04 October 2006
Seafood Shetland played host last week to Newfoundland mussel farmers Gary Pike and Craig Hutchings of Ocean Choice International. The pair visited Shetland as part of a wider fact finding mission to Scotland and Northern Ireland. The trip included visits to Demlane and North Atlantic Shellfish in Walls, Blue Shell Mussels based in Brae and Hunter Shellfish at Dales Voe.
Paying tribute to Seafood Shetland and its shellfish growers, Gary Pike said: "The support we have received in Shetland has been fantastic. Thanks to Ruth at Seafood Shetland, we have obtained a good insight into Shetland's mussel farming industry.
"We were particularly pleased to have the opportunity to find out more about the ladder growing system deployed by Hunter Shellfish."
Reflecting on the contrasts between the mussel growing industry in Shetland and Newfoundland, Craig Hutchings commented: "Here in Shetland, they have more infrastructure focused on harvesting than what we have at home. Mussel farming is one of largest aquaculture businesses in Newfoundland producing 3,100 metric tonnes last year.
"Our product is processed and frozen because of the distance to our markets in the United States.
"While we adopt the same quality standards that are adopted here in Shetland, the one fundamental difference in the industry is the level of research and development that has been carried out by our government to determine the optimum time to collect seed for spat.
"Our government's support has led to every mussel grower having the ability to microscopically monitor spat settlement so that collection can be made at the optimum time. Mussel farmers choose a sheltered site for spat collection which is then transferred to another site for onward growing of the mussels."
Chief executive of Seafood Shetland, Ruth Henderson, said: "We were very pleased to introduce Craig and Gary to the Shetland mussel growing industry and, at the same time, learn more about how the industry is developing across the Atlantic.
"It was particularly interesting to hear about Canada's progress in research and development. This is an important area that continues to be high on the shellfish growers' agenda which will need support if we are to continue to develop the industry here in Shetland."
Further information from:
Ruth Henderson, Seafood Shetland, tel 01595 693644, email sfpa@fishuk.net or visit www.fishuk.net
Or, Isabel Johnson, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email isabel.johnson@shaw-online.com
Notes to editor:
Ocean Choice is a major operator in the Newfoundland fishing industry. The company processes Snow Crab, Lobster, Northern Shrimp, Pelagics, Cod, Redfish, Turbot and Mussels. See www.oceanchoice.com