Other Fishing and Trapping Occupations
What they do?
Fishing vessel deckhands prepare nets, lines, and other fishing tackle, and operate fishing gear to catch fish/other marine life.
They clean, sort, and pack fish; stow catch in holds; repair nets; splice ropes; and maintain fishing gear. They may also steer
vessels to and from fishing areas and cook meals for crew members.
Trappers set and position traps along trails; maintain trails for access to traplines; operate snowmobiles or travel on foot,
snowshoes, or skis to patrol traplines; kill/skin catch for pelts; and treat/market pelts. They also trap live animals for
sale/relocation purposes, and trap designated animals for bounty/other animal control programs. They may monitor animal
populations to ensure future sustainability.
Hunters operate boats/snowmobiles or travel on foot to reach hunting areas; kill wild animals with firearms/other weapons;
skin animals for pelts; and treat, pack, and transport pelts to processing plants/public auctions.
What education do I need?
1. Different backgrounds are required depending on your area of work.
2. To be a fishing vessel deckhand, you must have a commercial fishing licence.
3. You receive on-the-job training.
4. To be a trawlerman or woman, you need a minimum of one year's experience.
5. To be a trapper or hunter, you may need trapping or hunting courses in your province/territory of work and a trapping or hunting licence.
6. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Physical Education
4. First Aid
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Other Fishing and Trapping Occupations is $13.91/HR, which is below average for occupations in the primary industry sector and are close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
46% of Other Fishing and Trapping Occupations are unemployed. This rate is above the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Other Fishing and Trapping Occupations is considered Below Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($13.91) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is above average.
3. The unemployment rate (46%) is above the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Below Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be below average because technological advances allow more work to be done with fewer workers.
2. The retirement rate will likely be below average, and the number of retiring workers should not contribute significantly to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Other Fishing and Trapping Occupations are found in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in Alberta and Ontario.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (23%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Physical/outdoor work
2. Communication skills
3. Taking direction
