Shell-volution

Shell-volution is a multi-phase initiative dedicated to driving innovation and growth in Scotland’s mussel farming sector.

Based in Shetland, the project brings together mussel farmers, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), public bodies, and industry partners to deliver practical solutions to real-world challenges.

With £4.4 million of support from the UK Government’s Islands Growth Deal, Shell-volution is funding targeted at research and development to strengthen the mussel industry’s future. This includes increasing spat supply, improving farming practices, deepening our understanding of the marine environment, and sharing knowledge across the sector.

Funded until 2032/33, Shell-volution provides a long-term platform for scientific exploration and applied innovation in mussel aquaculture — helping to build a resilient, sustainable, and competitive future for Scotland’s shellfish industry.

content

Growing Scotland’s Mussel Industry

Shell-volution is advancing new, sustainable ways to farm mussels in the marine environment by commissioning research from academics, consultants, individuals, and businesses. Through phased programmes of research and development, the project will help local businesses improve farming techniques and share in an anticipated increase in output to around 18,000 tonnes by 2037.

Consumer demand is expected to accommodate this steady growth, while Scotland’s mussel processors will benefit from the consistent, sustainable rise in farmed production.

The initiative aims to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and resilience of farm sites - securing long-term opportunities for Scotland’s mussel industry.

content

Islands Growth Deal

The Islands Growth Deal is a ten-year investment package jointly funded by £100m from the UK and Scottish Governments.

It has been developed by Shetland Islands Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Orkney Islands Council, together with public, academic, business, community and third sector partners.

Through investing in a suite of projects it aims to harness the islands’ unique assets to create world class, innovative and globally focussed industries that will help address the islands’ severe demographic challenges and strengthen the distinct and important contribution the islands make to the economic vitality and international reputation of Scotland and the United Kingdom.

Its goal is to drive economic growth and create sustainable jobs across Shetland, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides.

Shell-volution is part of the Islands Growth Deal Theme 2:

Supporting Growth and Future Industries.

This theme aims to foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and productivity across key island sectors—while making the most of the islands’ unique assets to build new, high-growth, sustainable industries for the future.

content

Project Governance

Project Board

Shell-volution is governed and guided by a Project Board made up of

Senior Responsible Officer

Dr Su Bryan is the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Health and the Environment, bringing over 30 years of experience in education and academic leadership across Scottish universities.

As SRO, Dr Bryan is chair of the Project Board and has overall responsibility for the Project.

content

Shell-volution Project Team

Gregg Arthur

Gregg Arthur has over 25 years of experience in aquaculture in Shetland, beginning his career as a college aquaculture lecturer before moving into hands-on knowledge exchange projects. His work has spanned diverse areas, including the hatchery rearing of cold-water marine finfish, salmon gill disease, sea lice management, and production of juvenile blue mussels. Most recently, he served part-time as the Knowledge Exchange Officer for the UHI Aquaculture Hub, where he played a key role in industry-focused research and collaboration, and exploring innovative methods for monitoring phytoplankton and forecasting harmful algal blooms, helping to advance sustainable aquaculture practices.

Michele Kerry

Michele Kerry holds a forestry degree and an MSc in International Agricultural Marketing. The substantive part of her career has been dedicated to forestry, farming and environmental programme management. After returning home to Shetland in 2017 she has worked with UHI in both the aquaculture and student support sectors.

content