Ichthyologist Career Description
An ichthyologist is a zoologist who studies the fundamental aspects of fish biology.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Ichthyology or fish research offers a very rewarding lifestyle and most people involved in this field love their work. The daily routine of the ichthyologist is very varied, involving field study, laboratory work, reading research literature, writing up research results and lecturing. Researchers usually work fairly independently, setting their own goals, and
the personal reward of making new discoveries about fish and their role in the environment is immense.
Fisheries science is often performed on a team basis but taxonomy is usually conducted by a single ichthyologist working on a museum fish collection. Both fisheries scientists and taxonomists may spend long periods of time in the field collecting data in the former case and specimens in the latter.
Related specialisation of ichthyology include:
» Aquaculture: The study or practice of fish farming and management.
» Fisheries Science: The study and management of human utilisation of fish resources.
» Conservation: The conservation of natural fish populations.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Perhaps the most important quality required of a prospective fish researcher is a capacity for independent and original thought. Another asset would be a practical ability in order to perform fieldwork, use equipment and perform experiments. Many people have these qualities, but only a few love fish sufficiently to want to follow a career in this field. An entrepreneurial spirit is necessary for the development of a successful aquaculture business.
Where can I work?
Opportunities to be employed as an ichthyologist exist in national and provincial nature conservation departments and at the Sea Fisheries Research Institute. Permanent posts are
particularly hard to obtain and competition for these jobs is
tough. Only the most highly motivated and productive researchers are successful. For this reason, many honours and masters graduates move into related or even totally different fields.
Aquaculture
Because this is still a relatively small industry, not many jobs are currently available. However, new opportunities are constantly being created.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
The following self-employment possibilities exist:
Fish farming (aquaculture) is a rapidly growing industry. At present, trout,
catfish, tropical fish, oysters and mussels are farmed commercially and most enterprises are small businesses run by an owner or manager.
Private consulting on ichthyological, conservation and management issues.
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