Case Study 1

David Mann, Nidderdale Trout Farm

Before studying for A-levels I applied to Sparsholt College, Hampshire to study Fish Farming Management at HND level. This was a three year course with one year's experience required in the Industry prior to starting.

I gained my year's work experience at Nidderdale Trout Farm and found this invaluable in gaining a general knowledge of the day to day running of a trout farm.

I began the course in 1990. As well as fish farming the course covered the environmental assessment of fish populations and habitat improvement. This involved river work with training in electrofishing, trapping and netting. The course also provided a grounding in computer spreadsheets and word processing packages, building, engineering, use of pesiticides, statistics, basic accounting and finance.

During the course I chose to gain experience by working firstly at a Rainbow Trout Hatchery where I assisted in the incubation of eggs for rearing to fingerling stage for ongrowing sites. I then worked with several Environment Agency Regions gaining experience in river surveys and bailiff work.

I also worked for a Salmon fishery Board in North West Scotland, brood-stock handling and collecting Salmon and Sea trout using electrofishing and trapping. As part of this we were required to do night time river patrols, anti-poaching duties and enforcement work.

After completing the course in 1993 I was offered a permanent job as Farm Manager at Nidderdale Trout Farm. The farm abstracts water from the River Nidd and produces Rainbow Trout mainly for the table market.

My responsibilities include all aspects of running the farm which involves rearing the fish from fingerlings to table size. This has given me a great deal of experience in stock management. To aid this I use a computer programme to obtain maximum efficiency.

The farm incorporates an alarm system warning of river level and oxygen saturation for which I am responsible at all times. Since joining the farm production has increased from 75 to 100 tonnes per annum and has been achieved by extensive modifications and improvements to the design and running of the farm which has consequently raised the quality of the fish.

An oxygen system was installed three years ago and the benefits have been significant. The system runs from a liquid oxygen tank which then converts to a gas and is then introduced at different points around the farm. The system has proved to be cost effective since fish growth has improved and mortality decreased. I have found life as a fish farmer demanding at times but also rewarding.

I am able to organise my own time, and plan the week's work ahead. Practical skills are very important and I enjoy all the maintenance work that goes with working on a farm.

I am fortunate to have a four bedroomed cottage which is included with the job and living in the countryside is an ideal situation for me.

British Trout Association, The Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston EH28 8NZ
Tel: 0131 472 4080    Fax: 0131 472 4083     E-mail: mail@britishtrout.co.uk