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 work for 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 decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. 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 may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 17% 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
$13.00
Minimum$17.17
Median$31.01
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,778
Minimum$11,678
Median$35,820
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.84
Median$32.00
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 work for public or private fish hatcheries and commercial aquatic farms. Marine plant gatherers and mollusk harvesters may be self-employed.
Job duties
Aquaculture support workers:
- Help aquaculture technicians operate fish hatcheries or other aquatic farms.
- Feed aquaculture stocks, vaccinate stocks, carry out culling and marking or banding techniques and report any observed irregularities in stocks.
- Use, 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.
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
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
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
15-24
35-44
65+
25-34
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$8,744 median annual incomeHigh school
$11,979 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,166 median annual incomeApprenticeship
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe 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
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.