£1.5m invested into Scotland’s aquaculture sector

THE Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has secured new funding to continue its support of the development of fish sustainability.

The £1.5m package will help SAIC to build on its work over the past decade and allow the centre to maintain focus on positive health and welfare outcomes for farmed fish.

Since its inception, SAIC has supported more than 100 projects, turning £10m of investment into research with a combined value of over £71m.

These research projects have led to the creation of spin-out companies, new products and services, and innovative approaches to tackling sector-wide challenges.

David Gregory, chair of SAIC, said: “The funding provided by the Scottish Government and SFC will allow SAIC’s vital work to continue.

“The model of combining funding from the sector and government, is now well established and has delivered a range of positive outcomes in aquaculture.

“SAIC’s more concentrated remit is aligned to the sector’s priorities and we look forward to fostering greater collaboration on R&D projects to tackle the most pressing challenges faced by the fish farming community.”

SAIC is also launching a new funding call for businesses and higher education institutions for projects focussed on finfish health and welfare.

SAIC is looking to hear proposals on issues related to how climate change and other emerging issues are effecting the fish health with a minimum of £800,000 in funding to be made available.

Mairi Gougeon, cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “SAIC is one of Scotland’s success stories, having played a significant role in supporting innovation and development in aquaculture.

“We are now supporting SAIC to move to a refreshed and updated role that will ensure it and Scottish aquaculture have a bright future.

“The need to make aquaculture sustainable and the rewards for doing so have never been greater nor more urgent.

“The funding we are making available from Marine Fund Scotland will enable SAIC to sustain work and fund new projects to support the sustainability of our valuable aquaculture sector.

“Our vision for Sustainable Aquaculture recognised the importance of innovation and this investment is a demonstration of our commitment to the sector and its future.”

The deadline for applications SAIC funding is 19 June 2024.