Often on s1jobs you can land Production & Manufacturing roles that deal exclusively with fish. That’s no surprise. After all, Scotland pioneered the world’s salmon farming industry and, with our sea lochs offering the perfect environment, we’re now the third largest farmed salmon producer on the planet.
Around 52% of salmon farmed in Scotland is eaten in the UK and our exports into the European Union were up 37% to £204 million last year.
Today, however, there really is something fishy going on . . . and that’s no bad thing.
The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation has announced it expects 2017 to see an increase of up to 20,000 tonnes in production – which could make it a record-breaker for exports.
To find out more about the big business of large scale (sorry!) salmon farming, we spoke to Warren Harvey, who works as a manager for Scotland’s biggest operator, Marine Harvest.
So, Warren, what’s it all about?
Well, we’re a global salmon farm production company, supplying fish all over the world. We produce our own salmon from egg to an average weight of over 6kg at harvest. From smolt to salmon, the cycle lasts around 18 months.
What does your ‘day job’ involve?
First of all we undertake environmental checks for oxygen, salinity, water temperature and visibility. Plankton and jellyfish trawls are also carried out before we feed our fish from a floating barge moored next to the pens.
The fish are fed twice a day – we have cameras in all of the cages to monitor the feeding so there is no wastage.
Methodical inspections of pens and fish are also carried out daily by taking a small boat and going from pen to pen.
Once a week a certain percentage of fish are handled – after being sedated – to do lice counts and gill checks then released safely back into the pens.
What are the biggest drawbacks?
Sea lice can be a big challenge and the weather – it is Scotland, after all – can interfere with operations and even stop you going out, if it’s too rough.
Are there opportunities for further learning or promotion?
Yes, there are lots. If you’re keen, hard working and willing to learn, you can quickly work your way up the career ladder.
Finally, what was the best advice you were given in your own career?
KISS . . . “Keep It Simple, Stupid!” Work hard, play hard, enjoy what you do – you’re only here once, so make the most of it.
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