Craig Mercer

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born and raised in Harbour Breton, NL

I now live in: I currently reside in Harbour Breton, NL

I completed my training/education at: I completed the Marine Environmental Technology, and Advanced Diploma in Aquaculture programs at the Marine Institute of Memorial University of NL

What I do at work

My job at Cold Ocean Salmon, which is owned by Cooke Aquaculture, varies from day to day. Most of what I do revolves around making sure the sites have the materials they need at the different parts of the production schedule. As a result, a lot of my work includes working on logistics and scheduling. I work as part of a team to collect information on fish weight, temperature readings and oxygen levels. This helps to keep our farms operating efficiently. Part of my duties are to oversee the ensiling tanker operations. This is the processing of the waste fish products into fishmeal as well as the movement and storage on the tanker ships. I also approve all fuel transfers for sites and vessels, and order gear and supplies for sites as needed. I am the Chair our safety committee.

My career path is

I graduated high school in the same community in which I am living and working. When I graduated high school, I completed the Marine Environmental Technology and Advanced Diploma in Aquaculture programs at the Marine Institute of Memorial University of NL. As part of my training, I had work terms at the NL Government’s Water Resources Management Division and with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.  When I completed my studies, I was hired by Nordland Aquaculture. From here, I moved to another aquaculture position at Cooke Aquaculture, which owns Cold Ocean Salmon Ltd.

In school, I liked science as well as physical activity and being outside. I am still an avid outdoorsman and love working outside in the environment. Working in aquaculture is a great way to combine both of these areas! It also rewarded me with a chance to stay closer to home.

I am motivated by

What I like best about my job is the mixture of different roles. I get to visit our fish farm sites as well as work in an office environment.  It’s also very pleasing when I do a site visit and, during sampling, I see that the fish are growing well and staying healthy. I am also glad to get to go home to my family every night.

How I affect peoples’ lives

What makes my career fulfilling is that I get to work with many different people each day. At the end of the day, we can all be proud that we worked together, to keep our salmon farms operating smoothly. From a safety standpoint, it is important that we conduct our work safely so we can all get to go home to our families.

My career matters because senior management depend on the daily fish data that we provide. This data includes such things as fish weight, temperature readings and oxygen readings and helps keep our farms operating efficiently. Our work helps make sure that we keep the fish healthy and that the best aquaculture practices are met.

In addition, by keeping all safety gear, (e.g., fire-fighting equipment, life rafts and flares), up-to-date on our larger vessels we are providing a safe work environment for all employees. We also meet all Transport Canada and OHS regulations for our workplaces.

Outside of work I

I love to hunt and fish. I enjoy recreational boating and enjoying the cabin life with my family whenever possible.

My advice to others

Anyone interested in a similar career should have an interest in the outdoors. You also need a background or interest in science-based courses, and the simple will and energy to go to work every day. So many areas in the aquaculture industry offer great job opportunities. These can be on land and/or on the water (e.g., office environment, farm sites, laboratory, and hatchery).