Who We Are
We are a dynamic community of young professionals passionate about aquaculture. Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders in the seafood sector. The heart of YAS lies in its ‘Big Fish’ advisory board. These visionary individuals, drawn from our membership, go beyond traditional roles. The YAS ship is steered by the Executive Committee (EC), which takes on responsibilities for collaboration, communication and administration of the society.
The 2025 Crew
Andrew Richardson
Founder & President
I'm currently working as Technical and Standards Manager at Salmon Scotland, a diverse role that gives me a fairly unique view of the Scottish sector. It's a great community that I feel YAS can really create value for.
Michael Exton
Vice President
I’m currently working as an Account Technical Manager, supporting producers by utilising advanced diagnostics, biodevices and vaccines to enhance sustainability of the industry. My passion is to improve fish welfare and production efficiency through collaboration and innovation.
Merryn Kerrigan
Communications Officer
I am the Brand & Design Manager at Salmon Scotland, driving the development of its brand and visual identity to promote the Scottish salmon farming sector.
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With a degree in Communication Design from the Glasgow School of Art, specialising in Graphic Design, I am passionate about using my skills to support the wider aquaculture industry with YAS and build on the strong foundations already in place.
Will Barr
Treasurer
I am final year PhD researcher at the University of Glasgow. I study bacterial communities living on, and in the gills of farmed Atlantic Salmon in Scotland. We are working in this area to improve our understanding of gill disease.
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I am particularly passionate about improving and growing aquaculture in the UK through innovation.
Jessica Taylor-McKaig
Secretary
I have a dual role with Scottish Sea Farms, one of Scotland’s salmon producers: working in the Communications Team as well as managing our community benefit fund. Engaging people with aquaculture – whether that’s our local communities or the next generation in the sector – is a significant motivator for me.
Charlotte Barr
NGSA Representative
I am the Broodstock Manager at Bakkafrost Scotland and am responsible for the development of our Native Hebridean strain.
After a chance encounter whilst studying agriculture, academia cultivated my love for salmonid aquaculture. I’m passionate about promoting aquaculture as a conscious career choice and helping young professionals to extend their networks.
Alison Brough
Engagement Officer
I am a part of the in-house fish veterinary team at Scottish Sea Farms and I serve as the current secretary of the Fish Veterinary Society. My passion for advancing fish health and my commitment to the aquaculture community are truly commendable.
William Meredith-Davies
Admissions Officer
Currently, I serve as an Aquaculture Project Officer at Southern IFCA. I am keen on cultivating my expertise in low trophic aquaculture and contributing to the sustainable expansion of bivalve aquaculture in the UK.
