On a sunny early summer day, we headed to Studsvik outside Nyköping to visit the construction site of BalticWater’s new laboratory. With the building nearly done, we not only got to see the latest progress, but also met the laboratory’s first operations technician, Nathalie Navarrete, who is already ready to support the exciting research activities that await.
Across the country, many people are beginning to wind down in preparation for the upcoming summer holidays, but at BalticWaters Fish Laboratory, activity is in full swing. The lab, which is expected to be ready for use this autumn, is preparing for its final inspection, and the tools are running hot as the last details are being finalised.
It is in the midst of the intensive final phase of the laboratory’s construction that Nathalie Navarrete steps in as operations technician – a key person who will ensure that everything runs smoothly from day one.
Five quick questions
Name: Nathalie Navarrete
Age: 30
Education: Professional degree in agronomy with a focus on animals from SLU, including a bachelor’s and master’s degree in animal science.
Favourite species in the Baltic Sea: During my studies, I encountered some sea trout up in Älvkarleby, and they are of course very beautiful.
The first thing I will do in my new role: To begin with, I will undergo some training and, together with the operations manager, develop procedures for the laboratory and assist with permit application processes.
Nathalie has a professional degree in agronomy with a focus on animal science. But what began with a desire to one day work with animals gradually developed into a specific interest in fish and a desire to contribute to viable aquatic environments.
‘During my studies, I took some really inspiring courses focusing on different aquatic organisms and ecosystems, and how they are affected by fishing and other human impacts. Since then, I have believed that we need to make a joint effort to better protect our waters – and I have strived to become part of that effort,’ says Nathalie.
Nathalie has previously worked with fish in laboratory environments, but it was her desire to contribute to something bigger that led her to apply to BalticWaters Fish Laboratory.
‘This job feels like the perfect next step for me. I have valuable prior knowledge to contribute in this area, but I also get to work with something that feels meaningful,’ she says.
In her role as operations technician, Nathalie will work closely with Mats Anderling, operations manager at the laboratory. Her task will be to help ensure that the entire facility functions as a stable and well-functioning platform for the research conducted at the laboratory. This involves varied work where technology, biology and precision go hand in hand.
Among other things, Nathalie will ensure that the laboratory’s water systems are working properly, adapt the systems to the researchers’ needs, and ensure that both the equipment and the environment are of a high standard.
‘I’m really looking forward to the laboratory being up and running and hosting various research projects. It will be fun to meet other people during the working day who are interested in similar issues and to take good care of the fish,’ says Nathalie.
We say goodbye to Nathalie and leave the construction site behind. On our way out, it strikes us that the next time we come here, it might no longer be a construction site we encounter – but a completed laboratory. A place where several important research projects will soon be underway, and where new opportunities to truly understand and protect the Baltic Sea’s valuable fish species are taking shape.
About the fish research laboratory
Goal: The laboratory is a place that enables new knowledge about cold-water fish species in the Baltic Sea, such as cod, herring, and turbot, which in turn promotes biodiversity in the Baltic Sea.
Location: Studsvik Tech Park outside Nyköping
Capacity: The building will contain laboratories that can house fish at different stages of life. There will be a total of 12 tanks for adult fish. There will be hatcheries for fish species that lay eggs on a surface (e.g., herring) and hatcheries for fish species that lay eggs in the open water (e.g., cod). In total, there will be over 70 tanks for holding eggs, larvae, and fry.
Water system: All water in the tanks and hatcheries circulates in RAS.
Commissioning: Autumn 2025
Read more about BalticWaters Fish Laboratory here.
