30 May 2008

A GROUP of twelve academic and technical staff from Newcastle University were on the way home tonight after a three day visit to the NAFC Marine Centre, in Scalloway.

The School of Marine Science and Technology at the university wanted to explore the opportunities for working with the marine industries in the isles.

Head of the School of Marine Science and Technology, professor Richard Birmingham, said: “Our prime focus has been aquaculture in Shetland and we came to get a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing the industry here.

“We believe we have a wide range of relevant expertise that could be usefully and profitably applied to aquaculture anywhere.”

On the first day the delegation toured the facilities at the NAFC, followed by field trips to a number of companies throughout the isles such as Blueshell Mussels, Grading Systems, Scottish Seafarms’ processing plant in Scalloway and one of Hjaltland Seafarm’s salmon farms.

He added: “The trip has been extremely useful and a really valuable experience. We are very impressed with the facilities and calibre of staff at the NAFC Marine Centre, as well as the innovative and forward looking attitude of the Shetland industry. I very much look forward to ongoing collaboration.”

Director of the NAFC Marine Centre, Tony Hawkins, added: “This visit has been of enormous benefit to both parties. We have already agreed on new joint activities to take forward that will benefit both the NAFC Marine Centre and Newcastle University.”