An ichthyologist is a zoologist specializing in the study of fish.
Ichthyology or fish research offers a very rewarding lifestyle and most people involved in this field love their work. The daily routine of the ichthyologist is very varied, involving field study, laboratory work, reading research literature, writing up research results and lecturing. Researchers usually work fairly independently, setting their own goals, and the personal reward of making new discoveries about fish and their role in the environment is immense.
Most ichthyological work is physically demanding and involves the collection of fish. In certain fields, such as taxonomy and fisheries sciences, the amount of time spent in the field is relatively small and the work is usually performed in a team with others. This makes it possible for disabled persons to enter these fields of work and make a contribution.
Within the field of ichthyology there are a number of focus areas:
- Aquaculture: the study or practice of fish farming and management
- Fisheries science: the study and management of harvesting fish for human consumption
- Conservation: the conservation of natural fish populations
Opportunities in fish research, because of the specialized nature of this field of study, tend to be limited to the universities and museums. Only the most highly motivated and productive researchers are successful. For this reason, many honours and masters graduates move into related or even totally different fields.
Fish farming (aquaculture) is a rapidly growing industry. At present, trout, catfish, tropical fish, oysters and mussels are farmed commercially in South Africa and most enterprises are small businesses run by the owner or a manager.
A BSc degree in Ichthyology would also qualify a person to work or study further in the following related fields: teaching, environmental education and aquatic environmental management.
Satisfying Aspects
- making new discoveries
- working outdoors a good deal
- working in your special field of interest
Demanding aspects
- sometimes having to work long hours
- working in all kinds of weather
- the stress when disease strikes a fish population
Requirements
An ichthyologist should:
- love nature and have sufficient interest in fish to want to follow a career in this field
- be able to work independently
- have capacity for independent and original thought
- have practical aptitude, to use equipment and perform experiments
- have entrepreneurial skills to develop a successful aquaculture business
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Degree: BSc majoring in Zoology, all universities.
Postgraduate study: Honours degree in Ichthyology, Fisheries Science or Aquaculture - Rhodes
Further study: MSc or PhD is required to secure research positions. However, many honours and masters graduates use their qualifications to enter aquaculture and fishing industries.
Employer
- Universities
- Museums
- Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
- Sea Fisheries Research Institute
- CSIR
- Oceanographic Research Institute
- Private fish farmers
- Fish harvesting companies
The following self-employment possibilities exist:
- Fish farming e.g. trout, catfish, tropical fish, oysters and mussels
- Private consulting on ichthyological, conservation and management matters.
Contact
The Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science
Rhodes University
P O Box 94
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: (046) 603-8111 Fax: (046) 622-5049
The Sea Fisheries Research Institute
Department of Environment Affairs & Tourism
Private Bag X2
Roggebaai, 8012
Foretrust Building
Martin Hammerschlag Way
Foreshore
www.rhodes.ac.za