30 June 2008
Shetland's shellfish industry is moving from strength to strength, with North Atlantic Shellfish Ltd scooping the Business Development Award at the distinguished Crown Estate Scottish Marine Aquaculture Awards 2008, held at The Hub in Edinburgh last week.
This is the first year that shellfish companies have been included in the awards, which celebrate the top performers in Scottish aquaculture and rewards innovation and best practice.
For the Business Development Award the judges were looking for companies to demonstrate methods and initiatives that have made a significant positive contribution to the economic sustainability of the business.
Commenting on the company's win, managing director, Michael Tait said:
“We were honoured to receive such a notable award. The Business Development Award is significant to us as it recognises our efforts to improve efficiencies, minimise wastage and increase output.
“In the last 12 months we have implemented various technologies from around the world and as a result have been able to expand our production and reduce costs. It has also freed up crucial time to focus on the improved husbandry of our mussels.”
Family run
North Atlantic Shellfish Ltd, currently operates 15 mussel farms on the westside
of Shetland. Brothers Michael and Richard Tait began farming mussels in 1997
with their father, Lollie Tait, and employ 17 people in the farming, harvesting
and processing operations. This year they aim to harvest around 700 tonnes of
mussels.
Further information from:
Richard Tait, North Atlantic Shellfish Ltd Managing Director
Tel: 0131 3432657
Email: nas@zetnet.co.uk