Many faces of fish farming

Joe Summers, Skipper and Fish Health Observer on Colonsay, Mowi

What has been your career journey? 

I started off as an untrained farm technician (a proper greenhorn) six years ago and picked up the health observer role shortly after starting as it was an area of the job that I had a very keen interest in from the start. I then worked through all my tickets to become a skipper after four and a half years.

What do you like most about your job? 

I enjoy the fact that there are so many new challenges in the location I work and that no two days are the same. I enjoy being able to come up with ideas for new ways of doing things and having the cooperation of my colleagues to put an idea into practice to make our job more efficient and effective.

What do you think would surprise people the most about aquaculture?

I think people would be surprised about the various outreach programmes the industry and Mowi are involved in. There are so many things going on in the company behind the scenes that many people don’t see, such as the housing development schemes on Colonsay where I work and supporting local communities with funding for festivals, shinty, golf, etc. This is sometimes overlooked as people just see the latter side of the aquaculture industry.

What advice would you give someone wishing to make a career in aquaculture?

I would say: “Don’t hesitate, there are so many great departments to work in throughout the industry.”

I threw myself in at the deep end at an exposed farm site and haven’t looked back since.

Claire Anderson, Fish Husbandry Operator, Kames

What does your current role entail?

I’m a Fish Husbandry Operator with Kames Fish Farming at our site in Loch Pooltiel, Isle of Skye. A large part of my role is focused on fish health and environmental monitoring. Each morning I carry out water sampling and identify plankton species under the microscope to ensure conditions are optimal for our trout. I also conduct regular health checks on the fish, monitoring gills, fins and general wellbeing. Beyond that, I operate workboats and machinery such as cranes and capstans, and I’m involved in larger site operations like grading and harvesting. It’s a role that’s very hands-on and varied, and no two days are the same.

What’s great about it? What’s challenging?

The best part of my job is being out on the water every day, surrounded by nature. I regularly see whales, dolphins, and migratory birds, and I’m constantly reminded of the biodiversity around us – from microscopic plankton right through to large marine mammals. That connection to the natural environment is something I really value. On the other hand, the unpredictable Scottish weather and the remoteness of the site location can make things challenging. The team often has to adapt quickly to keep operations running smoothly despite those conditions.

How did you get here – what was your route into aquaculture and this job?

My background is in marine biology, and I originally came to Skye to work a summer season on a tour boat. I quickly fell in love with the island and decided to stay. When I saw the opportunity to join Kames Fish Farming, I realised it was the perfect way to combine my academic background with a practical, hands-on role at sea. It felt like a natural step to move into aquaculture, where I could apply my skills and passion for marine life in a meaningful way.

What if anything has surprised you about working in aquaculture? Is the reality different from what people outside the industry think it is?

Yes, absolutely. Before I joined the industry, I’d mostly heard the negative perceptions that many people outside aquaculture have. But once I started working in fish farming, I quickly realised that the reality is very different. Fish welfare and environmental stewardship are taken extremely seriously, with strict regulations in place and consistently followed. From the inside, you see just how much care goes into looking after the fish and the surrounding environment. It’s a far more positive, responsible and rewarding industry than many people imagine.

What would your advice be for someone looking to follow a similar career route?

I’d say don’t be put off if you don’t know everything about aquaculture to begin with – there’s so much you learn on the job. If you’ve got an interest in the marine environment and enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, it can be a really rewarding career. For me, it’s been a brilliant way to put my passion for marine biology into practice while also playing a part in sustainable food production.