Future of Fisheries: Perspectives for Emerging Professionals

Have You Prepared Yourself for the Changing Employment Arena?

William L. Fisher and Daniel C. Dauwalter

doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781934874387.ch4

Have you properly prepared yourself for employment as a fisheries professional? Fisheries education, employers of fisheries biologists, and issues facing emerging fisheries professionals are changing. Over the past two decades, natural resources education has experienced significant changes not only in the types of students entering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, but also in their academic programs and in the structure of curricula. Likewise, natural resource agencies that traditionally employ fisheries biologists are experiencing changes due to reduced funding and shifting priorities, but new employment opportunities are emerging. This changing landscape presents a challenge for students seeking employment in the fisheries profession. As a student entering or enrolled in a fisheries program, you need to be aware of these changes and be proactive in getting the necessary education and training to help prepare you for the changing employment arena.