November 12, 2024

 

Construction advances on aquaculture research hub at University of Stirling in Scotland, UK

Construction has moved into its final phase for the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) at the University of Stirling in Scotland UK, a facility set to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture.

 

A ceremonial "steel signing" event today marked this milestone, attended by local politicians and senior university officials. Those present, including Councillor Gerry McGarvey of Stirling Council, Professor Simon MacKenzie, head of the Institute of Aquaculture, and University Principal Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, signed a steel structure and a commemorative plaque that will be displayed in NATIH upon its completion next spring.

 

This GBP 18 million (US$23.1 million) project is primarily funded by the UK government with GBP 17 million (US$21.8 million) from the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, supplemented by a GBP 1 million (US$1.28 million) grant from the Wolfson Foundation. NATIH will operate within the University's Institute of Aquaculture, which already houses major marine and freshwater facilities in Machrihanish, Kintyre, and Buckieburn, Denny.

 

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac expressed the facility's anticipated impact: "The new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub will create the UK's leading innovation community for sustainable aquatic food production and propel UK productivity in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors. This facility will also foster a range of high-value jobs and training opportunities within the blue economy."

 

The UK Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, also celebrated the project's progress: "This GBP 17 million (US$21.8 million) contribution from the UK government, as part of our GBP 45 million (US$57.8 million) commitment to the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, exemplifies our focus on collaborative solutions to enhance productivity, generate employment, and promote sustainability within the aquaculture sector."

 

Professor Simon MacKenzie of the Institute of Aquaculture outlined the facility's broader mission: "Our aim is to address global issues of food security, hunger, and sustainability through aquaculture. NATIH will enable us to expand on our global reputation in aquaculture research, teaching, and technological innovation, supporting increased production of aquatic food for human consumption and advancing global food security while minimising environmental impacts."

 

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal represents a collaborative GBP 214 million (US$275 million) initiative, backed by GBP 90.2 million (US$116 million) from the UK and Scottish Governments, to drive regional economic growth. Local partners, including Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils and the University of Stirling, will invest up to GBP 123.8 million (US$159 million) over the next decade.

 

NATIH's state-of-the-art facility will feature eight independent, temperature-controlled freshwater recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), with operational ranges between 4°C and 32°C. These systems will support research activities, increase practical learning opportunities for undergraduates and post-graduates, and enable collaborations with industry partners across the public and private sectors.

 

Robertson Construction has now completed the foundation and steel framework for NATIH, and interior fitting will commence in the coming months. Commissioning of the facility is expected by October or November next year, moving the UK closer to establishing a world-class hub for sustainable aquaculture at the University of Stirling.

 

-      Fish Farmer