Aqua Culturist is a professional involved in the organised capturing of the aquatic animals (particularly fish) in a scientific manner. These aquatic animals may be both from freshwater as well as seawater bodies.
In the present scenario, due to the increasing population on the earth thereby depleting land resources, there is a great need for sea sources for the food and other consumables for mankind from the sea Thus there is a great need of those professionals who could restore the existing source and develop the new methods by using the fisheries sciences.
The fast developing fishery industry provides employment not only to the traditional fishermen but also to the highly skilled personnel engaged in the scientific breeding and management of fisheries. The scope in the field of fishery science is increasing with the development of aquaculture. Because of the country's expansive natural resources, dynamic entrepreneurial skills, this profession is advantageous to the Indian economy too.
Young people with desire and capacity for hard work can get both money and satisfaction in this ever-expanding profession involving new and scientific methods. But to adopt this profession in the right sense and excel one need to have special non- conventional type of education along with the aptitude to live in aquatic surrounding for long times.
Aqua Culturist Eligibility
The minimum educational qualification for becoming an Aqua Culturist is a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries Science.
Aqua Culturist Required Skills
- Aqua Culturists must possess the knowledge of how to grow and harvest fish or shellfish; practical skills such as being able to tie knots and splice ropes.
- They should be known about boat-handling and navigational skills, including the ability to read charts and use a compass.
- They have also required basic mechanical skills; an awareness of health and safety practices.
- They should also be known of harvest and pack fish or shellfish; dive to clear any debris or dead fish from the fish pens; drive and navigate boats.
How to become an Aqua Culturist?
To become an Aqua Culturist one has to undergo one or more of the following Courses
1. 4-year degree course B.F.Sc
Course Eligibility
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates who wish to apply for Bachelor of Fisheries Science bachelor’s degree should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with biology as the of the main subjects relevant subjects preferably with 50% marks.
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an all India level common entrance test conducted by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), New Delhi.
However, some colleges/universities also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying examinations.
Step 2
After completing B.F.Sc., one can take M.F.Sc. which is of 2-year duration. (Masters of Fisheries Science). After getting a professional degree in Fisheries Science, one can go into research-oriented activities also.
Course Eligibility
1. Educational Qualification
To get admission to above Master’s level degree course students should have passed Bachelors courses in relevant topics with at least 50% marks in aggregate.
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various Universities providing 2-3 years of Master’s degree courses
However, some universities also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class
Step 2
After completing this 2 years of course in which one has to go through all the major aspects of Fishery Science like capture, culture and post-harvest technology.
After completion of the Education, a Fishery Culturist one can work for a variety of Governmental and non-Governmental organization.
Aqua Culturist Job Description
Aquaculturists are responsible for catching, processing, marketing and conservation of fish. These professionals are also involved in farming and husbandry of important fishes and aquatic organisms in freshwater, brackish water and any marine environment as well.
Aqua Culturist Career Prospects
Enormous employment opportunities are available for Aqua Culturist in private as well as public sector organisations. Like in the government sector, a fisheries graduate can apply for the post of Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO)/ Fisheries Extension Officer (FEO) and District Fisheries Development Officer. Various opportunities in Central government agencies are in Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Fisheries survey of India (FSI), NIO, and WHO etc.
Aqua Culturist Salary
Aqua Culturist can expect anything between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 as far as a starter is concerned. After gaining some on job experience one can earn as good as Rs. 25,000 per month and more. If one goes for his own business he can earn in lakhs. However, it depends upon the efforts of an individual.
