BAP Staff Spotlight: Michail Bilek

Tell us a little about your background – where did you go to school? What was your major?

I became interested in marine life at a young age going to Mystic aquarium, I wanted to study marine biology in high school and then went to UNE for Ocean Studies and Marine Affairs. I’m now going back for my masters in Ocean and Food Systems.

Why are you passionate about this industry?

I love working in an industry that in the face of climate change, will be very important in how we feed people around the world. Aquaculture has been known for getting negative views and being able to show people that there is a safe and responsible way of doing it is very rewarding. I also like how this is such a global issue and we work with people from around the world.

Tell us about your role with BAP – what is your day-to-day like? What have you learned by working here?

I am a BAP Specialist, came in July of 2018. My day to day is communicating with producers in India, Europe, and Africa helping them get their BAP Certification. From sending invoices and helping them through their Application, to sending the actual certifications. We are one of the primary communicators with the producer. Since working here, I have learned so much more about aquaculture and I’m learning something new every day. I have learned the importance of working as a collective whole working towards a common goal (cliché) and I have learned how global issues around the world affect the work we do.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I love to be outdoors. During the warmer months, you can find me golfing with friends, going on hikes or going to the beach. When it gets colder, I’m still outside probably ice skating or skiing. I enjoy watching a lot of sports as well such as our local professional sport teams here in Boston (Sox, Pats, Celtics, Bruins).