May 25, 2004

 

 

Shellfish Aquaculture Plays Vital Role For UK Industry

 

Product quality and the ability to meet the needs of dynamic consumer markets is vital for the continuing success of the Scottish shellfish farming sector, according to John Rutherford, Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) chief executive.

 

Speaking at a presentation to the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers (ASSG) at the Aquaculture International 2004 show in Glasgow, Mr Rutherford highlighted the importance of shellfish to the UK market, which accounts for almost a quarter of all seafood purchased.

 

Shellfish is particularly important for the restaurant trade, he said, accounting for 42 per cent of shellfish purchased.

 

"It is for this reason that Seafish actively supports the shellfish aquaculture industry and maintains a development team to work closely with marine seafood farmers throughout the UK," he said.

 

Areas where Seafish is actively supporting the industry include product handling workshops, hygiene audits and the Quality Processor Award. The new Seafood Awards recently announced by Seafish are also likely to include an Aquaculture Award, Mr Rutherford revealed.

 

He also highlighted the importance of training and the transfer of skills, with Seafish having developed its 'Aquaculture Hyperbooks' for the industry, which provide economic models and cultivation techniques for seabed and rope mussels, oysters, scallops and clams, as well some marine finfish species.

 

In addition, Seafish is developing an interactive CD-ROM guide to commercial bivalve molluscs. The guide, which is essentially an electronic encyclopedia, is designed to illustrate complex issues simply and supports all sectors involved in handling or supplying bivalve molluscs.

 

Further support to the industry is provided by Seafish's Mollusc Purification Advisory Service, which provides a range of help such as specialist training and research.

 

"Seafish has committed £300,000 for marine shellfish and fish research and development projects over the next three years, with a further £50,000 allocated for other aquaculture support," said Mr Rutherford.

 

"This will encourage the development of competitive and sustainable aquaculture and help producers make informed decisions about their businesses."