The council has approved work to develop proposals for tunnels connecting Shetland Mainland with Yell and Unst, with further fixed links to Whalsay and Bressay also under consideration.
Salmon farming is one of Shetland's largest private sector employers, contributing £91 million a year to the local economy and supporting around 1,000 jobs across the islands, including 390 directly on farms and processing sites.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:
“We strongly support the development of tunnels serving Unst and Yell.
“These would hugely benefit salmon farming and our supply chain businesses.
“As the major private sector employer in many of these island communities, we know just how important better connections would be.
“Reliable transport links matter every day for staff, suppliers, equipment and getting premium Scottish salmon to market.
“Stronger connections would support jobs, investment and future growth across Shetland. The tunnels can't come soon enough.”
Shetland Islands Council backed plans to progress proposals for a network of undersea tunnels linking the islands.
