New appointments in aquaculture research

Both positions join the Aquaculture Research section in the centre’s Marine Science and Technology department.

Dr Clive Talbot (56), Aquaculture Research Scientist, has worked as a consultant for Aquaculture Research Services.He has an international reputation, as an authority on fish biology and fish farming operations, including competence in nutrition, husbandry and environmental issues.

After being awarded his PhD in 1980, Dr Talbot worked for Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory in Pitlochry Nutreco Aquaculture Research Centre in Stavanger and Marine Harvest.

“I think my academic background within fish nutrition, physiology and biology, combined with my industry research experience definitely helped me secure this role,” said Dr Talbot. 

 “There are tremendous facilities at the NAFC Marine Centre.  Nowhere else in Scotland has a research farm with sea cages.  Added to that is the analytical and teaching labs, sea cages and tanks with temperature-controlled water,” he added.

Talbot is joined in the Aquaculture Development section by Noelia Rodriguez.  Originally from Spain, Noelia worked as a fish monitor and sampler of tuna at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and Shetland Seafood Quality Control (SSQC) before taking up the new post.  She has also been studying towards a degree in biology at the University of Oviedo in Spain.

 “Over the next two years I will investigate and develop the practical aspects of the use of Ballan wrasse as cleaner fish for the biological control of sea lice on farmed salmon. Sea lice are acknowledged as one of the major concerns industry currently faces in these financially challenging times.”