October 12, 2024

 

SAIC funds US$2.08 million for research on fish health amid climate challenges

The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has announced GBP 1.6 million (US$2.08 million) in funding for three new aquaculture projects aimed at improving fish health and welfare in response to climate change and other challenges.

 

Nearly GBP 600,000 (US$785,000) of the funding is provided by SAIC, with additional backing from businesses within the Scottish aquaculture sector.

 

Linsey Dickson, interim executive director of research, innovation, and business engagement at the University of Stirling, commented on the announcement, stating: "This funding represents a significant boost to the innovative research being conducted across Scotland's aquaculture sector. By applying cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based practices, these projects are poised to address some of the sector's most pressing challenges. Close collaboration between academia and the fish farming community is crucial to ensure that our findings translate into actionable solutions that support the future of sustainable seafood production."

 

Two of the funded projects are already underway. The first project is developing a holographic imaging system to detect and monitor micro-jellyfish at aquaculture sites. It will also create an automated profiling system for harmful algal blooms (HABs), providing real-time data to enhance fish health management.

 

The second project builds on previous SAIC-funded research that identified predictive biomarkers for gill health in Atlantic salmon. This phase seeks to refine these biomarkers using machine learning and non-invasive sampling techniques. It will also explore the biomarkers' ability to predict responses to micro-jellyfish exposure and different diets.

 

A third project is scheduled to launch in November. It will focus on stock management strategies to handle outbreaks of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) in Scotland. This initiative will monitor environmental conditions and fish immune responses using advanced techniques, aiming to develop predictive models that will improve health management practices and vaccine efficacy in aquaculture.

 

These latest funding awards are part of SAIC's ongoing efforts, which have seen nearly GBP 11 million (US$14.3 million) in SAIC funding transformed into research valued at over GBP 71 million (US$92.9 million). The initiatives have led to the creation of spin-out companies, new products, and innovative solutions to industry challenges.

 

Earlier this year, SAIC announced further funding to continue its work over the past decade. Moving forward, SAIC will concentrate on improving health and welfare outcomes for farmed fish through applied research and knowledge exchange, particularly in response to emerging environmental challenges.

 

Sarah Riddle, director of innovation and engagement at SAIC, stated: "Over the past 10 years, we have prioritised initiatives aimed at enhancing aquaculture's environmental impact, fish health and unlocking economic potential. In this current funding call, our sharper focus aligns us even more closely with the sector's key priorities, fostering collaboration to tackle critical health, welfare, and survivability challenges in fish farming. Continued knowledge exchange between the sector and academia will also be vital in maintaining Scotland's position at the forefront of pioneering advancements across the global aquaculture supply chain."

 

-      Responsible Seafood Advocate