19 April, 2007

SHETLAND'S NAFC Marine Centre is trying to boost young people's interest in their marine environment with a new display of what can be found in and around the sea and the shore.

A pilot project involving children from Scalloway and Whiteness primary schools is being set up this summer, with the hope of extending it to the rest of the isles next year.

The Scalloway-based centre has created facilities to display all sorts of flora and fauna found in and around Shetland's coastal waters.

Aquaculture instructor Kenny Gifford said the centre wanted to create a memorable, entertaining and educational experience for the children.

"As well as providing the marine displays, NAFC is planning to produce an activity pack to help pupils and teachers to identify and understand what they see in the display area, and how this relates to Shetland's use of the marine environment," Mr Gifford said.

"The experience will continue with a visit to the excellent teaching laboratory in the John Goodlad Centre."

The first 'live' displays will be in place during early May with the scheme running until July. If the pilot proves successful the centre will seek funding to expand it next year.