by Opemipo Oyebadejo
My name is Opemipo Augustina Oyebadejo, I am a postgraduate student from the University of Stirling studying Sustainable aquaculture. My background is in fisheries and aquaculture technology and my current research is on improving Ballan wrasse skeletal health through nutritional intervention.
Aquaculture has always been a strong passion of mine as I grew up in a coastal town where fish farming and fishing were the major occupations of the locals. My love for aquaculture has pulled me towards making stringent decisions regarding its sustainable use and development. This has won me several grants and scholarships to enhance my capacity and impact and I must say every hurdle I overcome always seems to bring a new one. It burns inside me like an unending passion, to explore the world of aquaculture and contribute to its sustainability, development, and security globally. This force is what brought me from Nigeria to the University of Stirling, Scotland and down to the wholesome adventure I had with YAS on visiting Scottish Sea Farms.
I joined YAS following my urge to belong to an aquaculture group here in the UK where I can network, learn, and belong. Since I was new in the UK, I knew I had to connect with people who share my vision to keep the fire for aquaculture sustainability and development burning and it was one of the best decisions ever. Through this, I was able to register for the Scottish Sea farm and Hatchery Visit and it was AMAZING!
The visit was on the 3rd of July, it started with a cool morning and a soft friendly free ride to Barcaldine. On arrival, the farm staff were welcoming and organized. The day began with an impressive lecture on Scottish sea farms' growth trends, production, and impact. Afterward, we listened to the lecture about the RAS freshwater hatchery production process, and how they are nurtured from eggs to smolts and then we had a tour of the RAS facility. The magnitude of their production system was impressive. I had the opportunity to see the salmon eggs and alevin. I also experienced how the fish was being reared and managed in the RAS systems.
Consecutively, we were taken on a boat to the grow-out farm on the sea and it was a very beautiful experience, my favourite part I must say. This was my first time seeing a farm in the middle of nowhere completely isolated from land. I saw how the fish welfare was prioritized and constantly assessed, the feeding system, and most interestingly, how they use wild wrasse as a cleaner fish.
The visit ended with a drive to the Shian processing facility, where I tasted salmon for the first time, I must say it had quite the taste I had always imagined. After lunch, we saw how salmon are processed post-harvest and packaged for market.
It was a great experience and adventure, I met interesting people from different schools, countries, and professional focus areas. In a nutshell, I had a blast!! It was an impactful, adventurous, and interesting visit. I look forward to more.
To round it up I would like to say a very big thank you to the Young Aquaculture Society for the opportunity, Scottish Sea Farms for being so organized and welcoming, and every lovely soul that made it an interesting trip. For young aquacultures out there chase your dreams with like-minded people, you will grow not just fast but go farther.
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