Science & ResearchISCO 2131
Aquaculture biologist
Aquaculture biologists apply knowledge gained from research about aquatic animals and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment, in order to improve aquaculture production, prevent animal health and environmental problems and to provide solutions if necessary.
Check yourself in a minute: aquaculture biologist
Rate 5 of the 63 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
conduct research on flora
manage research data
develop aquaculture strategies
interact professionally in research and professional environments
disseminate results to the scientific community
About aquaculture biologist
As an aquaculture biologist, you will apply advanced scientific knowledge to optimize the production of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants while protecting environmental sustainability. Your work combines field research, laboratory analysis, and strategic planning to improve breeding programs, prevent disease outbreaks, and maintain healthy ecosystems within aquaculture systems. You will conduct experiments, analyze biological data, develop new farming strategies, and provide expert guidance to aquaculture operations on species management, water quality, biosecurity, and pollution prevention. Your research directly impacts food security, environmental conservation, and the economic viability of aquaculture businesses, making your expertise essential for the sustainable growth of this increasingly important industry.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a aquaculture biologist.
1
Scientific Research and Data Management
- Conduct research on aquatic species biology, genetics, and environmental interactions using scientific methodology
- Perform laboratory analysis on fish health, water chemistry, disease pathogens, and genetic markers
- Manage and analyze research data using statistical methods and specialized software
- Document findings and draft scientific papers and technical reports for academic and industry publications
2
Health and Disease Management
- Identify disease agents including bacteria, viruses, and parasites through laboratory diagnostic techniques
- Develop and implement biosecurity protocols to prevent disease transmission in aquaculture facilities
- Monitor fish health indicators and water parameters to detect early signs of problems
- Recommend treatment strategies and preventive measures for disease control
3
Aquaculture Strategy Development
- Develop comprehensive aquaculture strategies that optimize production while ensuring environmental sustainability
- Design and optimize breeding programs to improve fish genetics, growth rates, and disease resistance
- Establish ecosystem management protocols for pond or tank systems to maintain water quality and biodiversity
- Provide technical guidance to farm managers on species selection, feeding, stocking densities, and operational best practices
4
Environmental and Pollution Assessment
- Monitor water quality parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and pesticide levels
- Implement pollution prevention strategies to protect aquatic environments from farm waste and chemical runoff
- Assess ecological impacts of aquaculture operations on surrounding ecosystems and native species
- Conduct research on fauna and flora interactions within aquaculture systems
5
Professional Communication and Collaboration
- Interact professionally with aquaculture farm managers, researchers, and regulatory agencies
- Present research findings and recommendations at scientific conferences and industry forums
- Develop collaborative research projects with academic institutions and private aquaculture companies
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (63)
ecosystem managementecosystem managementThe set of approaches that takes into account the effect of a management decision on other elements of an ecosystem. It also addresses the optimization of diverse management strategies and the challen...botanybotanyThe taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.aquatic speciesaquatic speciesThe care and maintenance of aquatic biological species.virologyvirologyThe structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.fish biologyfish biologyThe study of fish, shellfish or crustacean organisms, categorized into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origins and distribution.pollution preventionpollution preventionThe processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.molecular biologymolecular biologyThe interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.applied zoologyapplied zoologyThe science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.ecologyecologyThe study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.biotechnology in aquaculturebiotechnology in aquacultureBiotechnology and polymerase chain reactions for studies in sustainable aquaculture production methods.fish anatomyfish anatomyThe study of the form or morphology of fish species.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.biosecuritybiosecurityBe aware of the general principles of the concept of bio-security and in particular, the disease prevention rules to be implemented in case of epidemics endangering public health.conduct research on floraconduct research on floraCollect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...develop aquaculture strategiesdevelop aquaculture strategiesCultivate strategies for aquaculture plans based on reports and research in order to deal with specific fish farm issues. Plan and organise work activities in order to improve aquaculture production a...interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.use specialised equipmentuse specialised equipmentUse specialised equipment such as electron microscope, telemetry, digital imaging analysis, global positioning systems, and computer modelling in studies and analyses of production methodology.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.conduct fish mortality studiesconduct fish mortality studiesCollect fish mortality data. Identify causes of mortality and provide solutions .apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.send samples to laboratorysend samples to laboratoryForward collected samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.carry out fish disease prevention measurescarry out fish disease prevention measuresCarry out disease prevention measures for fish, molluscs, and crustaceans for land-based and water-based aquaculture facilities.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.implement scientific decision making in healthcareimplement scientific decision making in healthcareImplement scientific findings for evidence-based practice, integrating research evidence into decision making by forming a focused clinical question in response to a recognised information need, searc...publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...control aquatic production environmentcontrol aquatic production environmentAssess the impact of biological conditions such as algae and fouling organisms by managing water intakes, catchments and oxygen use.think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...perform field researchperform field researchParticipate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.conserve natural resourcesconserve natural resourcesProtect waters and natural resources and coordinate actions. Work with environmental agencies and resource management personnel.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.inspect fish stockinspect fish stockCollect and examine fish to evaluate the health of fish stock.conduct fish populations studiesconduct fish populations studiesStudy captive fish populations to determine survival, growth, and migration.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...monitor water qualitymonitor water qualityMeasure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2,NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...follow safety precautions in fishery operationsfollow safety precautions in fishery operationsComply with policies and institutional regulations to guarantee a safe workplace for employees in fishery and aquaculture operations. Deal with potential risks and dangers by taking appropriate safety...collect biological datacollect biological dataCollect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.conduct research on faunaconduct research on faunaCollect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...analyse work-related written reportsanalyse work-related written reportsRead and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Optional (51) — show
life scienceslife sciencesThe study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.habitat restorationhabitat restorationThe process of repairing and rehabilitating areas that suffered habitat destruction, alteration of seafloor or the threat of extinction of some animal and plant species. Habitat restoration also invol...marine biologymarine biologyThe study of marine living organisms and ecosystems and their interaction underwater.fish identification and classificationfish identification and classificationThe processes which allow the identification and classification of fish.animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.assessment of risks and threatsassessment of risks and threatsThe security documentation and any security-related communications and information.fish welfare regulationsfish welfare regulationsThe set of rules that apply in fish harvesting methods which ensure fish well-being.cryopreservationcryopreservationCryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicl...monitor fish mortality ratesmonitor fish mortality ratesMonitor fish mortalities and assess possible causes.deliver online trainingdeliver online trainingProvide training by using online technologies, adapting the learning materials, using e-learning methods, supporting the trainees and communicating online. Instruct virtual classrooms.write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...administer treatments to fishadminister treatments to fishAdminister treatments to fish, including vaccination of fish by immersion and injection, continually monitoring fish for signs of stress.communicate specialised veterinary informationcommunicate specialised veterinary informationCommunicate the relevance of and the advances in the area of specialisation to general practice veterinarians and to non-veterinarians.monitor fish health statusmonitor fish health statusMonitor the health of fish, based on feeding and general behaviour. Interpret environmental parameters and analyse mortalities.prepare fish treatment facilitiesprepare fish treatment facilitiesPrepare fish treatment facilities to effectively isolate contaminated fish during treatment. Control the application of treatments to avoid contaminating other stock, containers and the wider environm...develop fish health and welfare management plansdevelop fish health and welfare management plansDevelop a plan which lists risks from outdoor factors, such as predators, and pests.provide advice to hatcheriesprovide advice to hatcheriesProvide recommendations for the installation and well functioning of hatcheries.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.ensure animal welfare in slaughtering practicesensure animal welfare in slaughtering practicesRespect the needs of livestock and apply the regulations regarding animal welfare in the meat and meat products manufacturing sector. Respond correctly to animal issues from unloading until stunning o...analyse fish samples for diagnosisanalyse fish samples for diagnosisAnalyse samples or lesions from farmed aquatic species for professional diagnosis and treatments.dispose of chemicalsdispose of chemicalsDispose of chemicals and treatments safely according to site waste management procedures.create training materialscreate training materialsDevelop and compile training items and resources according to didactical methods and training needs and using specific types of media.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.prepare fish treatment planprepare fish treatment planPrepare health treatment plans to meet specific fish disease requirements.preserve fish samples for diagnosispreserve fish samples for diagnosisCollect and preserve larval, fish and mollusc samples or lesions for diagnosis by fish disease specialists.discuss research proposalsdiscuss research proposalsDiscuss proposals and projects with researchers, decide on resources to allocate and whether to move forward with the study.diagnose aquatic animals disease symptomsdiagnose aquatic animals disease symptomsObserve and describe symptoms and lesions of fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. Monitor abnormal fish behaviour in feeding, swimming, and surfacing.communicate technicalities with clientscommunicate technicalities with clientsCommunicate with and support clients and veterinarians in case of problems. Provide feedback to production and management.write routine reportswrite routine reportsCompose regular reports by writing clear observations on the monitored processes in a respective field.screen live fish deformitiesscreen live fish deformitiesExamine live fish, including larvae, to detect deformities related to body shape, jaw deformity, vertebral deformity and skeletal deformity. If not detected, these could lead to risks for fish, such a...maintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsmaintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsEnsure good relations with other animal welfare establishments and agencies.monitor treated fishmonitor treated fishMonitor treated fish to evaluate the effect of treatments.interview parties in relation to animal welfare investigationsinterview parties in relation to animal welfare investigationsConduct interviews of suspects and witnesses in relation to cases of alleged breach of animal related legislation.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...apply risk management processesapply risk management processesIdentify risks and apply a risk management process, e.g. hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).maintain aquaculture treatment recordsmaintain aquaculture treatment recordsProvide accurate information to maintain records of aquaculture treatments applied.develop management plans to reduce risks in aquaculturedevelop management plans to reduce risks in aquacultureDevelop a management plan to reduce the risks from pests, predators and diseases. Supervise implementation of plan, especially disease prevention measures, throughout the aquaculture facility.coordinate operational activitiescoordinate operational activitiesSynchronise activities and responsibilities of the operational staff to ensure that the resources of an organisation are used most efficiently in pursuit of the specified objectives.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.prepare visual dataprepare visual dataPrepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.inspect animal welfare managementinspect animal welfare managementMonitor animal health and welfare management and husbandry, and analyse risk factors in relation to animal health, disease and welfare status.report analysis resultsreport analysis resultsProduce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as...collect fish samples for diagnosiscollect fish samples for diagnosisCollect fish and shellfish samples for diagnosis by fish diseases specialists.report pollution incidentsreport pollution incidentsWhen an incident causes pollution, examine the extent of the damage and what the consequences could be and report it relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.treat fish diseasestreat fish diseasesIdentify the symptoms of fish diseases. Apply appropriate measures to treat or eliminate diagnosed conditions.advise on animal welfareadvise on animal welfarePrepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommenda...seek innovation in current practicesseek innovation in current practicesSearch for improvements and present innovative solutions, creativity and alternative thinking to develop new technologies, methods or ideas for and answers to work-related problems.provide on-site training in aquaculture facilitiesprovide on-site training in aquaculture facilitiesProvide on-site training in aquaculture facilities, through instruction and demonstration of skills. Provide, implement and supervise a training development plan.conduct ecological researchconduct ecological researchConduct ecological and biological research in a field, under controlled conditions and using scientific methods and equipment.pollution legislationpollution legislationBe familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.assess environmental impact in aquaculture operationsassess environmental impact in aquaculture operationsMeasure the environmental impact of a company's aquaculture operations. Take into account factors such as quality of the sea and surface water, fish and sea plant habitats and risks regarding the qual...
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Frequently asked questions
What does an aquaculture biologist do?
Aquaculture biologists apply knowledge gained from research about aquatic animals and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment, in order to improve aquaculture production, prevent animal health and environmental problems and to provide solutions if necessary.
What skills does an aquaculture biologist need?
An aquaculture biologist needs 63 essential skills, including ecosystem management, botany, aquatic species, virology, fish biology.
Will AI replace aquaculture biologist jobs?
The AI disruption score for aquaculture biologist is 68/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: write routine reports, fish welfare regulations, write work-related reports. Most resilient: mentor individuals, maintain relationships with animal welfare establishments, interact professionally in research and professional environments.
AI Replacement Risk
68/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
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