November 30, 2010

Scotland opens new US$23.4 million aquaculture facility

A new GBP15 million (US$23.4 million) marine science facility has been opened in Aberdeen, Scotland.

It will help to sustain Scotland's position as a major producer of farmed fish.

The Ellis Building which is named after the late Dr. Tony Ellis, the influential Scottish scientist who revolutionised the field of fish immunology, will be the centre of Marine Scotland Science's fish health research operations. It will support the aquaculture industry and provide wild fish stocks with greater protection.

Richard Lochhead, Scotland's fisheries minister, said the facility would enhance Scotland's reputation as a centre for aquatic science expertise.

"Fish farming is the world's fastest growing food sector and already accounts for over half of the fish we eat. Scotland is well positioned to benefit from this as 40% of our food exports come from aquaculture and the industry contributes over GBP400 million (US$623.6 million) to the Scottish economy," he said.

"The value of Scottish salmon is on the increase while shellfish offers great potential. For example, mussel production which is eco-neutral has expanded 22% in the past three years. This industry brings around 1,800 jobs to remote and rural parts of our country."

Lochhead also announced a GBP600,000 (US$933,926) grant which has been awarded to the Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners by Marine Scotland to undertake a range of urgent and essential repairs at the Buchan harbour, which is the largest shrimp port in Europe.