The big issue

Our November issue has turned out to be the biggest so far this year, with its special focus on containment and all that entails for the industry. As we began going over ideas early in October, news about seal culls hit the headlines and we decided to address the subject, giving farmers the chance to discuss the extensive anti-predation measures they deploy at their sites. We also talked to many of the manufacturers and suppliers who are at the forefront of the fight against escapes on farms, and we bring you details of some of their most innovative products.

Talking of suppliers, our industry pioneer this month probably needs little introduction. Dougie Johnson of AKVA is well known across the Scottish sector and beyond and celebrates his fortieth year in the business in 2016.

Elsewhere, we report from Aquaculture Europe 15, the European Aquaculture Society’s conference in Rotterdam last month, where scientists representing diverse research projects from around the world presented their findings.

At the shellfish conference in Oban, also in October, John Holmyard described his efforts to start volume mussel production and you can read about the results on page 16.

Just before going to press Fish Farmer learnt that it had been shortlisted in the prestigious Scottish PPA awards as Business and Professional Magazine of the Year. The winner will be announced next month but in the meantime the team here would like to thank all our contributors who have made this year one to remember, our fantastic editorial board and of course you, our readers!