The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has secured new funding to continue its support of fish health research and development (R&D), delivered in collaboration between the private and public sectors.
The £1.5 million package, made up of £500,000 from the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland and £1m of transitional funding from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), will allow SAIC to build on its work over the past decade and sharpen the innovation centre’s focus on driving positive health and welfare outcomes for farmed fish.
Since its inception, SAIC has supported more than 100 projects, turning £10 million of investment into sector-critical research with a combined value of over £71 million. These research projects have led to the creation of spin-out companies, new products and services, and innovative approaches to tackling sector-wide challenges.
As part of the funding, SAIC is also launching a new funding call for businesses and higher education institutions for projects exclusively focused on finfish health and welfare. The deadline for applications is June 19, 2024.
A minimum of £800,000 in funding is available to applicants, with an emphasis on gill health, the mitigation of challenges potentially arising from climate change, such as harmful algal blooms and micro-jellyfish, and emerging issues affecting fish health. SAIC is particularly keen to receive proposals focused on potential preventative techniques and technologies for these areas.
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “SAIC is one of Scotland’s success stories, having played a significant role in supporting innovation and development in aquaculture. We are now supporting SAIC to move to a refreshed and updated role that will ensure it and Scottish aquaculture have a bright future. The need to make aquaculture sustainable and the rewards for doing so have never been greater nor more urgent.
“The funding we are making available from Marine Fund Scotland will enable SAIC to sustain work and fund new projects to support the sustainability of our valuable aquaculture sector. Our Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture recognized the importance of innovation and this investment is a demonstration of our commitment to the sector and its future.”
More information about the funding call is available on the SAIC website: https://www.sustainableaquaculture.com/funding/
