Emerging innovations for the shellfish industry

Oyster depuration

Innovation could help the shellfish industry adapt to restrictions posed since Brexit, writes Martin Sutcliffe Water quality is an important issue for the aquaculture sector and can be incredibly varied across UK coastlines due to contamination from sewerage. One sector that has been directly impacted by water quality is the shellfish industry, which has faced…

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Future proof

Mussels

The eighth international Shellfish Conference, held in the Netherlands, covered some key topics for the industry, as Nicki Holmyard reports Future-proofing shellfish culture in the Netherlands was the subject of the eighth international Shellfish Conference in January in Deltapark Neeltje Jans, a theme park and nature reserve on the Eastern Scheldt. Shellfish farmers from all…

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Ireland sets out new national aquaculture strategy

Ireland has launched a national strategy for the long-term development of its aquaculture industry. Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue recently unveiled his proposals which place an emphasis on sustainable aquaculture. The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development to 2030 (NSPSA) is the successor plan to  the five year scheme that was developed in 2015. It…

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Rocks ahead

Mussels

Is shellfish farming still viable in the UK? Nicki Holmyard reports on a paper that sets out to answer that question The past president of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB), Jeremy Simmonds, has seen the industry go through many highs and lows over the decades, but says he has never seen shellfish aquaculture…

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Pembrokeshire hosts aquaculture conference

The Welsh coastal county of Pembrokeshire is to stage its first aquaculture conference at the end of this month. The Pembrokeshire Aquaculture Conference will provide a forum in which to share knowledge, discuss innovation, and explore the latest trends in sustainable aquaculture practices. It will be hosted at the Bridge Innovation Centre, on Pembroke Dock,…

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Study reveals patterns in mussel population diversity

Pile of mussels on sea sand. Seafood mussel on marine coastline habitat.

Innovative new research by the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture could help improve mussel farming practices and lead to increased production. Blue mussel aquaculture is an important sustainable and eco-friendly way of producing a protein source, but the industry has been facing challenges resulting in production fluctuations. The University of Stirling study saw scientists…

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Steady as she goes

The Netherlands’ fish farming sector is steadily growing, reports Eugene Gerden The Netherlands’ fish farming sector has been steadily growing, thanks to continuing stable domestic demand for farmed fish and improving economics in the country. That was the message presented at a recent symposium as part of the 40th anniversary of the Dutch Society for…

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£14m for Scottish aquaculture and fishing sectors

Businesses in the salmon, shellfish and seaweed aquaculture sectors – as well as the fishing industry – are among the recipients of a further £14m of financial support from Marine Fund Scotland in its 2023/24 funding round, announced today. Marine Fund Scotland was set up by the Scottish Government following Brexit, to replace funding for…

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Aquaculture for a thriving future

Fishmongers’ Hall in London was the venue for an event focused on low-trophic aquaculture, as Nicki Holmyard reports The Fishmongers’ Company held a highly successful conference on 30 November, which looked at how the UK can grow nature positive and economically sustainable shellfish and seaweed. The event brought together policymakers, scientists, researchers, NGOs, farmers and…

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Double accolade for family oyster business

It was a double celebration for family-owned Caledonian Oysters at the Scottish Shellfish Awards this week, with the business retaining its title for Best Native Oysters and receiving a commendation in the Rock Oyster (Gigas) category. The awards, held as part of the annual Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers conference in Oban, saw prizes given…

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