• Supervise daily operations of an aquaculture farm or hatchery
• Oversee breeding, feeding, harvesting, and disease management
• Manage staff, including technicians and seasonal workers
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards
• Develop and implement strategies to improve production efficiency and sustainability

• 3-5 years of experience in aquaculture or related field
• Experience managing staff and overseeing farm or hatchery operations

• Bachelor's degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field

• $50,000–$116,000 annually (depending on location and company)

• Strong demand for skilled farm managers as the aquaculture industry expands
• Expected job growth of 5–10% as technology and sustainable practices become more prevalent

• California Aquaculture Association
• Massachusetts Aquaculture Association
• Aquaculture – The Triennial
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries
• World Aquaculture Society (WAS)
• The Aquaculture Network
• Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association

Aquaculturist, Aquaculture Production Supervisor, Fish Health Specialist, Aquaculture Technician Lead, Aquaculture Research Coordinator, Aquaculture Sustainability/Compliance Officer, Aquaculture Operations Manager, Aquaculture Systems Engineer/Technologist, Aquaculture Sales and Marketing Manager, Fish Breeding/Genetics Specialist

• Overseeing the breeding, growth, and harvesting of aquatic species such as fish, shellfish, or seaweed
• Managing water quality, feeding schedules, and other aspects of aquaculture systems to ensure optimal growth
• Implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact, such as waste management and ecosystem restoration
• Monitoring fish health and implementing disease management practices
• Supervising and training staff on aquaculture practices and safety protocols
• Maintaining records on production, water quality, and employee performance

• 2–5 years of experience in aquaculture, particularly in the management of fish or shellfish farms
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of aquaculture systems (e.g., Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, or RAS)
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience is valuable

• Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, or a related field
• Additional training or certifications in aquaculture management, water quality control, and disease management are beneficial

• Average Salary: $57,000–$128,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and farm size
• Aquaculturists managing larger or more complex aquaculture operations may earn higher salaries

• Job Growth: Employment of fish and game wardens (which includes aquaculture workers) is projected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, which is average growth for all occupations. However, the aquaculture industry itself, especially with the increasing demand for farm-raised seafood, is expected to see stronger growth
• Factors Driving Growth: Increasing global demand for sustainable seafood, new aquaculture technologies, and expansion in fish farming operations

• SeaTrek

• California Aquaculture Association
• Massachusetts Aquaculture Association
• The Fish Site: A resource hub for the aquaculture industry, providing articles, industry news, and job opportunities
• World Aquaculture Society: Provides conferences, journals, and resources for aquaculturists

Aquaculture Farm Manager, Aquaculture Production Supervisor, Fish Health Specialist, Aquaculture Technician Lead, Aquaculture Research Coordinator, Aquaculture Sustainability/Compliance Officer, Aquaculture Operations Manager, Aquaculture Systems Engineer/Technologist, Aquaculture Sales and Marketing Manager, Fish Breeding/Genetics Specialist