2 February, 2007

SHETLAND'S NAFC Marine Centre's annual report for 2005/2006 is now available outlining the centres main activities over the last year.

The report highlights the great diversity of activities carried out at the centre in support of the Shetland fisheries industries.

Notable achievements include the purchase of a new fishing vessel, the publication of the annual Shetland Shellfish Stock Survey and securing accreditation for the SSQC microbiology laboratory.

More than 790 students were enrolled on over 130 courses. Student retention and success rates were excellent with 99 per cent of students completing their course and 98 per cent passing.

NAFC director Peter Dryburgh said: "The way I see our future is to continue to be a vocational training centre for fisheries, aquaculture, navigation and engineering and to strongly develop in the field of marine policy specialising in inshore water.

"We also plan to develop our aquaculture trials unit as a centre for local companies to refine research development for local conditions and to continue to provide and hopefully expand our high class commercial services for the Seafood Industry."

Copies of the annual report are available for download on the NAFC marine centre web page at www.nafc.ac.uk or can be collected from the NAFC main reception desk.