For Even Møller Haarberg, aquaculture is about more than technology, production and figures. It is also about living animals, animal welfare, the fishing industry and biological processes.
Even Møller Haarberg
Education: Aquaculture, 2-year master's degree
Job: Ode AS as an operations technician.
The aquaculture industry is growing, and with it the need for people who understand biology, animal welfare and modern production. This is where aquaculture education at NMBU plays a key role.
For Even, who holds a master's degree in aquaculture from NMBU, this led to a job as an operations technician at Ode AS, a company that produces cod. He is affiliated with the department in Stadsbygd in Trøndelag, which produces cod fry for the rest of the company. In his job, he follows the fish from the start of their lives, from roe to finished fry. With the knowledge he gained from his aquaculture studies at NMBU, he has a professional confidence that he uses every day in his job.
"In short, my job is to create a good environment for the fish we produce".
This involves daily cleaning of tanks, feeding, monitoring water quality, weight checks, sorting, vaccination and delivery of fry. What he likes best about his job is following the cod from when it arrives as roe until it reaches 20 grams and is sent on.
" I really enjoy doing the bigger tasks such as sorting and vaccinating. There's a lot to keep track of. The oxygen in the tank, the settings on the sorting machine, the water level in the tank, the pump speed and so on. It's hectic, practical work, but also incredibly rewarding", says Even.
Even is from Stjørdal in Trøndelag, but moved with his family to Spain when he was seven years old. After completing a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, production and welfare at Nord University in Steinkjer, he went on to NMBU to study for a master's degree in animal science.
" I have always been interested in food production and animals, so this programme was a perfect fit for me", says Even.
But through the subject of aquaculture nutrition, which he took in his first semester, he developed an interest in aquaculture.
" I then changed my master's degree to aquaculture and have not regretted it since", says Even.
Fish nutrition, stress biology and animal welfare
He has several favourite subjects. One is fish nutrition. He found it fascinating to learn about feed composition and processing, and how this affects growth, performance and health.
The other is stress biology and animal welfare.
" It was incredibly exciting to delve into the processes that are triggered when you are under stress, and the difference between short-term stress and chronic stress. What I really liked about the subject is how relevant it is to livestock farming and aquaculture. The impact we have on animals, and learning about the signs and symptoms of stress".
The aquaculture industry is growing – Even wants to be part of it
Aquaculture is a growing industry and will continue to grow. Since wild-caught fish will not be able to meet the protein needs of the world's population, Even believes that aquaculture has a key role to play. It is also Norway's second largest export sector and a major contributor to keeping coastal and rural Norway alive.
" With a master's degree in aquaculture, you can do many different things. For my part, I wanted to work closely with fish and gain practical experience in the field".
Even envisages further career opportunities as an operations manager, production coordinator or similar. There are many opportunities for someone with an education in aquaculture, including in the service industry and the feed industry.
Small classes and good contact with lecturers
Even has many positive things to say about the student environment and being a student at NMBU.
" It is inclusive, diverse and lively. There is always something going on. What I really liked was that the classes were not too big, so you got to know your fellow students and had closer contact with the lecturers".
If you choose NMBU as your place of study, don't be afraid to explore the wide range of subjects that NMBU has to offer, is Even's advice.
"Get to know people, make contacts, offer yourself".