Primary school pupils are being given the chance to learn more about local seafood and nutrition.
Welsh food specialist Nerys Howell is offering free lessons on fish, shellfish and the importance of eating seafood as part of healthy, balanced diet.
The Fish is the Dish project is being led by the Swansea Bay Fisheries Local Action Group which is managed by Swansea Council. It has been funded by the European Fisheries Fund through the Welsh Government.
All interactive lessons – giving children across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Burry Port and Bridgend the chance to taste local seafood species – are being carried out in line with latest Welsh Government coronavirus guidelines.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “I encourage schools to work with the local action group and their food specialist Nerys to make the most out of this opportunity.
“Pupils will learn about a wide variety of topics – not just cooking. They will learn all about how the fish are caught, how they get to their plate and how they can help with nutrition.
“Schools are encouraged to work in partnership with local seafood businesses such as fishermen, wholesalers and fishmongers to supply produce and help with delivering lessons.”
The lessons have been developed specifically to support teachers deliver healthy eating lessons based around seafood.
They are aimed at those aged nine-11, support cooking and tasting activities and look at different species of fish common to Wales.
Key activities include making simple fish dishes and tasting different fish.
A similar project six years ago saw children and teachers enjoy fun, interactive, educational and tasty seafood sessions.
A Fish is the Dish education pack will be available in English and Welsh. It focuses on seafood species commonly landed or harvested in Wales – sea bass, crab, plaice, prawns, mussels and mackerel. This, along with special online resources, will help teachers deliver fun and engaging lessons.
The Swansea Bay Fisheries Local Action Group (SBFLAG) runs a community-led programme promoting and supporting co-operation and partnership working. It helps deliver successful, sustainable, economically viable local fishing and associated industries, aware of the sector’s heritage and equipped to meet current and future challenges.
Partners include the Welsh Fishermen’s Association/South and West Wales Fishing Communities Ltd, Seafish Wales and the Swansea Port Health Services.
Private sector representation includes Tourism Swansea Bay, commercial fishermen, the Mumbles Development Trust, the Swansea Environment Forum, Salacia Marine and Fowey Shellfish.
Public sector representation includes Swansea Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Bridgend Council, Carmarthenshire Council, Swansea Marina Management and Natural Resources Wales.
Nerys Howell runs the South Wales-based Howel Food Consultancy.
The SBFLAG project has received funding through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, which is funded by the European Union and the Welsh Government.
If you would like more information or book your school in for a lesson, please email Nerys Howell – [email protected].
