Operator stores tonnes for caviar producer (8)
I believe the answer is:
sturgeon
'caviar producer' is the definition.
'sturgeon' can be an answer for 'producer' (I have seen 'producer of caviar' mean 'sturgeon' so perhaps 'producer' could also mean 'sturgeon'). I am unsure of the 'caviar' bit.
'operator stores tonnes' is the wordplay.
'operator' becomes 'surgeon' (I've seen this before).
'stores' indicates putting letters inside.
'tonnes' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'surgeon' going around 't' is 'STURGEON'.
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sturgeon that I've seen before include "Caviar supplier" , "Source of caviar" , "Fish providing isinglass" , "producer of caviar" , "Fish that yields caviare" .)