Aquaculture and Marine Harvest Labourers
(NOC 8613)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningThis group includes aquaculture support workers, marine plant gatherers, shellfish diggers and other labourers in aquaculture and fishing. Aquaculture support workers are employed by public or private fish hatcheries and commercial aquatic farms. Marine plant gatherers and mollusk harvesters may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Aquaculture and Marine Harvest Labourers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common.
The median employment income for 18% of Aquaculture and Marine Harvest Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $31,690. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.18
Minimum$14.53
Median$24.79
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,778
Minimum$11,678
Median$35,820
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$10.85
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes aquaculture support workers, marine plant gatherers, shellfish diggers and other labourers in aquaculture and fishing. Aquaculture support workers are employed by public or private fish hatcheries and commercial aquatic farms. Marine plant gatherers and mollusk harvesters may be self-employed.
Job duties
Aquaculture support workers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist aquaculture technicians in the operation of fish hatcheries or other aquatic farms.
- Feed aquaculture stocks, vaccinate stocks, perform culling and marking or banding techniques and report any observed irregularities in stocks.
- Operate, maintain and clean pumps, filters, tanks and other aquaculture equipment and clean and maintain aquaculture enclosures.
- Keep daily records of water flow and fish samples.
- Grade and weigh aquaculture stocks.
- Prepare aquaculture stocks for market.
- May operate boats aquaculture operations.
Other workers in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
- Marine plant gatherers: Rake seaweed, dulse or Irish moss from beach, rocks or shallow water and load into a cart, wagon or other receptacles. They spread gatherings to dry and remove foreign objects and transport gatherings to processing plant.
- Shellfish harvesters dig clams from beds with spades, forks or other instruments, or collect oysters and clean, sort and transport shellfish to market
Sample job titles
- aquaculture worker
- clam digger
- fish farm helper
- fish hatchery attendant
- lobster pound attendant
- mussel harvester
- shellfish harvester
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education is usually required.
- Shellfish harvesters require commercial fishing licences.
Other considerations
Most workers in these jobs work for part of the year and typically earn less than half the yearly income of employees who work for the whole year. Wages will vary according to the specific type of work performed, and annual incomes of many workers in these jobs are relatively low. They are often exposed to harsh weather conditions. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
Cape Breton
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Fishing
Agriculture
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
15-24
35-44
65+
25-34
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$11,159 median annual incomeHigh school
$10,508 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$18,908 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$17,573 median annual incomeCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$14,445 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,229 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,289 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,107 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$15,980 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.