Katryn Wright
Halibut PEI
Katryn Wright grew up around the farming industry
Her father was a dairy farmer and living on a hobby farm, she was surrounded by animals her whole life. In high school, Katryn discovered an interest in ocean science, which led her to a Holland College degree in environmental studies, with a focus on water quality. An aquaculture career offered Katryn the perfect mix of her upbringing, her education, and her interests! For the past five and a half years, Katryn has been a proud farmer of the sea at Halibut PEI, where she currently works as Nursery and Grow Up Manager.
When the halibut eggs first get to the nursery, they only weigh a few grams. From the time the eggs hatch, Katryn and her team care for and tend to the fish for three years. In addition to feeding them and cleaning their tanks, the team monitors several factors, including growth, water quality, temperature, behaviour, swimming patterns. The fish weigh approximately six pounds by the time they leave Katryn’s attentive care.
Just as many agricultural farmers develop relationships with their animals, Katryn feels connected to her fish. “It’s not the kind of job where you go home at the end of the day and turn it off,” she says. “The halibut don’t know when it’s the weekend, or a holiday either. You’re always on call because you’re responsible for their well-being.” Being a fish farmer isn’t just a job for Katryn, it’s part of her very essence. She is thankful for equally passionate team members who split weekend and holiday duties with her.
In addition to caring deeply for the fish in her care, Katryn is also dedicated to her community and the environment. “We farm fish so we can supply our communities with good quality seafood without completely depleting the ocean.”
In addition to caring deeply for the fish in her care, Katryn is also dedicated to her community and the environment. “We farm fish so we can supply our communities with good quality seafood without completely depleting the ocean.”
