Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Working Life

Fish Farm Managers or Aquaculture Farm Managers take care of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants that people eat or use. In Ireland, this often includes salmon, trout, mussels, scallops, and seaweed.

Managers are involved in every stage of the process—from raising young stock or cultivating plants in hatcheries or nurseries to preparing them for harvest. This includes checking water quality, preventing disease, maintaining a healthy environment, and making sure the animals and plants are growing properly.

The job isn’t just about caring for aquatic life—it also includes running the farm smoothly. Managers keep records, track production, order supplies, and sometimes hire and train staff. Cleanliness and hygiene are essential to keep the stock and plants healthy.

Much of the work happens outdoors, so it’s ideal for people who enjoy being active and working in all types of weather.

Working as an Fish Farm Owner

Fish farm owners run and manage farms that produce fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, such as salmon, trout, mussels, scallops, and seaweed. Owners make the big decisions about what to farm, how to grow it, and where to sell it. They oversee daily operations, manage staff, handle finances, and plan for the farm’s long-term growth.

Being an owner also means ensuring high standards of hygiene and sustainability so that both the animals and plants stay healthy. While they may spend some time outdoors, owners often split their time between the farm and office work, focusing on the overall success of the business.

Typical Responsibilities of Fish Farm Manager and Fish Farm Owner

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
• Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
• Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
• Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
• Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
• Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
• Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
• Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
• Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
• Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.

Further Information

• Fish Farmer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Entry requirements for a fish farm (aquaculture) manager typically include a strong passion for aquaculture, physical fitness, excellent organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work flexibly, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. 

While a degree in marine science is beneficial, it's not always essential; relevant short courses in areas like fish welfare, First Aid, and equipment operation, combined with practical experience can provide a solid foundation for the role. For managerial positions, preference is usually given to applicants with a relevant degree or diploma and work experience. There are multiple entry routes into aquaculture management. People with a Leaving Certificate or equivalent may be eligible, and it is also possible to start as a fish farm worker and progress into management over time.

Entry Pathways, Training, and Qualifications:

Some aquaculture roles do not require formal qualifications. For others, options range from:

• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Aquaculture
• Undergraduate degrees in General Science, Biology, Zoology, or Environmental Science
• Postgraduate studies in the sciences including Masters and PhDs
• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) offers training in fishing, fish farming, and seafood processing to help you develop your skills.

Key Skills and Certificates include:

• Manual Handling
• First Aid
• Fire Safety
• Health & Safety (often available through local Training Centres or ETBs via FET CourseFinder)
• In line with the STCW Convention (Regulation I/14 and Section A-I/14 of the STCW Code), companies must also ensure that seafarers assigned to their ships receive refresher and updating training as required.

PLC/FET Routes

• QQI Level 5 component certificate e.g. Fishing Vessel Engineer or Marine Engineering Process Operations through BIM or National Maritime of Ireland

CAO/Higher Education Routes

• Undergraduate degrees in General Science, Biology, Zoology, or Environmental Science (e.g. Level 7 in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology and Level 8 in Marine Science)
• Postgraduate studies in Aquaculture and Marine Science including Masters and PhDs (e.g. SETU offer QQI Level 9 in Fisheries & Aquaculture - Wexford). 

Professional Body/On the Job Training Routes

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)     offers a range of training courses in aquaculture, as do some colleges across Ireland. BIM also runs important safety programmes. The Basic Safety Training Programme is required for all fishing vessel crew, aquaculture staff, and management. On completion, participants receive a BIM Safety Training Card, and fishing vessel crew also receive a BIM Commercial Fishing Training Record Book.

Additional training, such as courses from the National Maritime College of Ireland, can further improve career prospects.

Already Qualified?

If you already have qualifications, there are marine career opportunities both in Ireland and around the world.

To check how your qualifications compare internationally, you can contact the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (www.qualificationsrecognition.ie), the European Network of Information Centres (ENIC), or visit https://europass.europa.eu/en

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €45k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, shift, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale

Last Updated: March, 2024

Ireland’s aquaculture sector employs over 1,900 people (2024), mainly in coastal areas where it provides vital jobs and supports local communities. The industry focuses on shellfish, finfish, and seaweed farming.

The aquatech sector is also growing, with a 6% increase in employment from 2023 to 2024. Nearly 900 people now work across more than sixty aquatech companies in Ireland. Many employees come from farming or fishing backgrounds, applying their skills to aquaculture.

These companies span areas such as marine engineering, genetics, bioscience, feed development, digital technologies, and health solutions. Seaweed is a major source of jobs within the industry, alongside emerging opportunities in bioscience, environmental services, and smart digital tools. 

Key points:

• Aquaculture employment (2024): Over 1,900 people
• Aquatech employment (2024): Nearly 900 people across 60+ companies
• Aquatech growth: +6% employment in 2024
• Job locations: Mainly in coastal areas, supporting local communities
• Worker backgrounds: Many come from farming or fishing, moving into aquaculture
• Strong job areas: Seaweed, bioscience, environmental services, and digital tools

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture, Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services, Managers and proprietors in horse-racing and related industries.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for detailed analysis, with marginal annual declines in employment since 2021.

New employment permits issued related mainly to farm managers (including dairy and pig farming) with a small number related to foresters.

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
  • Click Here

• IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office

  • Three Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 FX65. Ireland
  • (01) 7753900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here