AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

ACADEMY OF LAND AND ENVIRONMENT

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

HIGHER LEVELS

Offering a great pathway to higher level aquatic-based study, including marine biology

Fishing for a great career?

If you have a passion for aquatic life, fresh or salt water, you can follow a rewarding career in a wide variety of fishery management roles with our industry driven qualifications.

This training route is a great way to gain the practical skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

You’ll gain experience working with a range of aquatics, from exploring the types of habitat and species to looking deeper into fish biology, disease and health related best practice. Our specialist staff have all worked in industry and have key industry links, so you’re in a great position to get a job once you’ve completed your qualification. The nature of this course also offers a great pathway to higher level aquaticbased study, including marine biology.

At a glance

Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Fisheries) (with Diploma and Certificate options) Technical Baccalaureate in Land and Wildlife Management (Fisheries)

WHY STUDY AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AT REASEHEATH?

Our courses are industry focused so you’ll have close contact with the industry to make sure you are up to date with current trends and practice. Become career ready with industry work placements which will equip you with vital skills and could even take you abroad!

You’ll be taught by our dedicated staff, all of whom have extensive experience across the field and are passionate to share their knowledge. Small cohort groups will give you a more personalised learning experience and plenty of support as and when you need it.

Off campus, you’ll go on trips to local aquariums, beaches, marine fisheries and study tours across the UK and beyond, meaning you’ll get a wellrounded student experience. Visit industry partners including the Environment Agency and train alongside local and national conservation groups and hatchery owners.

Where could your career take you?

Many of our students go straight onto university to follow a range of interests, including marine biology, freshwater biology and environmental science or into employment once they’ve completed this course.

If you enjoy working outdoors and are interested in the management and care of fish there’s lots of career opportunities for you to explore. Here’s an idea of just some of the roles and sectors you could go in to:

• Fish farmer

Fisheries officer • Fish farm technician

• Fishery manager

• River keeper

• Estate management

• Water industry

• Ecology and conservation

• Associated retail trades

Ornamental fish industry

CAREER READY

Did you know that a fisheries officer could earn a starting salary of £20,000 – £25,000? Get ready for a great career by gaining the skills and experience you need with us.

Our campus and beyond

Our campus offers access to a variety of pools, lakes and streams and has industry recognised equipment that complements the wealth of knowledge the teaching staff provide in the classroom.

We have excellent support from local fisheries and professional anglers, which allows our students to work alongside the best in the field. The college is ideally located in the heart of Cheshire with great links to Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Birmingham and surrounding areas, perfect for our regular field trips and off-site practical sessions. Martin’s story

Martin Searle

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fisheries Management 2018 BSc (Hons) Environmental Science 2021, Liverpool Hope University School: Liverpool Community College Ambition: Environmental consultant “Returning to education at Reaseheath was life changing for me. My lecturers encouraged me to further my passion for the environment and to realise my academic potential after struggling academically at school.

“I’m now in my final year at university and still use skills I learned at Level 3, such as testing water quality and monitoring captive environments. My final dissertation is on how salt and roadside grit affect water quality and the invertebrates which live in it.

“I’m planning to do my Masters in water quality or join a graduate programme. I enjoy academic study. I didn’t realise this until I came to Reaseheath, so I have a lot to thank my lecturers for.”

George’s story

George Davies

Technical Baccalaureate in Land and Wildlife Management (Fisheries) 2021 School: The Corbett School, Shrewsbury Next step: Apply to university Ambition: Marine biologist “I chose this course because it gives you both the practical skills and the academic knowledge that universities look for.

“I really enjoy the specialist modules, particularly those in biological science, and I think the lecturers are amazing. Our course manager is a marine biologist and she has so much knowledge and links within the industry. I’m passionate about coral reefs and hope eventually to help with their regeneration.

“I feel I’m preparing well for uni life. Reaseheath encourages you to think independently, but you’re still learning within a structure and the lecturers are there to support you. Working with the aquariums at the college zoo is also a huge bonus.” Your Reaseheath Experience

You may get involved in activities, trips and study tours off campus. A group of aquatic ecosystems and fisheries management students visited Tenerife to assist The Atlantic Whale Foundation (AWF) with their ongoing research into the islands’ dolphin and whale populations (cetaceans). Based at the AWF’s research hub, our students joined a group of global volunteers who are involved in the conservation and protection of this area which is an important natural habitat for cetaceans.

Students gained hands-on experience by assisting researchers to monitor resident populations during whale watching boat trips and joined inland trekking expeditions where surveys were conducted into flora, fauna and other community conservation projects

Industry view

Frankie Hobro

Owner and Director, Anglesey Sea Zoo “Opportunities are endless for skills based jobs in the fisheries and marine sector. In addition to college qualifications, employers look for practical skills, enthusiasm, commitment and flexibility. “What we do here is incredibly exciting and wide ranging. We are the only all British aquarium carrying out captive conservation breeding programmes for endangered native species such as sea horses and spiny lobsters for re-release into the wild.

“We collaborate with universities and colleges, fishermen and organisations to make a positive difference to marine sustainability. We also champion environmental and recycling techniques and progressive research into marine litter and micro plastics. My advice is to get involved in everything, focus on what you really enjoy and possibilities will open up.”

DID YOU KNOW? With around 3,200 people employed in fish management at present, the industry is undergoing rapid change, so there’s an ever-growing need for highly skilled staff

Benefit from our industry links

Regular sessions working with the Environment Agency give our students a great chance to get to grips with real life consultancy projects and plenty of opportunities to put their problemsolving skills to the test. You will get involved in netting, fish surveys and further broaden your knowledge of fish habitats and the management of fisheries working alongside industry professionals. Trips to local fisheries, aquariums, aquatic shops and guest lectures from experts across the industry, including the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, will further add to your skills and knowledge of aquatics.

You will complete an industry focused work placement during your time as a student. Whether it be working at a fishery, aquatic related business or working to help the environment, you will have the opportunity to really put your skills learnt in the classroom and on campus into practice. Your placement will be tailored around ensuring you’ll be well equipped for the world of work by the end of your course.

During your course you’ll also have the opportunity to study additional qualifications such as safe use of chainsaws and ATV handling – a fantastic addition to your CV!

INDUSTRY FOCUSED

We are focused on preparing you for work in this industry. By studying with us, you can benefit from the range of industry recognised equipment we have on-site to prepare for your future career. Our courses

Get to grips with captive husbandry, fish biology and disease, fisheries, aquariums, aqua culture, conservation and sustainability. Our courses offer a broad introduction to the industry and are a great stepping stone if you’re looking for a career with fish.

Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment This is a great way to prepare for progression onto a Level 3 course within the academy. You will learn about a variety of topics including animal husbandry, crops, livestock, improvement of habitats and much more.

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Fisheries) (with Diploma and Certificate options) This two year programme, equivalent to 3 A Levels, is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a successful career working with fish

Technical Baccalaureate in Land and Wildlife Management (Fisheries) The equivalent of 4.5 A Levels, this course includes a Level 3 maths qualification plus industry project

Discover our courses: reaseheath.ac.uk/fish