December 11, 2023

Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre invests in seven aquaculture projects

The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has invested GBP 860,000 (U$1.07 million) in seven aquaculture research and development (R&D) projects, to spearhead advancements in fish health and wellbeing, Fish Farmer reported.

Commencing in early January, over GBP 300,000 (US$376,000) will be provided by SAIC, along with additional support from commercial partners.

The selected projects cover a diverse range of topics, including gill health in Atlantic salmon, parasite management, cleaner fish health and welfare, and disease prevention through immunisation and vaccinations. Several of these projects are extensions of earlier research supported by SAIC, seeking additional funding to progress concepts to the next phase.

SAIC's team of experts and its Independent Scientific Panel thoroughly evaluated the applications, ensuring alignment with the defined priorities regarding finfish health and welfare. This funding initiative follows SAIC's announcement earlier this year of reaching 100 funded aquaculture innovation projects, with a cumulative value of nearly GBP 71 million and collaboration with 92 project partners from academia and the sector.

Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, emphasised the importance of ongoing improvements in finfish health, highlighting their significance in ensuring the sector's sustainable future. She said that these initiatives would contribute to the survivability and wellbeing of fish, enabling seafood producers to provide a nutritious protein source for future generations.

-      Fish Farmer