fish anatomy
The study of the form or morphology of fish species.
Aquaculture hatchery managers plan, direct, and coordinate the production in large-scale aquaculture operations to breed fish and shellfish, developing aquaculture breeding strategies using various types of spawning techniques. They control the reproduction and the early life cycle stages of cultured species. They supervise incubation, early feeding and rearing techniques of the cultured species.
Competences and skills
51 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 10 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
5 competencesfish biology
The study of fish, shellfish or crustacean organisms, categorized into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origins and distribution.
genetic selection programme
The methods used to plan and carry out a genetic selection programme for selected species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and others.
plankton production
The methods, characteristics and equipment used to cultivate phytoplankton, microalgae and live prey such as rotifers or Artemia with advanced techniques.
sanitation measures for aquaculture hatchery production
Standards of sanitation and cleanliness essential to effective control of fungi and other parasites under intensive culture conditions.
Cross-sector
5 competencesanimal welfare legislation
The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
- Scope note
- National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
aquaculture reproduction
The techniques used to induce spawning, spawning on nests, stripping using appropriate techniques for specific species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and others. The environmental control of spawning, the use of hormones to induce reproduction and the broodstock recruitment by genetic selection.
biosecurity
Be aware of the general principles of the concept of bio-security and in particular, the disease prevention rules to be implemented in case of epidemics endangering public health.
fish identification and classification
The processes which allow the identification and classification of fish.
licences regulation
The requirements and rules that must be compliant for a permit or licence.
Essential skills and competences 22 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesdevelop aquaculture hatchery business plan
Develop and implement an aquaculture hatchery business plan
schedule hatchery supplies
Schedule hatchery supplies according to priorities.
Sector-specific
13 competencesassess environmental impact in aquaculture operations
Measure the environmental impact of a company's aquaculture operations. Take into account factors such as quality of the sea and surface water, fish and sea plant habitats and risks regarding the quality of air, odour and noise.
green
assess feeding behaviour of larvae
Monitor feeding behaviour in order to decide on suitability of feed composition, weaning larvae from live prey to dry feed or pellets.
deliver aquatic products to customer specifications
Deliver aquatic products to customer specifications, with full understanding of customer requirements.
develop management plans to reduce risks in aquaculture
Develop a management plan to reduce the risks from pests, predators and diseases. Supervise implementation of plan, especially disease prevention measures, throughout the aquaculture facility.
enforce sanitation procedures
Ensure standards of sanitation and cleanliness essential to effective control of fungi and other parasites under intensive culture conditions. Obtain uncontaminated fish and eggs by strict sanitary procedures and avoidance of carrier fish. Supervise the isolation and identification of the agent with specific immune antiserum.
induce spawning and fertilisation on aquaculture species
Induce spawning using appropriate techniques for specific cultured species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans or others. Determine sexual maturity of broodstock, using appropriate techniques as indicated for cultured species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans. Control broodstock sexual cycle. Use hormones to induce reproduction.
inspect aquaculture equipment
Inspect aquaculture harvesting tools and machinery to ensure that they work properly.
maintain the production of juveniles at the nursery stage
Maintain the production of juveniles at the nursery stage using advanced high density production techniques
manage aquatic resources stock production
Set up a farm stock production spreadsheet and feed budget (feeding, growth, biomass, mortality, FCR, harvesting). Monitor and maintain stock production.
manage capture broodstock operations
Plan and conduct wild broodstock capture and quarantine wild broodstock if necessary. Monitor the collection of larvae or juveniles from environment. Control the use of appropriate techniques for the specific species i.e. fish, molluscs, crustaceans or others.
plan aquatic resources feeding regimes
Make the approapriate operations to ensure aquatic resources for feeding regimes, taking into consideration farming constraints:set up fish feeding regimes, check animal feeding behaviour and operate computerised feed systems.
provide on-site training in aquaculture facilities
Provide on-site training in aquaculture facilities, through instruction and demonstration of skills. Provide, implement and supervise a training development plan.
supervise aquaculture facilities
Supervise aquaculture facilities and identify equipment needs. Understand aquaculture equipment drawings, plans, and design principles of different containment systems.
Cross-sector
7 competencesapply company policies
Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
control aquatic production environment
Assess the impact of biological conditions such as algae and fouling organisms by managing water intakes, catchments and oxygen use.
ensure aquaculture personnel health and safety
Make sure that health and safety procedures have been established and followed across all aquaculture facilities including cages. Ensure that personnel and general public are instructed and all work activities are carried out according to relevant health and safety regulations.
- Scope note
- Operate with due regard to personal safety and that of co-workers and the general public in accordance with relevant legislation. Tasks may include responding to emergencies in workplace, maintain operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and other safety systems, report and record incidents, fight fires in workplace, monitor and maintain health, safety and security of workplace, reduce risk in workplace.
make time-critical decisions
Pursue optimal time-critical decision making within the organisation.
organise labour
Organise, allocate and coordinate members of the team. Organise production programmes and plan the production and sales. Purchase materials and equipment. Manage stocks.
treat fish diseases
Identify the symptoms of fish diseases. Apply appropriate measures to treat or eliminate diagnosed conditions.
- Scope note
- Control of diseases will not be effective unless these measures are carried out in full.
write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Optional knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencehatchery design
The components of planning, layout and ventilation involved in a hatchery for designated species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans or others as required.
Sector-specific
1 competenceaquaculture production planning software
The functioning principles and usage of a software dedicated to the planning of aquculture production.
digital
Cross-sector
1 competencefishing industry
The business model of the fishing industry, including recreational, subsistence and commercial fishing, and the harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors.
- Scope note
- Commercial fishing aims at the delivery of fish and other seafood products for consumption or for other industrial processes.
Optional skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceevaluate potential aquaculture conflicts
Assess potential conflicts with other interested parties with regard to environmental impacts of aquaculture and conflicts of interest with other coastal zone users.
green
Sector-specific
7 competencesencourage teambuilding
Stimulate teambuilding activities. Coach employees in order to help them reach their goals.
feed broodstock
Feed broodstock according to nutritional needs. This will initially include live prey such as rotifers and artemia.
maintain hatchery records
Maintain hatchery production records and inventory accurately, including the preparation of health documents for the transport of juveniles.
manage a small-to-medium business
Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.
manage teamwork
Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work carried out.
monitor larval growth
Monitor the growth and health of the larvae.
screen live fish deformities
Examine live fish, including larvae, to detect deformities related to body shape, jaw deformity, vertebral deformity and skeletal deformity. If not detected, these could lead to risks for fish, such as swimming performance, feed efficiency, limit of the feed, infectious disease and lethality.
Cross-sector
8 competencesdevelop aquaculture strategies
Cultivate strategies for aquaculture plans based on reports and research in order to deal with specific fish farm issues. Plan and organise work activities in order to improve aquaculture production and tackle further problems.
implement scientific decision making in healthcare
Implement scientific findings for evidence-based practice, integrating research evidence into decision making by forming a focused clinical question in response to a recognised information need, searching for the most appropriate evidence to meet that need, critically appraising the retrieved evidence, incorporating the evidence into a strategy for action, and evaluating the effects of any decisions and actions taken.
lead a team
Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.
make independent operating decisions
Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a particular situation.
manage a team
Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments within the organisation and support functions, both internally and externally ensuring that the team is aware of the standards and objectives of the department/business unit. Implement the disciplinary and grievance procedures as required ensuring that a fair and consistent approach to managing performance is consistently achieved. Assist in the recruitment process and manage, train and motivate employees to achieve/exceed their potential using effective performance management techniques. Encourage and develop a team ethic amongst all employees.
work in inclement conditions
Work outdoors in hot or cold circumstances.
work in outdoor conditions
Can cope with the different climate conditions such as heat, rain, cold or in strong wind.
work in shifts
Work in rotating shifts, where the goal is to keep a service or production line running around the clock and each day of the week.