I was one of the first qualified Fish Vets in Greece. When I made the decision to enter marine fish farming, it was based on my love for the marine environment and my specific interest in fish. At this time, marine fish farming was virtually unknown. It was 1985, and there were only 5 farms around Greece, with a total production of no more than 40 tonnes. The decision was made final, during my Veterinary Medicine studies in Thessaloniki, Greece, with the decision to go onto study for the MSc Applied Fish Biology Course at the Plymouth Polytechnic, UK.
Did you go through any training while going to school that was beneficial
During my Veterinary Medicine studies I followed a course module on fish diseases, for one year. There was also a laboratory section and some field work. During the course of this module, I realised that I needed to complete further studies in order to work as a qualified Fish Vet. Of course, all other relevant subjects from histology and histopathology to microbiology and paracitology have proved useful in my work.
Do you have any recommendations for individuals currently studying
For those interested in this profession, I suggest they should first of all like working with fish, working in the open air, in the middle of the sea on sea cages, and in the lab. They must be aware that it is very different to working with pets. They must realise that they will be responsible for protection of consumer health, and for the economic success of the farm.
Does the career field have potential to expand in the future? Is the career field a good option for both students and professionals considering a career switch?
Aquaculture shows the most impressive growth as an industry, when all agricultural activities are considered. As the industry continues to grow, there will be a future demand for professional fish pathologists.
A typical working day, beginning without any initial problems, involves a meeting with the Farm Manager. There is a concise reading of the daily reports for each cage or tank, and each site where more than one site exists.
Any actions to be carried out on the fish farm have to be planned with the involvement of the Fish Pathologist/Vet.
Regular sampling is required, and laboratory work can be a daily job especially in hatcheries.
Special attendance is required on the days of harvesting, or when fish are selected and transferred from cage to cage, to achieve size uniformity (process known as Grading).
The Fish Vet/Pathologist is involved in checking the feed for contaminants or failure to meet standards
Can you explain your best experience in the profession ?
It is always nice when you manage to control a diseaseoutbreak on the farm and mortalities are reduced, fish start swimming and feeding normally again. The best moment for me is when I am on the cages, and I see the sunset and everything is calm with the only interruption being the noise of the jumping fish.
What are you reading or watching to stay abreast on industry/market changes, improvements, challenges, etc.?
The greatest challenge for the Fish Vet is to support the efforts of the industry to improve the image of farmed fish and hence, of the industry as a whole. This can be achieved by following strict rules concerning fish well being and health. He/she must always keep in mind that he/she is dealing with a valuable product which has to be offered to the public at the highest quality and hygiene standards.
Do you collaborate with other professionals in Europe or internationally?
I attend the biannual organisation of the European Conference of Fish Pathologists by the European Association of Fish Pathologists (EAFP) and this gives me the chance to meet colleagues from all around the world, to make good friends and to facilitate collaborative activities. We are rather few in number compared to other professions, but as a result we manage to know almost everyone in this field. What I appreciate more, and what I should thank all my colleagues internationally for, is their interest and help with newly occuring problems. I have found great support and guidance from them, whenever I needed it.
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