During the visit, the minister met staff involved in two key initiatives: Shell-volution, an ambitious program supporting growth and resilience in Scotland’s mussel farming sector, and UHI Shetland’s Centre for Sustainable Seafood.
Shell-volution is a $4.4 million Islands Growth Deal project funded by the UK Government and Scottish Government to transform Scotland’s mussel farming sector. Led by UHI in partnership with the mussel industry, the project is delivering research and practical innovation to improve the reliability of wild mussel spat recruitment, enhance farming practices and support the future sustainability and productivity of the sector.
The minister was also introduced to UHI Shetland’s Centre for Sustainable Seafood, which brings together researchers, industry partners and coastal communities to address opportunities and challenges across the seafood sector. Through research, skills development and knowledge exchange, the center supports sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, working in partnership with the industry to address challenges and inform policy and management.
Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, said: “Scotland’s seafood sector matters to our rural, coastal and island communities, and innovation will help it thrive for years to come. It was a pleasure to visit the Centre for Sustainable Seafood and hear about the valuable work carried out by UHI Shetland and its partners. Their expertise is helping the sector grow sustainably.
“Projects like Shell-volution show what’s possible when industry, academia and the public sector work together. By supporting innovation in mussel farming, the project can boost productivity, support jobs, and help grow Shetland and Scotland’s blue economy.”
Together, Shell-volution and the Centre for Sustainable Seafood demonstrate UHI Shetland’s strong links with industry and its contribution to rural and island economies. Discussions explored the importance of sustainable food production, innovation in shellfish farming and the skills and evidence needed to support a resilient and thriving seafood sector.
Dr. Beth Mouat, Dean of Research and Innovation at UHI, said: “We were delighted to welcome the minister to UHI Shetland and share the work being delivered here in partnership with industry and communities.
“Shetland has a vital role to play in the future of sustainable seafood. Shell-volution and the Centre for Sustainable Seafood demonstrate how strong partnership working with industry through research, skills and innovation can support sustainable growth, strengthen the sector and create lasting benefits for coastal communities.”
The visit also underlined UHI Shetland’s contribution to Scotland’s blue economy, with its Scalloway campus providing a strong base for marine science, aquaculture training and industry-focused research.
