Pioneering Development for Shellfish
A major project to take shellfish production to a new level is about to kick off in Scalloway. A partnership between industry and science will see pioneering research carried out at the NAFC Marine Centre UHI.
The NAFC Marine Centre UHI in partnership with the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG) are about to embark on a Shellfish Hatchery stepping-stone project funded by the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Government. This research may lead to the first commercial shellfish hatchery in Scotland.
Over two thirds of rope-grown mussels produced in the UK come from Shetland and production is reliant on the natural availability of mussel spat (baby mussels). The establishment of a commercial hatchery to produce spat would help to provide stability in supply.
The hatchery work is to be backed up by a programme of research and development projects which in addition to the NAFC Marine Centre UHI, includes partners from the MASTS (Marine Alliance for Science and Technology) academic community with researchers at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS; also a member of the University of the Highlands and Islands) and Marine Science Scotland, as well as a Scottish research-focused SME, Xelect.
Gregg Arthur, Aquaculture & Hatchery Manager at NAFC, said: “The funding from HIE and SAIC will undoubtedly let us take a leap forward in our skills and know-how in producing mussel spat. This innovative hatchery project will also augment our facilities and let us build on our working partnerships with SSMG and international knowledge partners.
“We are also looking forward to working with partners elsewhere in UHI and the other Scottish research institutes through the SAIC-funded research projects. Operating in parallel, these research projects are going to give valuable feedback, guidance and solutions to the pilot-scale mussel hatchery.
“Although we're a small group, our Aquaculture Section continues to be ambitious and proud to work alongside the shellfish and finish aquaculture industries; continuing our work towards our vision for a cleaner, greener and wealthier aquaculture industry."
Dr Beth Mouat, Head of Marine Science & Technology at NAFC, said: “This is an excellent example of how the expertise and facilities here at NAFC can be used to support local industry and provide community benefits. Through close working with our industry partners and the wider academic community we can help to address some of the most pressing issues affecting the seafood sector, which is such a vital part of Shetlands economy.”