25 July, 2007

A SHETLAND company is the first fish farming business to join a national scheme to monitor marine wildlife.

NO CATCH, of Vidlin, is helping the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) to launch its Marine Recording Scheme which allows fish farmers to record wildlife sightings on line at www.mcsuk.org/mcsaction/wildlife_report or submit them by fax, post or email.

MCS say they will use the data to determine species numbers and distribution to aid conservation programmes, particularly for turtles, jellyfish and basking sharks.

NO CATCH claim to be a pioneer of wildlife-friendly farming methods, including high tension, double netted sea pens and bright yellow top nets to ensure sea birds and seals are unhurt if they attempt to attack the fish. Sea beds are also regularly monitored to ensure their health, the company said.

Managing director Karol Rzepkowski said: "It's imperative the aquaculture industry takes an active role in protecting wildlife by implementing environmentally-friendly production methods and engaging with environmentally responsible schemes.

"We're delighted to be working with the MCS on this fantastic project, which also furthers NO CATCH's current efforts to conserve species numbers and minimise the impact to the environment."