Aquaculture Farmer
An Aquaculture Farmer manages the cultivation and harvesting of fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants in controlled or semi-controlled water environments. Australia's extensive coastline and inland waterways support a growing aquaculture sector producing oysters, salmon, prawns, and barramundi.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Moderate demand, particularly in regional and coastal areas of Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia where aquaculture operations are expanding.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- ROLRegional Occupation List
Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- VETVETASSESSVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | Queensland | View nomination → |
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| NT | Northern Territory | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Manage breeding, feeding, and growth cycles of aquatic species
- Monitor water quality, disease, and biosecurity conditions
- Operate and maintain tanks, pens, cages, or pond infrastructure
- Coordinate harvesting, processing, and distribution to markets
Skills required
- Knowledge of aquatic biology and species husbandry
- Water quality management and environmental monitoring
- Equipment operation and maintenance
- Record-keeping and compliance with biosecurity regulations
Typical qualifications pathway
A Certificate III or IV in Aquaculture, or a bachelor's degree in aquatic science or agriculture, is typical. VETASSESS assesses qualifications for migration purposes.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on both ROL and CSOL, this occupation supports subclasses 186, 482, 491, and 494. The ROL listing makes it eligible for subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), which suits migrants willing to live in regional Australia For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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