Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 02 October 2001 For Use: Immediately

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AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION TO APPOINT CO-ORDINATOR

The Western Isles Aquaculture Association is to appoint a Co-ordinator to represent the interests of the fish farming industry in the Western Isles.

The Chairman of the recently re-constituted Association, Donald Morrison of Marine Harvest (Scotland) said:

"Aquaculture provides over 700 jobs in the Western Isles but the industry faces a number of challenges if it is to sustain its position and develop to its full potential. There are many issues on which we need a co-ordinated input from the industry at local level and we believe the time is right to take on a Co-ordinator. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has offered substantial grant assistance for this initiative and I am confident that the Association, through its member companies, will contribute the balance of funding required. The post will be part-time and we plan to advertise very shortly."

The Association represents producers of salmon and shellfish species as well as other aquaculture related businesses.

Donnie Morrison (Marine Harvest Scotland)
Tel 01851 702621
DonnieMorrison@Marine-Harvest.co.uk

Or

Iain Macleod (Fisheries Development Officer, CnES)
Tel 01851 709495
iain-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer