John Goodlad

Born into a fishing family, John was raised in the fishing village of Hamnavoe in the Shetland Islands. When at university, he spent every summer holiday as a crew member on board local boats. Beginning his career working for the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, he was responsible for several important fisheries management initiatives.

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He then became a fish farmer—owning and managing his own business, farming organic salmon and halibut. After selling this company, John worked for some years as a senior fisheries advisor to Prince Charles' International Sustainability Unit. In this role, he was called on to provide advice and leadership on a variety of global fisheries and aquaculture initiatives.

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John is currently employed as an expert advisor for two seafood investment funds.

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John’s first book, The Cod Hunters, was published by the Shetland Heritage Publications in 2018. His second book, The Salt Roads: How Fish Made a Culture, was published by Birlinn in 2022. His latest book, Food from the Sea: The Future of Seafood, will be published in 2025.