Seafood industry career paths
The seafood industry offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities, from fish farming and fishing to processing and fishmongering. Whether you prefer working at sea, in a manufacturing business, fish and chip shop or restaurant, there’s a role to suit many different skills and interests.
You can build a career in sectors such as:
Fishing
Fishermen are at the very heart of the seafood industry, catching the fish and shellfish we enjoy every day. While many tasks are shared among the crew of a fishing vessel, responsibilities are usually divided into three main roles:
- Deckhand: supports daily operations on deck
- Skipper: leads the vessel and crew and manages fishing operations
- Engineer: maintains and repairs engines and equipment.
This sector suits people who enjoy practical, hands-on work and working at sea.
Processing
The processing sector turns fresh fish and shellfish from fishermen and fish farmers into the seafood products sold in the UK and around the world. Careers in this sector are diverse and include:
- Product technologists
- Filleters
- Quality assurance
- Engineers
This is a vital part of the supply chain and offers opportunities at many skill and experience levels.
Fishmongering
A career in fishmongering is ideal for those looking to learn a traditional and highly skilled trade. With over fifty species of fish and shellfish sold in the UK, fishmongering requires strong product knowledge, practical skills, and excellent customer service.
Fishmongers play an important role in helping customers choose, prepare, and enjoy seafood.
Fish Farming (Aquaculture)
Fish farming, also referred to as aquaculture, involves breeding, rearing, and harvesting fish and shellfish for food and commercial sale. Farm workers, including managers, often share many day-to-day tasks, but there are also specialist roles, such as:
- Hatchery technicians
- Marine biologists
- Engineers