Fish health and welfare
Investing in fish care The academic sector is playing a crucial role in helping producers to address health and welfare issues
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t the forefront of improving fish health and welfare are the researchers working to improve the aquaculture sector’s knowledge. So far this year we have already seen a number of developments taking this forward. First, the renowned Ins�tute of Aquaculture (IoA) at the University of S�rling last month announced an investment programme to expand and improve its facili�es. Plans for a new £17m world-class research and innova�on facility have moved a step closer, a�er the ambi�ous plans were approved by S�rling Council. The Na�onal Aquaculture Technology and Innova�on Hub (NATIH), which builds on the IoA’s exis�ng capability, will bring together experimental aqua�c facili�es, including a new tropical aquarium, with state-of-the-art laboratories, and space dedicated to business incuba�on and accelera�on. The project is part of the S�rling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £90.2m investment from the UK Government and Sco�sh Government in innova�on and infrastructure intended to drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, S�rling Council, and the University of S�rling, will invest up to £123.8m, resul�ng in a project worth more than £214m, to be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed in 2024. The aim is to posi�on the University of S�rling’s exper�se at the forefront of aquaculture’s global expansion, delivering and increasing the
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economic, social and environmental benefits for the industry, and informing modern commercial aquaculture markets. The impact of this pioneering work will be felt both in Scotland, the IoA said, where the sector has plans to double its output by 2030, and interna�onally, where the aquaculture sector has a prominent footprint in Africa, Asia and South America. Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Ins�tute for Aquaculture, said: “This is an important milestone in the development of the Na�onal Aquaculture Technology and Innova�on Hub. There is an enormous role for aquaculture to play in ensurTop: The Na�onal ing that the world has a secure and sustainable Aquaculture Technology supply of food. and Innova�on Hub “The Hub will develop and reinforce a strong (NATIH) working rela�onship between the UniversiAbove: Professor Simon ty’s researchers and the global aquaculture MacKenzie industry, ensuring that the ideas, interven�ons and solu�ons developed will have a meaningful impact where they are needed most, and deliver jobs, growth and prosperity.”
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11/04/2022 14:44:14
