Chris Hempleman: tribute
A veteran of the fish farming industry, Chris Hempleman, sadly passed away shortly before Christmas, following a brief period in hospital.
Chris, who worked for Otter Ferry Seafish Ltd, based in Tighnabruaich, Argyll, was on the point of retirement, having spent all of his working life in the fish farming industry.
He will be fondly remembered by many.
Having studied Fresh Water Fisheries, Chris joined Glenkens Fish Farming LTD, before moving to Otter Ferry Salmon for the first time. He had three spells at Otter Ferry, interspersed with career-development opportunities at Mull Salmon Ltd, feed suppliers EWOS, seafood software provider Maritech, as well as Scottish Sea Farms.
Between 2008 and 2018, Chris worked for Scottish Sea Farms as a production biologist, heading up the use of cleaner fish for the control of lice.
In 2018, he re-joined Otter Ferry Seafish Ltd as Production Director, overseeing the production of both lumpfish and wrasse for the salmon industry. Chris brought with him the best practices of working for a big company, and combined them with the strengths and dynamism of a small company.
With over 40 years’ experience in the industry, Chris saw its extraordinary progress, and contributed greatly to its success.
We at Otter Ferry were very privileged to have Chris working with us for more than 50% of his career.
He was part of the team that oversaw the development of Otter Ferry, including land-based salmon, the broodstock programme, and sale of salmon eggs at home and abroad, the development of fresh water cages for salmon smolts, the early days of halibut culture, the development of cultivated wrasse and lumpfish, the teaming up with Agritech UK, and finally, the sale of the company to Amar Seafoods.
Chris’s attributes were many, and, underpinned by his attention to detail and his awareness of both fish and human welfare, his final role of Compliance Advisor played to all his strengths.
Above all, Chris was a very decent go-to person and a friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
We remember his wife, Julie, and their families at this time.
There will be a Service of Thanksgiving at Strachur Parish Church, Argyll, on Thursday 15 January, at 12.30pm.
Alastair Barge.
Why not try these links to see what our Fish Farmer AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
You May Also Like
© 2026 Fish Farmer.