Fisheries consultant

What does a Fisheries Consultant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A fisheries consultant provides advice and support within the fisheries sector, working with authorities, companies, and private individuals. Common tasks include investigating fish stocks, providing recommendations on fishery management, coordinating projects for sustainable fishing, and handling permit issues. The work often involves close collaboration with other specialists, such as biologists and environmental officers, and can include both fieldwork at water bodies and office-based tasks like report writing and analysis. The work environment thus varies between outdoor work under different weather conditions and indoor administrative duties.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for a fisheries consultant has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,300 SEK per month, increasing to 45 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise and now stands at 45 700 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 13.4% over three years. This salary growth can partly be attributed to increased demand for specialists in sustainable fishing and environmental issues, as well as higher educational requirements and more projects related to water environments. Despite the lack of specific forecasts for the profession, the trend indicates that fisheries consultants are increasingly valued in the job market, especially as environmental concerns gain importance.

Fisheries Consultant Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, high school education, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education)
• Hourly wage (average): 275 SEK
• Women: 41 300 SEK/month (85% of men's salary)
• Men: 48 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Limited data, variation may occur depending on employer and region

Education and Qualifications

To work as a fisheries consultant, a university degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field with a focus on water and fisheries is usually required. Practical experience in water environments, fishery management, or project management is advantageous. Many employers also seek good knowledge of fishing and environmental legislation and experience communicating with various stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree: Biology, environmental science, or equivalent (3 years)
• Specialized courses: Fishery management, aquaculture, environmental law
• Internships/work experience: Meritorious in fishery management, project leadership, or authority work
• Certifications: Not required but may be relevant for certain projects or employers
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of ecology and water environments recommended

Common Benefits and Compensation

Fisheries consultants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and sometimes company cars or access to work vehicles for fieldwork. Pension schemes, extra vacation days, and professional development are also common benefits within the profession.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a fisheries consultant can vary depending on region and employer, but generally, the number of positions is limited. Since the profession requires both broad theoretical knowledge and practical experience, establishing oneself without the right background can be challenging. Developments in environmental legislation and increased demands for sustainability mean consultants need to stay updated and continuously further educate themselves. The sector's dependence on public projects and grants also means that the job market can be influenced by political decisions and budget changes.

Tips for Aspiring Fisheries Consultants

To succeed as a fisheries consultant, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in nature and water environments with analytical skills, as the work often involves interpreting data and proposing solutions. Being communicative facilitates interaction with authorities, landowners, and the public. Engagement and patience are important qualities, especially in long-term projects and processes that may take time. Early internships or summer jobs in the field help build networks and experience. Continuing education on new methods and regulations is also advantageous, as the industry evolves rapidly. Flexibility and the ability to work both independently and in teams are crucial for thriving and developing in the role.

Key Facts about Fisheries Consultant

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or similar
• Work environment: Varied between fieldwork and office work
• Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
• Typical employment: Permanent position with authorities or consultancy firms
• Demand: Limited number of positions, approximately 360 available jobs in the profession

Career Paths and Outlook

After a few years of experience, a fisheries consultant can advance to roles such as project manager, head of fishery conservation projects, or specialist in aquaculture. There are also opportunities to work in policy development or as advisors for national and international organizations. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts, no specific assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but within the group of specialists and advisors in agriculture, about 360 jobs are available, indicating some demand. Future prospects are influenced by environmental political priorities, increased requirements for sustainable fishing, and the need for water environment expertise, but competition for the most attractive positions can be high.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fisheries Consultant

• What is the average salary of a Fisheries Consultant?
  - A fisheries consultant has an average salary of 45 700 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn 48 700 SEK while women have an average salary of 41 300 SEK, which corresponds to 85% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a fisheries consultant?
  - Typically, a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or similar, along with experience in fishery management or water environments, is required.
• How has the salary developed for fisheries consultants?
  - Salaries increased from 40,300 SEK in 2022 to 45 700 SEK in 2024, a rise of approximately 13.4%.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Regional differences may exist depending on employer and location, but detailed statistics are limited.
• What career options are available after some years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include project management, leading fishery conservation projects, or specializing in aquaculture and environmental issues.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - There are approximately 360 jobs available according to recent data.