In his new role, Hopewell will be responsible for advisory and training services aimed at improving fish health, reducing mortality risks, and enhancing efficiency.
Environment consultants Ocean Ecology have appointed Richard Hopewell as Principal Fish Health Consultant, as the marine environmental specialists aim to develop a dedicated fish health unit to support the Scottish aquaculture industry.
Based at the company’s facilities in Oban, Hopewell brings over 30 years of experience in fish health management, having previously worked with major firms such as Mowi (Marine Harvest) and Dawnfresh Farming.
In his new role, Hopewell will be responsible for advisory and training services aimed at improving fish health, reducing mortality risks, and enhancing efficiency for Ocean Ecology’s clients. He will also help facilitate knowledge exchange across the sector and contribute to developing best practices and procedures.
“Richard brings with him the skills and experience to help us achieve that. He will play a decisive role in developing this unit to ensure that we deliver true value to our customers,” said Jørgen Vatn, who leads the fish health unit at Ocean Ecology.
Vatn added that as part of the Åkerblå Group, Ocean Ecology aims to merge fish health knowledge from Norway with expertise in Scotland to build a leading fish health unit in the region.
Hopewell’s extensive background in aquaculture includes developing best practices for fish health and welfare management, with a particular focus on operational and environmental challenges as well as regulatory compliance.
