Daniel Gilbert - MSc Sustainable Aquaculture Systems graduate

Career and Plymouth highlights

Current job title: Technical Advisor
Current employer: Biomar A/S, Denmark

I began working at a salmon farm on the North West coast of Scotland as Assistant Hatchery Manager, where I spent five years learning everything I could about rearing Salmon. I am now positioned within one of the top global aquaculture feed specialists, Biomar A/S, as a technical advisor based in Denmark. My role involves advising clients on how to fix, develop and improve their aquaculture systems. I also advise on feed choices/production planning and educate via seminars and workshops the theories behind daily production and why they are important to the farmers, for example; water chemistry in RAS systems.

Travelling and meeting clients all over the globe, understanding their difficulties and how we can help is the most exciting part of my career.

When I was looking to retrain from the engineering sector I had to undertake a course that allowed access onto my chosen field. The University of Plymouth not only had a great course available they also had an excellent reputation for marine biology. Hearing from the likes of Colin Munn and John Spicer at open days sealed the deal as they were very inspiring. I started out as most people who join marine biology, wanting to help endangered sea mammals; however, when I started to study aquaculture I knew this was the right path for me.

The world is heavily populated and marine resources are becoming more regulated. The systems involved with aquaculture are always improving and reducing their environmental impacts, so I felt this was a good direction. Plus I knew there would always be jobs available in this sector. The MSc sustainable aquaculture systems was an excellent postgraduate degree for this sector delving into more detail than the bachelor’s degree. The lectures from Professor Daniel Merrifield and Dr Victor Kuri were invaluable for my current role.

The MSc Sustainable Aquaculture Systems was an important step for the development of my career in aquaculture, more than I realised at the time.

Why Plymouth?

The studies I completed involved the perfect amount of field work and lab work for my preferences.
Volunteering opportunities - I volunteered in the research aquarium.
The field trips were brilliant fun but also educational and I met some great people.
There were many options available for students in terms of support but mostly I feel the Seale-Hayne Educational Trust bursary for my MSc studies was invaluable as it covered the course costs, lab fees and had a stipend to help with living costs.

The resources available at the University of Plymouth were invaluable, I really miss having easy access to scientific papers that interest me but are not relevant to my work.

Enjoy the experience as much as possible and get involved with the many opportunities available.

Inspired by this story?

For more information about studying environmental science, visit our MSc Sustainable Aquaculture programme page. For more information about our range of courses within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, please visit the school page.

Want to find similar alumni?

If you would like to find out what other relevant alumni are currently doing, please visit the marine, earth, geography and environment interest area.