The workshops formed part of a seafood education project delivered by the Cardigan Bay Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), with support from the Seafood Training Network Wales. The project has been running throughout the Spring and Summer term and has been part-funded by the European Fisheries Fund through the Welsh Government.
Cira Hague, a food technology teacher at Penglais, said “All pupils who have been involved in the FLAG project have enjoyed cooking with the different varieties of fish. I have been surprised and delighted at their acceptance and willingness to try new recipes, like 'mackerel ponzu', kedgeree, prawn and chilli pasta and mussel linguine.”
The Seafood Training Network Wales is a Seafish-supported partnership between local businesses, training providers and colleges, and aims to increase the awareness and provision of seafood skills training in Wales. The Network is actively looking at education opportunities in Wales, and encourages businesses to foster relationships with schoolsThe Network encourages local seafood businesses to work with schools to help supply seafood and pass their specialist knowledge onto the next generation.
Alison Kinsey, Project Co-ordinator at the Cardigan Bay FLAG, said “EFF Funding through the Cardigan Bay Fisheries Local Action Group, and the support of the Seafood Training Network has enabled me to work with the enthusiastic staff and pupils of Penglais School. It has been a fabulous and rewarding experience all round, and throughout the last two terms we have raised awareness of the fish and shellfish available in the sea locally, discussed sustainability and cooked and tasted a lot of species too!”
Dr Holly Whiteley, Seafish Wales Regional Manager said “This has been a fantastic, collaborative project between the FLAG, local businesses and Penglais School, and is an example of the type of activity the Seafood Training Network is looking to support elsewhere in Wales. It was great to see the enthusiasm with which students learnt to prepare and cook local fish, many of whom had never worked with seafood before.”
Alison Kinsey added “My favourite comment about the Penglais Seafood Masterchef competition was “It’s been awesome Miss!”. There isn’t anything else to add is there?”
For more information about the Seafood Training Network Wales please visit www.seafoodacademy.org.
