Salmon Scotland brings broader perspective on board
Fish farming trade organisation Salmon Scotland has announced two new members of its board.
Ben Wilson, managing director of Inverlussa Marine Services, and Jarl van den Berg, general manager of ova supplier Hendrix Genetics, were unanimously elected to the board of Salmon Scotland at its annual general meeting in Aviemore today.
Wilson is the driving force behind Mull-based Inverlussa, which primarily operates aquaculture service vessels for salmon farmers on the west coast.
Van den Berg, who moved to Scotland from the Netherlands, brings an international perspective to the board.
Opportunity
The new directors join at a time of considerable growth and opportunity, with Salmon Scotland recently announcing a significant expansion of member organisations in a move to represent the entire sector rather than just salmon producers.
Having expanded its remit to include three membership categories tailored to small, medium and large companies in the aquaculture supply chain, Salmon Scotland said it expects strong membership growth during 2022.
The organisation said the salmon farming sector is also expected to grow sustainably over the coming years, underpinned through expected reforms to the way aquaculture in Scotland is regulated.
Vital to communities
Salmon Scotland chair Atholl Duncan said: “Hundreds of businesses employ thousands of people to grow millions of high-protein, low-carbon meals, making Scottish salmon the UK’s favourite fish and the country’s number one food export.
“Our sector is vital to the coastal communities and the Scottish economy so I’m particularly pleased that Jarl and Ben will bring insight from managing highly successful companies which generate local jobs.
“Our role is to champion the interests of the entire farm-raised salmon sector in Scotland, from egg to plate. That’s why we’ve opened up membership to salmon egg producers, support vessel owners, net manufacturers and technology and innovation companies, right through to secondary processors and hauliers – every part of the supply chain in every part of Scotland.
“Having added the first new members last month, the response has been fantastic and we’re fielding regular calls from supply chain companies which want to join us.”
International success story
Van den Berg said: “Scottish salmon is an international success story which involves thousands of players.
“It all starts with high quality salmon eggs and smolts with the best survival, health and growth rates.
“We’re proud to be part of this story and I look forward to working with the Salmon Scotland board to promote responsible growth of the Scottish salmon sector.”
Skilled personnel
Wilson said: “Aquaculture supports thousands of jobs in rural Scotland, and we are proud to work with salmon farming companies to provide the high-quality vessels and skilled personnel they need.
“From our base in Mull we see the vital importance of the sector for employment in coastal areas.
“I’m delighted that Salmon Scotland is expanding to include the wider supply chain and look forward to working with colleagues to represent all those involved in the success of Scottish aquaculture.”
