9 January, 2008

SHETLAND is to benefit from a new charitable organisation which aims to support education and research within the salmon industry.

The newly created Scottish Salmon Education and Research Foundation (SSERF) wants to invigorate the industry’s future by funding people to train and establish careers in salmon production.

The charity also hopes to help community projects within salmon farming heartlands, such the northern isles.

The charity hopes to distribute £250,000 this year, using match funding from other organisations, with more to come in later years.

David Sandison, of Shetland Aquaculture, said: “As Shetland is such a significant area for salmon farming my expectation is that it will give the opportunity for local groups to access the funding available for specific projects that can be carried out on the isles.

“I am anticipating that we will certainly be making lots of people aware of the existence of the foundation and encourage people to bid for certain funds.”

The charity also hopes to enhance environmental performance on salmon farms and to develop new production methods to keep Scottish salmon farming up with the latest responsible practices.

Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) chief executive Sid Patten said: “It’s a sign both of the growing maturity of our industry and the importance members place on the contribution their companies make to the rural economy which has led to their decision to create the foundation.”