WHAT IS FISHERIES SCIENCE?

Fisheries science encompasses the biological, ecological, and socio-economic dimensions of fisheries. Fisheries is known as the culture and capture of aquatic organisms for human welfare.  It plays a vital role in the long-term sustainability of aquatic life. Asia is the leading producer of the world’s fisheries. Fish is the main source of animal protein.

Today most of the aquatic environments are destroyed due to human intervention and civilization. Conservation of the freshwater, brackish water and marine environments is important for the sustainability of aquatic organisms and humans. Knowledge about fisheries will help to prevent overexploitation of water bodies and marine flora.

Key components of fisheries science

1. Fishery Biology: It focuses on biological aspects like the life cycle, anatomy, physiology, and behavior of aquatic organisms.
2. Fisheries ecology: It focuses on the interaction of aquatic organisms with their environment.
3. Fisheries technology: It focuses on the culture and capture of  fish      as well the operation of fishing gears.
4. Fishery socio-economics: It focuses on the analysis of employment, income, and food production as well as the livelihood and quality of life of people.
Why is fisheries study important?
It helps in ensuring food security, protecting aquatic ecosystems, providing livelihood for fishing community, and contributing to the global economy through trade and culture practices. Fishes are the major source of protein and fisheries study help for their culture and capture to meet food demands. The Fisheries industry provides employment opportunities for the majority of the coastal communities. It helps to learn about the fishing science, the scientific way of catching fish. The aquatic science, management practices, fish behavior, population dynamics, and fish biology can be understood through this. 

Courses related to fisheries study

Courses related to fisheries include undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD programs, trainings, and specializations.

Under–graduate courses

• Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.)
• B.Tech (Fisheries Engineering)
• B.Tech (Biotechnology)
• B.Tech (Food Technology)
• B.Tech. (Energy and Environmental Engineering)
• B.Tech. (Fisheries Nautical Technology)
• B.B.A. (Fisheries Business Management)
• B.Voc. (Industrial Fish Processing Technology)
• B.Voc. (Industrial Aquaculture)
• B.Voc. (Industrial Fishing Technology)
• B.Voc. (Aquatic Animal Health Management)

Post–graduate courses

• Aquaculture
• Aquatic Animal Health
• Aquatic Environment Management
• Fisheries Economics
• Fisheries Engineering and Technology
• Fisheries Extension
• Fish Processing Technology
• Fisheries Resource Management
• Fish Biotechnology
• Fish Genetics and Breeding
• Fish Nutrition and Food Technology
• Fish Quality Assurance Management
• Fish Pharmacology and Toxicology
• M.Tech (Aquaculture Engineering)
• M.Tech (Fish Processing Engineering)
• MBA- Fisheries Enterprises Management

PhD programs

• Aquaculture
• Aquatic Animal Health
• Aquatic Environment Management
• Fisheries Economics
• Fisheries Engineering & Technology
• Fisheries Extension
• Fish Processing Technology
• Fisheries Resources Management
• Fish Quality Assurance and Management
• Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology
• Fish Biotechnology
• Fish Pharmacology & Toxicology

Top Fisheries College in India

Government Colleges:

• Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS)
• Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University
• College of Fisheries Science, Nagaon
• College of Fisheries, Mangalore

Private Colleges:

• Dayanand Science College
• Singhania University
• Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University

Other top Fisheries College in India include:

• St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam, Kerala
• Shri Venkateshwara University, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
• MG University, Kottayam, Kerala
• Calicut University, Calicut, Kerala

What are the career options in fisheries science?

• Aquaculturist: A person who raises fish, shell fish or aquatic plants for human consumption, also known as fish farmer.
• Aquatic Animal Health Inspector: This individual ensures health and well-being of aquatic animals, as well as preventing the spread of disease.
• Aquatic Environment Manager: Duties include monitoring water quality, developing management plans, collaborating stakeholders, research and development.
• Biochemist: A Biochemist in Fisheries takes care of understanding the biochemical processes that occur in the fish and other aquatic organism.
• Fisheries biologist: Concerns about managing and conserving fish populations and their habitats.
• Fisheries Economist: Plays a role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources while also considering the economic and social implications of fisheries management.
• Fisheries Engineer: Plays a crucial role in designing, developing and maintaining fishing vessels, gears and other equipment used in the fishing industry.
• Fish Processing Technologist: Involves in the development of processed seafood products and ensuring the quality of the product.
• Quality Controller: Confirms the quality and safety of fish and seafood products.

Conclusion

The scope of fisheries science is broad and complex, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the biological, ecological, economic, and social dimensions of fisheries. By learning more about aquatic science, one can promote the sustainability of aquatic life  for human welfare and development.

Santa Maria