SUMMARY OF THE OCCUPATION
Aquaculture is also known as fish or shellfish farming. It refers to the breeding, rearing and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments inclusive of ponds, rivers, lakes and the ocean. Aquaculture producers participate in the “farming’ of all kinds of freshwater and marine species of fish, shellfish, and plants. Aquaculture is also responsible for the production of food-fish, sport-fish, bait-fish, ornamental fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, sea vegetables, and fish eggs.
This skill area includes the production of seafood from hatchery fish and shellfish which are grown to market size in ponds, tanks, cages, or raceways. Stock restoration or enhancement is a form of aquaculture in which hatchery fish and shellfish are released into the wild to rebuild wild populations or coastal habitats such as oyster reefs. Aquaculture also includes the production of ornamental fish for the aquarium trade, and growing plant species used in a range of food, pharmaceutical, nutritional and biotechnology products.
In Trinidad and Tobago, aquaculture, as an occupational area is currently in its embryonic stage of development. When one considers the aquaculture sector within Trinidad and Tobago, it is noteworthy to understand that the main harvest is that of Tilapia. As it stands this sector remains very important to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago as it would be an important area which would aid in diversification of the economy. However, Aquaculture, as a career is yet to be fully explored in our society.
In this case study we will look at the following job areas in more detail:
| OCCUPATION | SUMMARY | ENTRY LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS | SALARY RANGE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKILLED LABOURER | The job of the Skilled Labourer is defined as the general farm worker. They are responsible for the feeding of the fish, maintaining of the tanks and harvesting of the fishes. | Basic training Certificate in Inland Aquaculture- Tilapia Production | 3,000 – 4,000 | |
| SENIOR LABOURER | The senior labourer holds a supervisory position in the aquaculture firm and is responsible for the management, and logistical scheduling of the work of general labourers to ensure the efficient operation of the farm. | CXC passes in: Mathematics English Agricultural Science or Biology Certificate in Inland Aquaculture – Tilapia Production | 4,000 – 6,000 | |
| FARM MANAGER | The farm manager operates at a senior level in the aquaculture establishment and provides strategic direction for the firm. | BSc in at least one of these fields: Fisheries, Aquaculture Sciences, Marine and Freshwater Biology or Agriculture Management. At least 2 years supervisory experience | 6,000 – 8,00 |
SKILLED LABOURER
The job of the Skilled Laborer is defined as the general farm worker. They are responsible for the feeding of the fish, maintaining of the tanks and harvesting of the fishes. The person in this position ensures that the day to day activities on the farm are properly executed. The essential job functions of the skilled laborer, is that of feeding, monitoring and measuring. The estimated percentage of time devoted to each function was; feeding (50%), monitoring (25%) and measuring (25%).
The duties and functions of this job title include:
– Feeding the fishes at the time and in the amounts designated by the supervisor. This is carried out several times per day.
– Ensuring that all the farm equipment is functioning efficiently as designated by the supervisor. This is carried out daily to ensure that the equipment used is in proper working condition.
– Assists in the attainment of measurements as designated by the supervisor. This task is done monthly.
– Assists in the fabrication and construction of tools, devices or infrastructure as designated by management. This aspect of the skilled labourer’s job is carried out on a monthly basis.
The Skilled Laborer is a supervised worker as this position reports to the Senior Laborer. The Skilled Laborer within the aquaculture sector does not have long working hours, nor does he work in the confines of an office setting. This is a full-time job where the worker’s schedule consists of an eight hour work day, within a permanent position.
The job is one which requires him to work in the outdoors amidst the humidity and in a noisy surrounding as a result of the use of machinery on the farm. Thus the Skilled Laborer must wear protective clothing and equipment. In addition, the person in this position is exposed to toxic and/or flammable substances. Within this environment, the skilled laborer makes use of tools such as meters, nets, buckets and tables.
The skilled laborer, being at a position which requires the most basic of skills as it relates to the aquaculture division, would in most instances still be required to have some knowledge of the functions associated with aquaculture and tilapia breeding. These skills would require some basic training. This training can be obtained through vocational training in Inland Aquaculture- Tilapia Production which is offered by YTEPP Limited.
The future of the industry lies in the economic diversification plans of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Recent statistics indicate that the fishing industry contribute significantly to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago, directly employing over 15 fish processing plants in Trinidad and Tobago and processing an average 7,000 MT of fish per annum (Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2010). The Ministry of Trade and Industry has identified the seafood industry as on the most competitive areas in the non-energy sector and one of the sectors most likely to thrive in the new diversified economy.
The proposed strengthening of the fish processing sector presents opportunities for the fish farming sector which will provide the raw materials for fish processing. In addition, policies are being formulated to establish the aquaculture industry as a means of meeting the food demands of the local and external populations. Investments in tilapia farming will provide opportunities for growth in the industry.
This projected growth however, will necessitate the implementation of appropriate regulation of the activities in the sector along with the development of extensive and reliable marketing and distribution resources. This industry is embryonic, and as such, there remains a great need for persons with the technical skill to advance within the field.
PAY
The median monthly wage for the skilled laborer is estimated between $3,000.00 – $4,000.00
SENIOR LABOURER
The senior laborer holds a supervisory position in the aquaculture firm and is responsible for the management, and logistical scheduling of the work of general laborers to ensure the efficient operation of the farm. This position is crucial to the organization, as the senior laborer is responsible for the general coordination of farm activities. The essential job functions of the senior laborer are that of logistics, time management and people management.
The duties and functions of this job include:
– Coordinating activities of the general laborers.
– Managing the general laborers
– Ensuring efficiency of operations as indicated by management.
The senior laborer reports to the Farm Manager. Similar to that of the skilled laborer, the senior laborer does not work long and unsocial hours; his job requires him to work an 8 a.m – 4 p.m work schedule. This is usually a full time permanent job. The Senior Laborer works outdoors in a humid and for the most part noisy environment and involves the use of machinery with moving parts.
The Senior Laborer must make use of protective clothing and equipment in his work environment. Unlike the skilled laborer however, the Senior Laborer is not exposed to dust or toxic and/or flammable substances.
This job requires more technical expertise than the job of a skilled laborer. The senior laborer is required to have acquired at least O’level certification in the subjects English, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science schooling and to be trained to at least a certificate level in fish farming. This training can be obtained through vocational training in Inland Aquaculture- Tilapia Production which is offered by YTEPP Limited.
The senior laborer should also have additional skills such as masonry and plumbing and training in leadership will be an asset.
PAY
The median monthly wage for the senior laborer is estimated $4,000 – $6,000
The future of the industry lies in the economic diversification plans of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Recent statistics indicate that the fishing industry contribute significantly to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago, directly employing over 15 fish processing plants in Trinidad and Tobago and processing an average 7,000 MT of fish per annum (Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2010). The Ministry of Trade and Industry has identified the seafood industry as on the most competitive areas in the non-energy sector and one of the sectors most likely to thrive in the new diversified economy.
The proposed strengthening of the fish processing sector presents opportunities for the fish farming sector which will provide the raw materials for fish processing. In addition, policies are being formulated to establish the aquaculture industry as a means of meeting the food demands of the local and external populations. Investments in tilapia farming will provide opportunities for growth in the industry.
This projected growth however, will necessitate the implementation of appropriate regulation of the activities in the sector along with the development of extensive and reliable marketing and distribution resources. This industry is embryonic, and as such, there remains a great need for persons with the technical skill to advance within the field.
FARM MANAGER
The farm manager operates at a senior level in the aquaculture establishment and provides strategic direction for the firm. This position is responsible for production administration and ensures the effective management of the farm. This position is of paramount importance as it ensures the operational efficiency of farm activities in coordination with other aspects of management such as marketing. The essential job functions of the farm manager are akin to those of the senior labourer and entails logistics, time management, and people management.
The duties and functions of this job title include:
– Coordinate activities of the senior laborers
– Manage the senior laborers
– Ensure efficiency of operations as it pertains to the best practices for fish production.
The farm manager may reports to the operations manager should the establishment include these management levels. This is a permanent, senior level full-time job, and the farm manager is required to work on an 8 am-4 pm work schedule. The farm manager’s job is based mainly in an office environment even though at times he will be required to work outdoors. While not in the same capacity as the lower order job ranks, the farm manager may still be exposed to machinery with moving parts, humidity and the noise of the environment periodically. He will not normally be exposed to dust, toxic or flammable substances.. He is therefore, not required to use protective clothes or equipment.
Due to the complexity and nature of this job, the farm manager is required to be properly trained and knowledgeable in monitoring, logistics and management. He should have experience in the field in a similar position for approximately two years, as well as obtained a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture Sciences, Marine and Freshwater Biology or Agriculture Management.
The future of the industry lies in the economic diversification plans of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Recent statistics indicate that the fishing industry contribute significantly to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago, directly employing over 15 fish processing plants in Trinidad and Tobago and processing an average 7,000 MT of fish per annum (Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2010). The Ministry of Trade and Industry has identified the seafood industry as on the most competitive areas in the non-energy sector and one of the sectors most likely to thrive in the new diversified economy.
The proposed strengthening of the fish processing sector presents opportunities for the fish farming sector which will provide the raw materials for fish processing. In addition, policies are being formulated to establish the aquaculture industry as a means of meeting the food demands of the local and external populations. Investments in tilapia farming will provide opportunities for growth in the industry.
This projected growth however, will necessitate the implementation of appropriate regulation of the activities in the sector along with the development of extensive and reliable marketing and distribution resources. This industry is embryonic, and as such, there remains a great need for persons with the technical skill to advance within the field.
PAY
The median monthly wage for the farm manager is an estimated $6,000 – $8,000