The Minister's first visit was to the Plymouth fish market, where he attended the early morning fish sales in the market's modern auction sales rooms. He spoke to local fishermen and industry representatives, to discuss the challenges faced by the fisheries sector in the South-west and about local plans to develop the industry.

Mr Shaw also visited Plymouth Marine Laboratories (PML), where he heard about the latest cutting edge climate change research being undertaken by PML's scientists.

Among the presentations were the effects of climate change and ocean acidification and research into microscopic algae as a future sustainable resource.

The Minister additionally visited the MCA's Salvage Control Unit operations room in Portland, where he met MCA staff who dealt with the operation to recover the container ship, MSC Napoli, which was run aground off the East Devon coast after getting into difficulties in the English Channel earlier this year.

Mr Shaw said: "I was able to meet some of the people involved in the successful operation to salvage the MSC Napoli. I have been impressed by the dedication and professionalism shown by the MCA in handling this difficult situation."

The Minister finally met with representatives from Wildlife and Countryside Link in Weymouth. The organisation brings together environmental voluntary organisations with an interest in conservation and enjoyment of the natural and historic environment.

Through Link, groups of people from different organisations get together to exchange information, develop and promote policies, and work to effect change.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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