Description
Study the origins, behavior, physiology, diseases, genetics, and life processes of fishes in marine and freshwater systems. Specialize in fish research, conservation, and fisheries management. Collect and analyze biological and environmental data to evaluate how natural and human activities affect fish populations and aquatic habitats.
- • Study fishes in marine and freshwater habitats; assess impacts of climate, pollution, dams, fishing, and aquaculture; recommend mitigation.
- • Survey and estimate fish populations and community composition using netting, trawls, hydroacoustics, or electrofishing.
- • Identify and classify fish species using morphology and genetic barcoding.
- • Publish findings in technical reports and journals; present to agencies, fishers, and public audiences.
- • Research fish evolution, ecology, life history, behavior, physiology, diseases, genetics, and distribution.
- • Manage grants, budgets, permits, outreach, and supervision of field and lab staff.
- • Design and conduct experiments with live fishes in the field, mesocosms, or laboratories.
- • Coordinate monitoring and prevention programs for fish diseases and invasive species.
- • Prepare and curate preserved specimens, tissue samples, otoliths, and slides for taxonomy, aging, and pathology.
- • Collect, dissect, and analyze fish specimens; perform histology or parasitology with microscopy.
- • Inform anglers, communities, and partners about fish conservation, species identification, fishing regulations, and aquatic resource issues.
- • Monitor compliance with fisheries and aquatic environmental laws; report violations to authorities.
- • Develop or recommend fisheries and habitat management plans in consultation with agencies, tribes, fishers, and the public.
- • Conduct literature reviews and synthesize best practices in ichthyology and fisheries science.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Energy & Natural Resources
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
