June 18, 2020

Aquaculture Maintenance and Engineering Services

Aquaculture maintenance and engineering services refer to the specialised services that focus on the design, construction, maintenance, and optimization of infrastructure and systems in aquaculture operations. Aquaculture involves the farming of aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and plants, in controlled environments. Maintenance and engineering services play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, sustainability, and success of aquaculture facilities.
Aquaculture engineering is a growing multi-disciplinary field primarily concerned with designing and maintaining sea cages, ponds, and water reticulation systems. The rapid growth of this career path mirrors the growth of global aquaculture production – which now accounts for more than half of all seafood products consumed.
While some skills may be acquired in-house, aquaculture engineers typically have diverse experience across multiple sectors. Maintenance experience specific to individual farms would be required or developed over time. Engineers working in marine environments would need marine engineering design, installation, and maintenance skills as well as, in some cases training in oceanography and hydrodynamics.

Key tasks:

• Build/design/ maintain water reticulation systems.

• Design and build water ponds or cages.

• Research innovative ways of improving aquaculture infrastructure.

• Design marine structures and installations as well as help with identifying and sourcing the necessary building materials.   

Entry requirements/training:

Entry-level jobs require little or no formal training other than high school education. However more skilled or senior jobs require academic or technical specialised training, both in-house and via external service providers. A chief engineer would require a formal engineering qualification including aquaculture specialisation.

Career advancement:

Aquaculture engineers can easily migrate into other industrial sectors that also involve water reticulation systems, such as mining. Engineering skills are generally in short supply, both in South Africa and in many parts of the world.

Associated job opportunities:

If you are interested in pursuing a career in aquaculture maintenance and engineering services, there are various job opportunities available in different sectors. Here are some potential career paths and associated job opportunities:

• Aquaculture Facility Engineer

• Aquaculture Systems Designer

• Aquaculture Equipment Technician

• Water Quality Management Specialist

• Automation and Control Engineer

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