Minister is shown how science is flexing its mussels in Shetland
Scotland’s agriculture, marine, and islands minister Jim Fairlie visited UHI Shetland in Scalloway yesterday to discuss sustainable aquaculture, shellfish innovation, and the future of Scotland’s seafood sector.
Fairlie, whose portfolio includes aquaculture, met staff involved in the Shell-volution programme supporting mussel farming, and in UHI Shetland’s Centre for Sustainable Seafood.
Shell-volution is a £4.4 million Islands Growth Deal project funded by the UK and Scottish governments. Led by UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands) in partnership with mussel farmers, the project is delivering research and practical innovation to improve the reliability of wild mussel spat recruitment, enhance farming practices and support future sustainability and productivity.
The Centre for Sustainable Seafood brings together researchers, industry partners and coastal communities to address opportunities and challenges across the seafood sector. Through research, skills development and knowledge exchange, the centre supports sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, working in partnership with the industry to address challenges and inform policy and management.
Fairlie said: “It was a pleasure to visit the Centre for Sustainable Seafood and hear about the valuable work carried out by UHI Shetland and its partners. Their expertise is helping the sector grow sustainably.”
The minister added: “Projects like Shell-volution show what’s possible when industry, academia and the public sector work together. By supporting innovation in mussel farming, the project can boost productivity, support jobs, and help grow Shetland and Scotland's blue economy.”
Dr Beth Mouat, dean of research and innovation at UHI, said: “Shell-volution and the Centre for Sustainable Seafood demonstrate how strong partnership working with industry through research, skills and innovation can support sustainable growth, strengthen the sector and create lasting benefits for coastal communities.”
