Berrill has been recognized for his work with fish vets to improve the health and welfare of farm-raised salmon.
Salmon Scotland’s Head of Technical, Dr Iain Berrill, has been made an Honorary Associate of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in recognition of his support to the vets working within the Scottish aquaculture sector.
Berrill – who has a background in fish biology – was nominated by Ronnie Soutar MRCVS, Head of Veterinary Services at Scottish Sea Farms, for working closely with fish vets to improve the health and welfare of farm-raised salmon.
“Iain is the go-to person for vets and others outwith the sector wishing to access information on fish health and welfare or seeking a conduit to the agreed opinion of Scottish aquaculture’s vets,” said Soutar.
“He has, for example, provided vet-related information to the Scottish Government’s Farmed Fish Health Framework, to the BVA’s working group on sustainable aquaculture and to the VMD in relation to the use and availability of medicines for farmed fish.
“Without Iain’s work, and the way in which he does it, the work of Scotland’s salmon vets would undoubtedly have been harder. He has dealt incredibly competently with many issues which would have diverted us from the very important focus on the daily care of farmed fish.”
Berrill holds a PhD in salmon development from the University of Stirling, an MSc in applied fish biology from the University of Plymouth and a BSc in marine biology from Swansea University. Prior to joining Salmon Scotland in 2010. Iain was a post-doctoral research officer at Bangor University and the University of Stirling.
“I am humbled that the vets within the sector have nominated me for this award. I will continue to support them to advance the health and welfare of the fish in our care,” said Berrill.
The RCVS Honorary Associateship is awarded to non-veterinary laypeople in recognition of the special contribution they make to the veterinary sphere. Previous recipients have included scientists, lecturers, educationalists, charity-workers, journalists, farriers, farmers and those involved in the commercial field.
This year, the Honorary Associateship was awarded to three people: Dr Iain Berrill, University of Glasgow’s James Ferrie and University of Liverpool Professor Diana Williams.
