NEWS RELEASE

 

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

 

NAFC LAUNCHES 2008 SEAS AROUND US PROJECT

 

Back by popular demand, the NAFC will launch its 2008 ‘Seas Around Us’ project next week (Tuesday 20 May) – opening its doors to visiting schools and the general public to find out more about marine life in Shetland waters.

 

From 20 May to 18 July, schools and groups are invited to book a visit to give pupils an introduction to the sea creatures that can be found locally, as well as a better understanding of career opportunities in marine related industries. 

 

There will also be three open days in July for the general public – which were particularly popular last year.

 

Kenny Gifford is part of the team responsible for organising the project.  Explaining why they are keen to attract schools, he said: “From an educational perspective, we would like to show children some of the rich diversity of marine life around Shetland.  We’re also inviting key people from the aquaculture industry to speak to students interested in finding out more about the aquaculture industry and about particular careers.

 

“The visit will include a tour of the tanks in our wet room area where children can examine a wide range of marine species.  Students can also get up close with marine life under the microscope in our teaching laboratory.

 

“We hope that children will go back to school inspired by what they’ve seen and heard and we’d be delighted to hear if a visit helps with a school project or sparks interest into further studies in marine science.”

 

Last year, the open days proved a fun experience for children and adults.  Three open days will be held again this July.  Kenny continued:  “There’s a big interest from the general public in marine life and these family days are very well attended.  This year we’ve tied in a couple of afternoons with the RSPB Shetland Nature Festival to help promote Shetland’s natural history.

 

“The Seas Around Us initiative was a pilot project last year that has been extended thanks to funding from Shetland Aquaculture Trust and we are very grateful for the opportunity to open our fantastic educational resource once again this year.”

 

Further information from:

 

Kenny Gifford, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772408, email or visit www.nafc.ac.uk

Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email