Shellfish
BY NICKI HOLMYARD
New horizons Initiatives to boost the Blue Economy could help to grow the shellfish and seaweed sectors in Scotland
T
WO major developments in the Sco�sh shellfish world are the subject of my column this month. The first is an ambi�ous 10-year research and development programme known as ShellVolu�on, which will involve investment of £4.4m. The second is a review of a study by Crown Estate Scotland into the poten�al to grow seaweed and mussels further offshore. In March 2021, Heads of Terms were signed by the UK and Sco�sh Governments, for a 10-year, £100m package of investment to drive economic growth in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. Shetland is set to receive £33m from this “Islands Growth Deal” to finance a por�olio of projects, including ShellVolu�on. A funding applica�on for this project is now underway, as part of a methodical and somewhat lengthy process to unlock the Deal. The first two steps are to develop outline and full business cases. ShellVolu�on is one of four projects that have reached the outline
business proposal stage. The full business case is not likely to be ready for submission for government approval un�l later this year, and project funding is expected to start being released in early 2023. “The ShellVolu�on board is unable to update any informa�on un�l the submission has been made,” Michael Tait, MD of Shetland Mussels and chairman of the Sco�sh Shellfish Marke�ng Group, told Fish Farmer. What do we know about ShellVolu�on? It has been developed in conjunc�on with the University of the Highlands and Islands, and will seek answers to technical ques�ons
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There is also great interest in the emerging seaweed farming sector
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Above: Michael Tait Left: Loaded with bags of mussels, Shetland Mussels Ltd boat Yasp arriving at Aith harbour Opposite from top: Mussel ropes, Unst, Shetland; Sugar kelp (Saccharinia latissima); Sliced laminaria; Wakama seaweed (Alaria)
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11/04/2022 15:33:31
