in India varies from INR 3,00,000 to INR 6,00,000. The salary value may depend on the industry and how much experience a person has.
Average Annual Salary
| Name of Organisation | Starting Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government | INR 2-4 LPA |
| Private | INR 2-5 LPA |
Specializations Wise
| Specialisations | Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| Fisheries Extension Officer | INR 3 LPA |
| Fisheries Biologist | INR 5 LPA |
| Fishery Manager | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Fishery Observer | INR 3 LPA |
| Fishery Technician | INR 5 LPA |
| Fishery Development Officer | INR 4 LPA |
| Fishery Protection Officer | INR 3-5 LPA |
Gender Wise Salary
| Gender | Starting Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Female | INR 4 LPA |
| Male | INR 3-5 LPA |
Experience Wise
| Experience | Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | INR 2-4 LPA |
| Experienced | INR 4-8 LPA |
How to become an Fishery Officer: FAQs
Ques. Is a Fishery Officer a good course?
Ans. It is a job oriented course that extends to various career options in Government as well as Private areas. Additionally, if students are enthusiastic about business, they may get independently employed and start their own Fisheries related business too.
Ques. What do fishery officers do?
Ans. A fishery officer is the government's first line of help. They are prepared to complete an enormous scope of obligations both land and at sea. They uphold the fisheries act and different guidelines and they secure fish living spaces and assets by conducting patrols at sea, in the air and on land.
Ques. How can I learn fisheries science?
Ans. Students need to have finished their 10+2 level education from a recognised board to seek after a graduation course in fisheries. Further, to turn into a Fishery Officer, one necessities to have an essential graduation degree or recognition in this field.
Ques. How much is the average course fee for the Fishery science course in India?
Ans. This usually depends on the university or the institute you are choosing for the admission. The average course fee for fishery science ranges from INR 40,000 to INR 6,00,000 per annum in India.
Ques. What are some of the best institutes in India from where a candidate can do the fishery science courses?
Ans. Some of the best institutes in India are Central Agricultural University, Government Holkar Science College, Lovely Professional University , Annamalai University, College Of Fisheries, Berhampur etc.
Ques. What exactly is the role of a Fishery Officer?
Ans. They frequently manage the activities and guidelines that could affect endangered or at-risk species. The duties of this officer can change contingent upon the size of the fishing business and recreational uses in their state or region.
Ques. Are personal interviews held for the admission process in Fishery Officer courses?
Ans. The admission process for some of the courses consists of a qualifying entrance test, followed by a group discussion and personal interviews.
Ques. Is fishing a career?
Ans. A plentiful number of careers and occupations in the fishing business are accessible at any level. In the event that fishing is your passion, you can make a career in the fishing business by working for a maker, wholesaler or administration. You can even start preparing for some government exams conducted for fishery officers.
Ques. What is the total salary of a fishery Officer?
Ans. The average starting salary of a fishery Officer is INR 4,00,000-6,00,000. However this may vary depending upon the job roles and experience.
Ques. What are the job opportunities of a fishery Officer?
Ans. There are various areas where you can start your career as a Fisheries officer these are Research Institutes, Fish Farmers Development Agencies, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nationalized Banks, International Organizations, Aquariums, Fish Farms, Feed Manufacturing Units etc.
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