Fisheries science deals with the principles, techniques and management of aquaculture.
With the huge natural resources, India has a great coastal line. Being the developing
country, India is taking steps for the maximum utilization of the gifted asset.
The sector contributes good percentage of share to the GDP. Several organizations
are formed for the research purpose to upgrade the technological advancements in
the field, which is enhancing the number of opportunities in the field.
The Fisheries science is a good option for those who are interested in aqua beings.
The discipline involves several aspects of other sciences like fisheries microbiology
and fisheries management.
Activities of the field:
Fish breeding, farming the aquatic organisms or typical fishes in fresh water, marketing
the seafood, aquarium management, inland and sea fishing, aquaculture, navigation
etc. are the major activities of the field.
Courses offered:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor, Master Degree and Doctoral programs are offered
in the field. The major courses are:
- B.F.Sc. (Bachelor of Fisheries Science)
- B.Sc. in Aquaculture (Fishery Microbiology)
- M.F.Sc. Freshwater Aqua Culture
- Ph.D. Aqua culture
Apart from the above several training courses are also offered.
Eligibility:
Passing 10+2 with Biology as a subject with at least 50% is the academic eligibility
criteria for Bachelor Degree. Most of the colleges admit through the Common Entrance
Test.
B.F.Sc. or equivalent degree in the field is the eligibility criteria for Master
Degree. The admission process is through the entrance test. The master degree is
of Doctoral program with the entrance test as entrance procedure.
Areas covered in the courses:
The major topics covered in the courses are Anatomy of fishes, Soil and water Chemistry,
Fish food Organisms, Marine Biology, Refrigeration and freezing technology, Bio
chemical techniques and instrumentation, Diseases and management, Aquatic Ecology,
Disaster Management in Fisheries, Navigation and Seamanship, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
in fisheries, Marketing management etc.
Job Prospect:
There is a wide scope of employment in the field. The major jobs are found in the
following fields
- Central Fishery Departments: Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering
Training, Marine Product Export Development Authority, Coastal Aquaculture Authority
of India, Fisheries survey of India, Indian National Centre for Ocean and Information
services, National Institute of Oceanography, Central Institute of Brackish water
Aquaculture, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Central Institution of Fisheries
Education etc.
- State Departments: Fish Farmers Development Agency, Fisheries Department, Brackish
water Farmers Development Agency etc.
- Along with the Central and State Departments, the opportunities are also found in
Private export units, Fish processing units, and sea -food processing companies,
Cold storages and Fish Farms.
- All India Competitive Exam is conducted by Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board
(ASRB) for the recruitment of scientists for working in different agricultural and
fisheries institution under ICAR.
- Banks also recruit in agricultural loans section as Field Officer, Managers and
Development Officers of NABARD.
- Teaching in the academic institutes is also another option. The highly qualified
are given preference for the teaching positions.
- Self employment is another best option of the field. Fish farming, export business,
fish food production, aquarium etc are few of the options.
The job titles:
The major job titles in the field are
- Fisheries Assistants
- Inspector of Fisheries
- Fisheries Development Officer
- Fisheries Extension Officer
- Technical Officers
- Directors and Assistant Directors
- Research Assistant
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Technician
- Hatchery Manager
Payment:
A fresh graduate may start his career with Rs.10,000 and above per month. Thus,
Fisheries science is a prospective career that involves challenging and interesting
work.