Research

As a UCS student you will be encouraged to undertake innovative and exciting research in our unique facilities as part of your course. Recent examples include:

• Testing different feed rates for maximum growth in carp

• Trialling a novel method of controlling the fish louse (Argulus) in a fishery

• Testing the effect of magnetic water on fish growth and pigmentation

• Assessing shell production in marine prawns

• Testing novel feed ingredients (fly larvae in carp diets)

• Assessing levels of plastic pollution in the sediments of the river Kennet

• Use of novel sustainable replacements for fish meal in fish diets

• Testing novel water treatment methods in aquaria

• Assessing the relative pollution effect of different baits in a fishery

Facilities

• 650m² purpose-built fish house

• Holds stocks of carp, catfish, tilapia and an extensive range of ornamental species

• Captive breeding programmes for endangered fish species working with international partners

• Indoor koi pool

• Research areas with replica tanks for student projects

• Marine habitats that replicate a range of global ecosystems

AQUATIC RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION CENTRE which houses a range of exotic and warmwater aquatic species and is the only one of its kind in the UK.

Salmonid Rearing And Trials Centre

Purpose-built to train fish farmers of the future and undertake important aquaculture research. Research and development facility used by global leaders in fish food manufacture.

Produces brown trout for restocking local rivers and rainbow trout for the table. Includes a salmonid hatchery and ongrowing unit, lab and fish processing area and a trials unit with 72 tanks.

HEAD TO SPARSHOLT.AC.UK/ UNIVERSITY-CENTRE

Explore our 183 hectare countryside campus from the comfort of your own home through images, videos and interactive tours. Navigate through our virtual campus tour by scanning across the campus, zooming in to and clicking on different areas, and exploring the wide variety of specialist buildings, equipment, and much more that Sparsholt has to offer!

An exclusive mixed coarse fishery, stocked with carp, roach, rudd, bream, crucian carp, tench and perch. Exceptional resource for teaching practical coarse fishery management.

sparsholt.ac.uk/university-centre