Wrasse expert visits Shetland

Wrasse expert Johan Solgaard’s input should be of great benefit to the centre's wrasse-breeding project. The NAFC focuses on ballan wrasse, which eat sea lice and can therefore naturally clean salmon. It also eats organic matter of cages and efficiently cleans nets. NAFC aquaculture development officer Kenny Gifford told the newspaper Aberdeen Press and Journal that there were some ballan wrasse in the waters around Shetland, but not the quantities required for commercial use. "To avoid overfishing . . . we have initiated a breeding project. The programme is in its early stages, but once we've acquired enough ballan wrasse to take it forward we will be trying to breed from these at the marine hatchery. "Using wrasse requires specialist management techniques, which is the reason we invited Johan to visit. "We are delighted he has come to offer advice on catching and handling the fish, as well as help with details of breeding procedures," Gifford told the Press and Journal.