17 Fisheries Biologist Interview Questions and Answers

Fisheries biologists are responsible for the health of our fisheries and the sustainability of our seafood. They study the reproductive habits and life cycles of fish, as well as the impact of fishing on the environment. Fisheries biologists also work to improve the techniques used in commercial fishing.

If you want to work in this field, you’ll need to be able to answer questions about your experience and knowledge during a fisheries biologist interview. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered some of the most common interview questions and answers for fisheries biologists.

Are you comfortable working in remote locations?

Fisheries biologists often work in remote locations, so the interviewer wants to make sure you’re comfortable with this. If you have experience working in a remote location, share that information. If you haven’t worked in a remote location before, explain how you would adapt to it.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in remote locations. In my last position, I was responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of fish populations in an isolated lake. The only way to access the lake was by boat or helicopter, so I had to be comfortable working in these conditions. I also regularly communicated with my team members via satellite phone, which helped me get used to communicating remotely.”

What are some of the most important skills for a successful fisheries biologist?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for a successful career in fisheries biology. They want someone who is passionate about their work, organized and able to communicate effectively with others. When answering this question, think of some specific skills that are important to your success as a fisheries biologist.

Example: “I believe one of the most important skills for a successful fisheries biologist is communication. You need to be able to clearly explain complex ideas to other people so they understand what you’re saying. I also think it’s important to be organized because there are many details involved in this type of work. Finally, I think passion is an essential skill because you need to enjoy this line of work in order to do it well.”

How do you conduct research on a subject that is constantly moving, such as fish?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your research skills and how you apply them in a unique setting. In your answer, explain the steps you take when conducting research on fish and other aquatic life.

Example: “I first identify what I want to learn about the subject. Then, I find sources of information that can help me with my research. For example, if I’m researching salmon migration patterns, I would look at historical data from past years to see where they have migrated. Next, I would use current technology to track their movements. Finally, I would analyze all of the data I collected to determine whether there are any trends or patterns.”

What is your process for identifying and classifying different species of fish?

This question can help the interviewer understand your methods for completing tasks and how you apply your knowledge to complete projects. Use examples from past experiences to describe your process, including any steps that are unique or challenging.

Example: “I use a combination of field research and lab testing to identify species of fish. I first look at physical characteristics like size, coloration and location to determine if it’s a known species. If not, I take samples of the fish to test in the lab for genetic markers. This helps me classify the species based on its DNA makeup.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker while on a field assignment.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you handle conflict. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation while also highlighting your communication and problem-solving skills.

Example: “In my last position as a fisheries biologist, I worked with a coworker who was very critical of my work. This person would often make comments that made me feel like I wasn’t doing my job well enough. Eventually, I decided to speak with them about their behavior because it was starting to affect my performance at work. They apologized for their remarks and promised to be more supportive in the future.”

If your team discovered a new species of fish, who would you contact to report your findings and how would you go about doing so?

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and ability to work as part of a team. Your answer should include the name of the person you would contact, how you would reach them and what information you would provide in your report.

Example: “I would first call my supervisor to let them know about our findings. Then I would contact the local fisheries department where we found the fish and report our findings. I would also send photos of the species so they could add it to their records.”

What would you do if you noticed a large number of fish in one area of a lake or ocean and you were running low on supplies and couldn’t collect a sample?

This question is a test of your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet. Your answer should show that you can make quick decisions, prioritize tasks and communicate clearly with others.

Example: “If I was running low on supplies and couldn’t collect a sample, I would first try to get the most information possible from what I could observe. If it looked like there were more fish than usual in one area, I would take note of how many different species of fish I saw and if they were swimming together or alone. Then, I would report my findings back to my supervisor so we could decide whether to send someone else out to collect a sample.”

How well do you handle being outdoors in all types of weather?

This question is a good way to assess your ability to work in the outdoors. Employers may ask this question because working as a fisheries biologist often requires you to be outside for long periods of time, even when it’s cold or rainy. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to do what it takes to get the job done and can handle being outdoors in all types of weather.

Example: “I am very comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather. I have worked as a fisheries biologist for five years now, so I’ve gotten used to being outside regardless of the weather. I always make sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, but I also know how to use my clothing and equipment to stay warm or dry if needed.”

Do you have experience using GIS systems to analyze data?

GIS systems are a type of software that allows users to create maps and analyze data. Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience using GIS systems in your previous roles. If you do, share an example of how you used the system to complete a task or project. If you don’t have experience with GIS systems, consider sharing another similar technology you’ve used instead.

Example: “In my last role as a fisheries biologist, I used GIS systems to map out areas where we could improve fishing conditions. For example, I mapped out all the lakes within a certain area and then analyzed which ones had the best fishing conditions based on water quality and other factors. This allowed me to determine which lakes needed more attention from conservationists.”

When is the best time to count fish and what are some things you should look for to get an accurate count?

Counting fish is an important part of fisheries biology. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you know how to count fish and what factors can affect your count. In your answer, explain that counting fish at the right time is essential for getting accurate results. Explain some tips for when it’s best to count fish and why these times are ideal.

Example: “The best time to count fish is during spawning season because this is when they’re most active. During this time, I make sure to look for schools of fish in open water as well as near structures like rocks or plants where they might be hiding. Also, I try to avoid cloudy days since this makes it more difficult to get a good count.”

We want to increase the number of fish in our lake. What methods would you recommend and why?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain the steps you would take to implement the plan and why you chose those steps.

Example: “I would recommend starting an artificial fish spawning program. This process involves collecting eggs from female fish and fertilizing them in a lab before returning them to the lake. The eggs will hatch into baby fish that grow up in the lake. I think this method is beneficial because it allows us to control how many fish are born each year so we don’t overpopulate the lake.”

Describe your process for collecting and preserving fish samples for research.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your attention to detail and ability to follow protocols. In your answer, describe the steps you take when collecting samples and how you ensure they’re preserved properly.

Example: “I always make sure to use sterile equipment for taking fish samples because it’s important that we don’t introduce any foreign bacteria into our research. I also wear gloves at all times while handling the fish so as not to contaminate them with my own germs. After I collect a sample, I immediately put it in a container of ice to keep it fresh until I can get it back to the lab where I’ll preserve it using formalin or another preservative.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel they align with the job. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this position. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any relevant experience or education.

Example: “I am passionate about marine conservation and have been working toward my degree in fisheries biology for five years now. I’ve taken many courses related to marine conservation and learned valuable research techniques. My dedication to this field shows that I’m committed to this career path and ready to take on new challenges.”

Which fish species do you enjoy studying the most?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand your interests. It also helps them determine if you have any experience with the fish species they may be familiar with in their area. When answering this question, try to choose a fish that is native to the area where the job is located.

Example: “I really enjoy studying bass because I grew up fishing for them in my hometown. My family would go out on the lake every weekend during the summer, so it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. Bass are an important part of the ecosystem, so I’m happy to study how we can protect them while still allowing people to fish.”

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing fisheries biologists today?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your knowledge and experience in the field. Your answer should include an example of how you would approach this challenge, if possible.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges facing fisheries biologists today is that there are so many different types of fish to study. There are thousands of species of fish alone, and each has its own unique characteristics. I have found that it’s important to focus on certain areas of research for specific species, such as their migration patterns or breeding habits. This allows me to gain more insight into the lives of these animals and helps me understand what we need to do to protect them.”

How often should we be monitoring fish populations?

Monitoring fish populations is an important part of fisheries biology. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of monitoring and how often it should be done. In your answer, explain that monitoring fish populations can help determine if there are any issues with their environment or population size. Explain that monitoring should occur at least once a year, but more frequently in some cases.

Example: “I think monitoring fish populations should happen at least once a year, although I would recommend doing it more frequently depending on the species. For example, salmon need to be monitored more closely because they migrate from freshwater to saltwater. Monitoring them during different stages of their life cycle can help us determine if there are any problems with their habitat.”

There is a concern that a new development project will impact the local fish population. How would you recommend addressing this issue?

An interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you can collaborate with other professionals while also providing specific steps for how you would address the issue.

Example: “If I were working in this situation, I would first meet with the developers of the project to discuss their plans and determine if there are any ways they could modify their design to reduce its impact on local fish populations. If not, then I would recommend that they implement some sort of monitoring system so we can track the population’s progress after the development is complete.”