Scottish Seafood On The School Menu

Second year pupils at Inverkeithing High School are learning about the importance of the seafood industry to Scotland, how fish and shellfish species are caught and processed, about the route taken from sea to plate. The importance of eating fish and the role of Omega Three to maintain healthy development will also form part of the discussion.

Fisheries Secretary, Richard Lochhead said: "Our seas have an abundance of rich fish stocks that provide us with a nutritious and quality food supply. We want to encourage our young people to enjoy Scotland's famous seafoods and introduce them to one of our more traditional industries. Indeed, we are proud of our fishing industry which is worth £1 billion to the Scottish economy each year.

"As part of the successful Eat More Fish campaign, which encourages awareness and consumption of Scottish seafood, this project will reach nearly 1,000 pupils. Through discussions and tasting sessions, pupils will learn the importance of a sustainable fishing sector to our economy and our health.

"I hope that this will open pupils' eyes to the variety of careers and jobs available in the industry and through the project they will be advised on the most appropriate subject choices required to pursue them."

Nicki Holmyard from Seafood Scotland, who is running the project, said: "We are taking a complete seafood industry experience into schools in this pilot project, and receiving excellent feedback from pupils and teachers. Using interactive techniques, discussion forums, taste panels and lots of visuals, we are opening young eyes to an exciting and vibrant industry, and I am pleased that a number of pupils are already considering related careers.

"Of equal importance is the opportunity we are giving some of them to taste seafood for the first time and understand its importance in the diet. We send them home with a goodie bag full of information and recipes, and hope they will spread the 'Eat More Fish' message on to family and friends."