As we approach the end of 2009 it is normal to reflect on our personal, family and work successes, whilst quietly remembering the sad events any year inevitably brings us all.

So overall what are we to make of this Chinese year of the Ox, the animal with the motto “I persevere”?

Those of us fortunate enough to work in the Scottish salmon industry since the pioneering days will surely look back on 2009 as one of considerable accomplishment following our perseverance through some troubled times.

Certainly all Freedom Food members have benefited greatly from that most welcome of combinations – excellent prices from satisfied customers together with improved biological performance.

On a personal note I will most remember 2009 as the year we responded to the impressive CEO of Marine Harvest Group, Ase Michelet, and her statement published in their 2008 Annual Report requiring that reduced sensitivity to antiparasitic treatments is an issue which has to be solved.

Working with Freedom Food member, Sølvtrans AS, and alongside my Norwegian colleagues in the Aquatic Group we continue to refine an improved concept for lice treatment in wellboats in conjunction with Marine Harvest in Norway.

My role was to develop the basic welfare parameters and I tried to follow Freedom Food principles throughout, including the requirement to assist others with rotational treatment strategies whilst also minimising the risk of pathogen transfer.

We are looking forward to the formal RSPCA assessment of our Concept when we bring the technology to Scotland at the request of our clients early in 2010.

It is therefore with considerable anticipation that I am looking ahead to the forthcoming year of the Tiger although I suspect we may have caught a tiger by the tail with this one.

Ian Armstrong, Nevis Marine