March 7, 2022

University of Stirling, UK, to open aquaculture research and innovation facility

The University of Stirling in Scotland, UK, is set to open its National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), which builds upon the university's Institute of Aquaculture (IOA) and funded through a GBP 17 million (~US$22 million; GBP 1 -= US$1.32) investment from the UK government, Fish Information & Services reported.

The hub will include experimental aquatic facilities, including a new tropical aquarium, with state-of-the-art laboratories, and space dedicated to business incubation and acceleration.

The IOA said the hub will benefit Scotland as it aims to double its aquaculture production by 2030, as well as international markets where the industry is important in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Professor Simon MacKenzie, head of the IOA, said the hub will create a working relationship between the University's researchers and the global aquaculture industry, guaranteeing that the ideas, actions, and solutions produced have a significant impact where it is most needed, resulting in jobs, growth, and prosperity.

Iain Stewart, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said Scotland has an enormous potential for growth in the aquaculture sector, which is a huge opportunity for rural and coastal communities.

He said the GBP 17 million (~US$22 million) investment in this hub will keep Scotland at the cutting edge of the worldwide aquaculture industry, provide new jobs and investment, and ensure sustainability remains at the forefront.

-      Fish Information & Services