"I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life and my elders said do what you’re interested in and that will make it easy. When I did my first Uu-a-thluk internship I realized just how connected I was to fisheries. I was taught by my late grandpa and my elders that we don’t waste the resource, but the way the government has managed it shows a lack of respect for the resource as a whole. Fisheries should be managed holistically; that’s what Nuu-chah-nulth mean when we talk about hisuk’ish ‘tsawalk."
Are you curious by nature? Do you want to make new discoveries and expand our knowledge?
If most of the following statements apply to you, you might be ready for a job in fisheries science.
- I want to study the ocean and the creatures that live there. I want to improve our understanding of fisheries and oceans so we can live in harmony with nature.
- I want to understand how pollution, overfishing, and environmental changes affect our sea resources.
- I’d like to have a job that provides the best information possible about fish stocks so fishery managers and decision-makers can ensure that there are plenty of fish for future generations.
Uu-a-thluk
taking care of
What’s It All About?
People working in fisheries science explore a variety of subjects, from counting fish and studying life cycles, to investigating what affects oceans and streams. Work may involve boating, fishing, computers, SCUBA diving, working in a lab, managing others, teaching, and travelling. Government agencies, First Nations and tribal councils, and private companies (like environmental consulting firms) hire workers in fisheries and oceans science.
Some scientists work in universities and colleges where they do research and teach students. Others make a career out of researching alone. Ongoing education is important in fisheries science if you want to advance beyond the technician level.
What Do You Need?
Research assistants are often university students working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Fisheries technicians usually have a bachelor’s degree in marine science or a technical diploma in a related field.
Research and fisheries biologists usually have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or ecology.
Research scientists usually have a master’s or doctoral degree from a university with a specialty in biology, oceanography, or zoology.
What Can you Earn?
Research assistants are often students who earn $45,883 (between $14.60 to $46,15 pere hour) calculated annually (although mostly, students work seasonally). They may also get free room and board.
Fisheries technicians earn$52,140 calculated annually or between $16.41 and $30.77 per hour.
Research biologists working for the government or institutions earn between $47,000 and $112,310 calculated annually ($22.53 and $53.85 per hour).
Fisheries biologists generally earn $68,606 calculated per year or $35.18 per hour. Most experienced workers make up to $84,585 per year.
Research scientists earn $90,000 calculated per year or $46.15 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $71,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $122,320 per year.
Sample Employers
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans
- B.C. Ministry of the Environment
- Environmental consulting firms
- Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
- First Nations
- Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
- Non-governmental organizations
- Environmental advocacy organizations
- Universities and colleges
- Aquariums
- Fish hatcheries
Sample Jobs
- Research Assistant
- Fisheries Technician
- Research Biologist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Research Scientist
Post-secondary teaching and research assistants. WorkBC. (2021, March 25) Retrieved May 8, 2022, from
https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Explore-Careers/Browse-Career-Profile/4012
Biological Technologists and Technicians. WorkBC. (2021, May 7) Retrieved May 8, 2022, from
https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Explore-Careers/Browse-Career-Profile/2221#earnings-and-outlook
Research Biologist in British Columbia. (April 8, 2022). Government of Canada Job Bank. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/2700/BC
Fisheries Biologist average salary in Canada 2022. ca.talent.com. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from
https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=fisheries+biologist
Research Scientist average salary in Canada 2022. ca.talent.com. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=research+scientist
