Ask most people to describe the kind of special materials you might want to test with a materials tester and how many would include shell in their answer? But, thanks to the work of two student using a Tinius Olsen machine to test shells, changes can be made to fisheries policy that will help to conserve important shellfish stocks and maintain them for future.

The story is based on the Isle of Man, a small self-governing island to the west of Britain, who’s main claims to fame are perhaps the Manx breed of cat (notable for not having a tail) and the Isle of Man motorcycle TT races.

The island’s Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry initiated a project with the University of Liverpool’s Marine Biology Department – based on the Island – to examine the effects of harvesting techniques on scallops. These are a type of shellfish found in the waters around the island and are harvested using a dredging method.

The recent economic stimulus package passed by the US congress and signed into effect by President Obama on February 17th has provisions for energy research, education and training, and infrastructure and science.

If you plan to apply for a grant for new materials testing equipment, don’t forget to contact us for updated quotes for your new equipment.