Dealing with fish is just a natural thing for me,” says Andre Marthinsen, Manager of Lees Bay.
The native Campbell Riverite pursued his welding ticket at North Island College following high school. “Welding is something I’ve been doing since I was eight years old, after my grandfather got me interested,” Andre says.
Although welding and fish might not appear connected, for Andre, they definitely are. He wanted to remain in town after completing his welding ticket but the only opportunities were away from family. Andre chose aquaculture and after working the processing line at Okisollo, he was ready to build a career.
He began with NorAm, at Young Pass, working at Chancellor Channel along the way and also learned the fresh water side of aquaculture at Humphrey Creek, where he became Assistant Manager. Although Andre has been manager at Lees Bay for only a year, he brought managerial experience learned at Althorpe and Shaw Point.
Andre’s welding skills have been put to good use in the industry too. “I designed and welded pen systems at Humphrey Creek. The manifolds for the heat exchangers are my work,” he says proudly.
Andre and his wife, who works in the banking industry, have two kids. Andre particularly enjoys dirt bike riding. He also likes fly fishing on the Campbell River and local lakes.
Andre would like to thank the following people who have been particularly supportive during his aquaculture career: Corey Brown, Jim Houlihan, Ken Maddison, Mike Gunn, Maureen Lawrie, Darren Ingersoll, Tim O’Hara and the Lees Bay staff as well as his Campbell River North Area colleagues.
By Gina Forsyth
