Fisheries Manager Career Profile

What the role involves

Fisheries Managers help ensure fishery resources are used sustainably and legally. They may manage fishery operations, policy, monitoring, compliance, quotas, permits, habitat issues, aquaculture programs or stakeholder engagement.

The role can involve working with fishers, aquaculture businesses, Indigenous communities, scientists, government agencies, conservation groups and regional communities.

Typical employers

Fisheries Manager roles in Australia may be found with:

• state and territory fisheries agencies
• federal fisheries and marine agencies
• aquaculture companies and peak bodies
• commercial fishing organisations
• research institutes and universities
• marine park and conservation agencies
• consultancies and regional resource management programs

Key tasks

• manage fisheries programs, operations, licences or compliance activities
• analyse stock, catch, habitat or monitoring information
• support sustainable fisheries management plans
• liaise with fishers, aquaculture operators, communities and regulators
• coordinate fieldwork, inspections, reporting or stakeholder meetings
• advise on aquatic habitat, biosecurity, quotas, rules or policy
• support research, grants, monitoring or recovery programs

Skills and qualities

Fisheries Manager work suits people with a mix of environmental knowledge, communication and practical judgement. Useful skills and qualities include:

• understanding of fisheries, aquatic ecosystems and resource management
• stakeholder engagement and conflict-resolution skills
• policy, compliance or program management ability
• data interpretation and report writing
• practical knowledge of fishing, aquaculture or marine environments
• good judgement when balancing industry, community and sustainability needs
• leadership, budgeting and project coordination

Qualifications and pathways

Useful study options and pathways may include:

• Bachelor degree in marine science, fisheries science, aquaculture, environmental science, natural resource management or a related field
• Diploma pathways in fisheries, aquaculture or natural resource management may support some roles with experience
• training in compliance, project management, stakeholder engagement, boating, field safety or biosecurity may be useful
• experience in fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, regulation or regional resource management is valuable

Fisheries Managers may progress into Senior Fisheries Manager, Fisheries Policy Manager, Aquaculture Manager, Marine Resource Manager, Compliance Manager, Fisheries Scientist or Regional Program Manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Fisheries Manager salaries can vary depending on seniority, employer, region, operational responsibility, compliance duties, team size, technical expertise and whether the role is in government, aquaculture, commercial fisheries, consulting or research. Management roles with staff, budgets, policy responsibility or regional programs may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are found in coastal and regional areas, state fisheries agencies, aquaculture regions, ports, marine science centres, fishing communities, government offices and policy teams.

Tips for getting started

• build knowledge of fisheries, aquatic ecology and resource management
• gain experience in aquaculture, fisheries monitoring, boating, compliance or stakeholder engagement
• learn about fisheries rules, stock assessment and habitat issues
• develop strong communication with industry and community stakeholders
• highlight field, regional, policy or program management experience

Related environmental careers

• Aquaculture Technician
• Aquatic Scientist
• Marine Scientist
• Fisher
• Environmental Compliance Officer
• Natural Resource Manager
• Conservation Officer