Sector Spotlight: PJ Dempsey, Marine Husbandry Specialist

For our second Sector Spotlight on Aquaculture, we hear from PJ Dempsey, who works in Marine Husbandry and Fish Health at Scottish Sea Farms. SSF are a nationwide salmon farming company who provide secure, well-paid and highly skilled roles to many workers throughout Orkney.

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--Can you describe a typical day in your role as Marine Husbandry/Fish Health Specialist?
I monitor environmental conditions and plankton densities, and attend to the welfare needs of the salmon on site.
 
--How did you end up in this role?
Having just turned 17, I applied for a job at Scottish Sea Farms to see how the industry worked and what had to be done on a day-to-day basis. My sister who used to work for Scottish Sea Farms told me a lot about the job, and that gave me the interest to try it myself and learn about the industry, which I do not regret.
 
--What is the best thing about your job?
Working outdoors, being able to work in a team and independently, learning and seeing new things daily, and constantly acquiring new skills.
 
--What is the worst thing about your job?
Sometimes the weather can be very challenging.
 
--What skills do you need to undertake your role?
Working as a team, great communication, and attention to detail when doing plankton counts and enviromentals.
 
--What qualifications do you have?
National 5s and currently gaining qualifications in Aquaculture.
 
--Would you recommend this job to young people, if so why?
I would recommend this job to young people because you are learning something every day and there are many opportunities to gain new qualifications.

Visit Scottish Sea Farms on:
 
Website:  https://scottishseafarms.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/scottishseafarms
X:  https://x.com/scotseafarms
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/scottishseafarms