Seafood industry career paths
There are numerous exciting, dynamic opportunities to be found in all sectors, including:
Fishing
Fishermen are at the very heart of the seafood industry, catching the fish and shellfish that we consume every day. There are a variety of roles needed on a fishing vessel in order to keep operations running smoothly. While many tasks are shared between all members of a vessel, the division of duties can generally be summarised between three main roles: Deckhand, Skipper and Engineer.
Processing
The processing sector transforms the fresh fish and shellfish produced by fishermen and fish farmers into the seafood products that are sold to consumers in the UK and the rest of the world. The range of careers available includes technical managers, supervisory roles, food technologists, operatives, team leaders, filleters, quality assurance roles, engineers etc.
Retail Fishmongering
Careers in seafood retail will appeal to individuals looking to learn a traditional trade which involves a great deal of knowledge and skill. With over fifty species of fish and shellfish in the UK market, fishmongering is a highly specialised trade.
Foodservice
The foodservice sector offers a clear and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about high-quality seafood and customer service. The foodservice sector, which includes both takeaway fish and chip shops and seafood restaurants. At Seafish, we offer support, advice and guidance for any and all individuals seeking careers in the seafood industry, from beginners to experienced professionals.
Aquaculture
Those involved in UK fish and shellfish aquaculture breed, rear and harvest various fish and shellfish species for consumption and commercial sale. Many of the tasks are done by all farm workers, including the farm managers and those undertaking wider management roles. However, specialised areas such as hatcheries, stock health/veterinary practitioners, laboratory services and engineering are likely to have dedicated staff with higher skill levels.