Gavin Morgan

8 February, 2007

RAPID changes in fish farming have forced Shetland's aquaculture industry to team up with the local fisheries college to keep up with the developments.

Trades association Shetland Aquaculture and the NAFC Marine Centre, in Scalloway, have joined forces to run specific courses to handle the constant changes in the industry.

The first such course, on tackling sea lice, was dubbed a success after four workshops attracted 50 participants this week.

Now there are plans to provide more of these practical workshops for the benefit of local finfish farmers.

NAFC aquaculture lecturer Kenny Gifford said: "The industry has changed dramatically and we want to bring to folks' attention what is available.

"We will be holding more courses on a variety of subjects in order to ensure that farmers' knowledge is continuously upgraded and updated."

Subjects suggested so far include learning about computerised feed systems and the importance of bio-security to keep a watch on hygiene and disease transmission.

Shetland Aquaculture general manager David Sandison added: "We want to re-establish a proper aquaculture focus at the marine centre. Nothing stands still with aquaculture, it is always changing. The training is something that happens all the time and knowledge is continuously getting upgraded."