Get them the recognition they deserve: a young vet's experience in aquaculture

It’s hard to believe almost a year has passed since I was first nominated for BVA Young Vet of the Year. Back then, I was approaching my first full year as a fish vet. Now, I’m well into year two.

As my knowledge of the Atlantic salmon has continued to grow, so too has my confidence and belief in what I’m doing and why – aided in no small part by my nomination for this award.

Being nominated by Scottish Sea Farms Head of Veterinary Services Ronnie Soutar was an honour in itself. I took it as a sign that the many hours I was putting into learning about salmon were recognised, appreciated, and most importantly delivering real results.

Going on to be shortlisted by the judging panel as one of three finalists, out of a field of over 100 nominations from across the UK, was the icing on the cake.

It provided further reassurance that transitioning from farm animal practise to fish vet had been a worthwhile career move and that my veterinary work was making a positive difference to farmed fish welfare.

Personal development

In year one of becoming a fish vet, I’d quickly realised that the way to make the biggest positive difference to the fish was to ensure that those caring for them day-to-day had the highest possible level of knowledge. So, I took it upon myself to design a series of fish health and welfare modules that could be delivered in person out on farm.

Fast forward to year two, I have recently filmed a series of online video tutorials to provide marine husbandry and fish health colleagues with 24/7 access to support and learning, whether they are all-new to salmon farming or simply looking to develop their skills in a particular area.

I’ve also been busy championing the BVA’s new policy position for UK sustainable finfish aquaculture, both in my capacity as a fish vet out on farm and in my role as Secretary with the Fish Veterinary Society.

Wider benefits

Beyond what it has meant to me personally, being shortlisted for Young Vet of the Year has helped raise awareness of the role of fish vets in general: what we do, the difference we can make, and why more fellow vets and veterinary students should consider aquaculture as a career path.

Like most forms of farming, a great many column inches are devoted to what people perceive to be wrong with our sector – far fewer headlines focus on the army of people working within salmon farming to ensure the fish live as good a life as possible. I like to think of my nomination as a nod to everyone’s hard work.

Nominate now

Being an early-career vet, it can be difficult at first to establish your voice, as sometimes new ideas and enthusiasm can be overshadowed by experience.

But supporting and recognising young vets who are working hard to improve animal welfare should always be encouraged – and the BVA Young Vet of the Year Award is a really great way of doing that.

So, if you have an early-career vet on your team who is bringing new ideas to the table or who consistently goes the extra mile to benefit animal welfare, get nominating and help get them the recognition they deserve.

It could be just the boost they need to deliver even bigger and better things.