A WINCHESTER college is opening a new fishery this week.

On Thursday (Jan 31) Sparsholt College will unveil its £500,000 Salmonid Rearing and Trials Centre, funded by the European Fisheries Fund as part of a £38m five-year project to make the UK fishery industry more sustainable.

The centre will be used for education and research but will also give fishery students a chance to develop their commercial and entrepreneurial skills.

Caroline James, learning manager for fishery studies, said: “The fishery management educational offer at Sparsholt College is unrivalled anywhere in the UK. Our facilities are completely unique and the provision covers the whole range of academic abilities from 14-16 delivery to Higher Education degree programmes.

“Whether students are looking to study sport fisheries, ornamental fish or aquaculture we have the both the courses and first class resources.”

Winchester MP Steve Brine will do the opening honours alongside Robert Hughes of Skretting, the UK and Ireland’s largest aquaculture feed producer.

The college will also host the national launch of the new Fish Husbandry Apprenticeship course.