Ichthyologist - who is this? What do people in this profession study and do?

In the world there are many diverse professions, fanned with romance and served as a topic for a huge number of feature films and documentaries. Among these activities is the ichthyology, which was popularized by Cousteau's naturalistic films, and the creation of a romantic image - horror films such as "Jaws" or "Shark Attacks".

However, the real work of a person specializing in fish science has little in common that with the majestic panoramas of underwater filming of Cousteau, which with frightening horror stories. So let's solve once and for all two questions: the ichthyologist - who it is and what is included in the sphere of his professional interests.

The name of the profession and what it stands for

Ever since the popularity of Belyaev's work, in particular the novel "The Amphibian Man" with the protagonist named Ichthyander, well-read people of that era remember that part of the word "ichthys" refers to fish. Logically, it is not difficult to calculate that the most accurate interpretation of the name of the profession will be precisely the "fisherman", the "fisherman". We can say that in the designation of the specialty, the knowledge and skills that must be inherent in the person who decides to choose it as the main activity are accurately displayed.

Terms of interest of ichthyologist

In order to be so called, it is not enough to know the names of individual fish. Fishery includes studying the structure of aquatic inhabitants, developing them in the course of evolution, habitats more peculiar to one or another species - and this is only a small part of what an ichthyologist should know. Who is better at researching a fish scientist?

And this is not all the knowledge that his work will require of him. The ichthyologist-fish-breeder should accurately imagine the vital features of all species of fish and river (marine) organisms in the controlled area. For him, the specifics of the reproduction of aquatic organisms should not be a secret. After all, there is a profession of ichthyologist for that. Whoever is in the water area entrusted to him - he must know absolutely precisely, in order to take into account all the subtleties and ensure the normal existence of all organisms in the pond.

Expected results of activities

All this knowledge is extremely necessary for the future fish-breeder, which is what the "ichthyologist" profession requires. What exactly does a specialist of this profile do?

First of all, such information will be needed to regulate fishing, both on a national scale and with respect to private fishing. Agree, it's one thing to catch a couple of tons of salmon where there are hundreds or even thousands, and another - in a small lake where this fish rests before the last jerk to the spawning ground.

The next task of fish science is the calculation of rational fish culture, so as not to overexert the excessive "population" of the reservoir and not to bring it to full depletion, which threatens a local ecological catastrophe. It is for this that all that the ichthyologist is studying is necessary.

And finally, almost the most important task remains the control of the passage of spawning fish through hydraulic structures. This is a very complex problem, for the solution of which an ichthyologist is necessarily needed. Who should regulate this and check the accessibility of locks and canals to the spawning grounds on the way to spawning grounds, as not a fish farmer?

Directions of ichthyology

Most professions suggest theoretical directions and their practical application. Ichthyology differs from other sciences in this. You can choose a theoretical orientation, but this will not save you from practical activities, unless you deal solely with analyzing data obtained by other "theoreticians", or not choose your path purely laboratory direction. Even scientists are closely connected with the subject under study - Jacques Yves Cousteau can serve as a vivid example.

The main difference between "practitioners" and "theoreticians" is that the former are tied to some accountable territory (and they still have to conduct some kind of scientific work, at least observations), while the latter go where they send and recruit a variety of scientific material on Its direction.

Requirements for those wishing to become ichthyologists

Field conditions define special requirements for the profession of ichthyologist. Who does not accept this restriction, he can not become a fisherman. The list of mandatory requirements includes:

• Physical training - above average, without quality sports training in this profession has nothing to do;
• Health - excellent;
• The ability to "find a common language" with any living creature;
• patience;
• observation;
• endurance;
• Disdain.

It is in connection with the likely heavy physical loads and not very favorable both for housing conditions and the circumstances of residence preferences in the specialization "Ichthyology" are given still to men. No offense - by sailors and fishermen from the very beginning they became just them.

But the main requirement, which all teachers are secretly guided with regard to applicants wishing to surpass the great ichthyologists, remains love (or at least sincere interest) for all aquatic inhabitants. Without this education, of course, you can get, but the profession - it is doubtful.

Prospects for getting a job

In the current life when choosing a profession, the real possibility of subsequent employment remains the decisive factor. And in this respect there is comforting information: the regulation of the number of fish is far from everything the ichthyologist does. Even in cities, he can find a job (which does not exclude trips to water bodies). Fishermen are necessary for the design of dams, power plants and locks. In this case it would be nice to have knowledge from the related field - understanding how the constructed construction will work on a sponsored water reservoir will really facilitate the immediate task.

As a good job, you can choose the scope of delivery - the fish must necessarily be accompanied by an ichthyologist, who observes the rules of transportation. The business trips are not canceled, but you will not be separated from the family for a long time.

If a potential fish farmer lives near a fishing lake, he will be greeted with open arms. And next to the sea-ocean fishing vessels will not give up a specialist. A specialist who lives near a fish processing plant will also find a place.

And if it turned out that life is inextricably linked with a large city, it is worth looking for an aquarium, a dolphinarium or an oceanarium - the knowledge gained during training will clearly not be superfluous.

So, if a young developing member of the society wants to become an ichthyologist, parents should not become across the road - a prospective profession, and if there is a tendency for it, it is also harmonious.