The UK parliamentary under-secretary of state (marine, landscape and rural affairs), Jonathan Shaw MP, visited the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway yesterday as part of a whistle-stop tour of Shetland.

The minister arrived at the centre's marine hatchery where, accompanied by Alistair Carmichael MP, he learned about planned research on wrasse breeding and the recently completed 'Seas Around Us' project, which gave local school children an appreciation of life in the seas around Shetland, as well as an insight into career opportunities in marine science.

The Trustees of the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway, Shetland have appointed Professor David Gray as the new Director of the Centre.

Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd. has appointed internet marketing company, Occupancy Marketing, to develop the company website, with a view to increase online visibility, attract new customers and generate greater sales from the online shop.

Marine Harvest issued its second quarter report yesterday, showing a drop in operational earnings of 64% from quarter 2 in 2007.

THE Environment Agency has launched a new strategy to bring more salmon and sea trout into Britain's rivers. The Agency believes this is now possible because of huge improvements in water quality in recent years.

Movements of fish in and out of the Royal Horticultural Society

Garden Ponds at Hyde Hall, Essex have been restricted, following the

confirmation of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease.

A fresh start for Scotland's aquaculture industry has today been

mapped out by Minister for Environment Michael Russell.

Shellfish farmers have called on the Scottish Government to help them

release the huge potential of their industry, which could generate

over £150m a year for the economically fragile areas of the Highlands

and Islands. The Scottish Government has launched a public

consultation on the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture,

which will guide the development of fish and shellfish farming.

Shellfish farmers claim that their industry could be expanded

massively with no adverse effects on the environment, but they lack

the financial muscle to install the infrastructure to make that

possible.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain – The most ambitious Mediterranean bluefin tuna tagging project yet will today start seeking answers to some key mysteries on the migratory behaviour of this most valuable but also most imperilled 'prince of the sea'.

MORE than 450 exhibitors from around 20 countries will be participating in one of Europe's key fishing exhibitions which opens in the Norwegian city of Trondheim today.

The NAFC Marine Centre, in partnership with the Shetland Amenity Trust, is offering a new three-year research studentship, for a project on the history of Shetland's fishing industry.