30 July 2008

SHETLAND’S NAFC marine centre has had nearly 1,100 people visit its Sea Around Us educational project this summer.

The project was set up to allow school children to appreciate life in the seas around the isles as well as offer an insight into career opportunities in marine science.

There have been three well attended open days this year and the last one attracted more than 200 people.

NAFC aquaculture development manager Kenny Gifford says a lot of people who visited that day were Shetlanders back home on holiday.

“They really appreciated the opportunity for their children to see some of the sea creatures they themselves were familiar with whilst growing up in Shetland.

“Many said the project was better than some of the marine life facilities they had visited on the mainland, particularly the touchy feely tank.

“We have a fantastic educational resource here and it’s a fun experience for both children and adults. We are grateful to Shetland Aquaculture Trust for the funding that allowed us to extend last year’s pilot project into 2008,” Mr Gifford said.