Commercial fishing degree overview

A commercial fishing degree is a program that teaches students how to work safely and effectively in the fishing industry. It’s designed for people who want to catch and sell fish or seafood as a job. Students learn about fishing techniques, equipment, and how to follow safety rules while working on boats.

The program also covers topics like how to find and catch different types of fish, how to operate and take care of fishing gear, and how to store and handle seafood properly. Students may also learn about weather, navigation, and how to work with a fishing crew. Some programs include hands-on training on the water or in simulated environments.

For those interested in a career in the fishing industry, several education programs offer hands-on training and technical knowledge related to commercial fishing.

• Certificate in Commercial Fishing: This short-term program focuses on basic fishing skills, including net handling, gear maintenance, and safety procedures. It’s designed for individuals who want to enter the workforce quickly and start working on fishing vessels.
• Associate Degree in Marine Technology with a Focus on Commercial Fishing: This program provides a deeper understanding of marine operations, navigation, vessel maintenance, and sustainable fishing practices. It prepares students for a range of roles in the commercial fishing industry, including deckhand, equipment operator, or small boat captain.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries Science with a Concentration in Commercial Fishing Operations: This degree offers a broader study of marine ecosystems, fishery management, and commercial harvesting methods. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in fishing operations, resource management, or marine policy.

A commercial fishing degree provides students with the practical and technical skills needed to work safely and successfully in the fishing industry.

• Fishing Techniques and Equipment Use: Students learn how to operate different types of fishing gear, such as nets, traps, and lines, and how to use winches, cranes, and other onboard equipment efficiently.
• Vessel Operation and Navigation: Training includes how to handle boats, read nautical charts, use GPS systems, and understand marine navigation and weather patterns for safe travel at sea.
• Safety and Emergency Procedures: Students are taught how to respond to emergencies, follow safety protocols, and use life-saving equipment to protect themselves and their crew while on the water.
• Seafood Handling and Storage: The program covers how to properly sort, clean, and store fish to maintain quality and meet health regulations during and after the catch.

A commercial fishing degree prepares graduates for a variety of hands-on and leadership roles in the fishing industry, both at sea and onshore.

• Commercial Fisherman: Operates on fishing vessels to catch fish and other seafood, using specialized equipment and following safety and environmental guidelines.
• Deckhand: Assists with daily operations on a fishing boat, including handling gear, maintaining equipment, sorting catches, and supporting navigation and safety procedures.
• Fishing Vessel Captain: Oversees all aspects of a commercial fishing trip, including crew management, navigation, fishing operations, and compliance with regulations.
• Seafood Processing Technician: Works in facilities that clean, package, and preserve seafood for sale, ensuring quality control and proper handling techniques.
• Gear Technician or Maintenance Specialist: Installs, repairs, and maintains fishing equipment and boat machinery, helping ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Fishery Operations Manager: Supervises larger fishing operations or companies, managing staff, equipment, logistics, and regulatory compliance.
• Marine Resource Technician: Assists in monitoring fish populations and collecting data for research or regulatory purposes, often working with government or conservation agencies.