Fisheries Development Officer
Starts, plans and implements fishery development projects across harvesting, processing and marketing.
Overview
The Fisheries Development Officer is responsible for starting, planning and implementing fishery development projects in a region. Their main role includes identifying and co-ordinating fishery development activities in the harvesting, processing and marketing sectors.
Where they work
- Central labs
- Fish processing industries
- Aquaculture farms
- Aquaculture hatcheries
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 7 to 8 hours per day. Shift system is applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like working outdoors
- You like to analyse and solve a problem
- You enjoy Science
- You like to work in a team
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Industrial Fish and Fisheries/Zoology/Fisheries.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree (B.F.Sc.), followed by M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture/Fish Processing/Fisheries Extension/Fisheries Hydrography.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Diploma in Aquaculture Management.
- 2For admissions, you have to qualify B.F.Sc. entrance exams conducted by each state.
Forms, exams and applications
B.F.Sc. entrance exams conducted by each state. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the department of Fishery Sciences.
Government institutes
- Government Holkar Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Government College of Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
- Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
- Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu
- Ramdayalu Singh College, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
- Government Degree College Boys, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
- College of Fisheries, Agartala, Tripura
- College of Fisheries, Dholi, Bihar
- College of Fisheries, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Sacred Heart College, Kochi, Kerala
- Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- St. Alberts College, Ernakulam, Kerala
- The Muslim Educational Society Asmabi College, Thrissur, Kerala
- Karim City College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
- Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Phonics Group of Institutions, Roorkee, Uttarakhand
- Jawahar Bharati Degree and PG College, Kavali, Andhra Pradesh
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Fieldman
- 2Fish Overseer
- 3Fisheries Officer
- 4Fisheries Development Officer
Related careers to explore
Fisheries Officer
Investigates and prevents water pollution to protect aquatic environments, and develops inland fisheries.
Fisheries Extension Officer
Works with fishing communities to improve farming practices, fish production and incomes.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to working outdoors.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Pradeep Kumar — A Senior Fisheries Development Officer in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India. He is recognized for his extensive work in the development of fisheries in India, particularly in the areas of aquatic ecosystem management, fish breeding techniques, and sustainable aquaculture practices. He has been instrumental in implementing key policies aimed at enhancing the productivity and profitability of the fishing community. Dr. Kumar has played a pivotal role in the formulation of schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and has contributed to the development of fisheries infrastructure across the country.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 19 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.pw.live/exams/state-psc/fisheries-inspector-salary/
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.