A specialist facility that is expected to play an instrumental role in the growth of the aquaculture industry both in the UK and overseas is officially open for business in Northumberland, North East England.
Astec Aquaculture Business & Science Centre is a purpose-built resource that has been created to support the growth of the aquaculture sector. It opened its doors to businesses and researchers last week, showcasing the extensive facilities and support services that it offers.
Due to its strategic location on the Northumberland coastline at Lyne Sands, Astec is uniquely placed to pump a constant supply of near tropical temperature, flow-through seawater to its state-of-the-art aqua laboratories, which are fitted out with specialist equipment to support a broad range of commercial and research activities.
Kevin Haddrick, chief executive of Astec commented: “Astec provides a unique environment for businesses and researchers operating in the aquaculture sector.
“We’re delighted to see the centre fully operational and the reaction and support from key business figures, industry experts and local politicians has been extremely encouraging. Ours is a growth industry and we believe that Astec has the potential to be at the forefront of its development and future influence and success, both here in the North East and internationally.”
The centre has already attracted a significant amount of interest from potential businesses and research projects.
Matt Slater a researcher from Newcastle University’s School of Marine Science and Technology, who has a particular interest in sea cucumber aquaculture, commented: “The opening of the Astec centre is extremely positive for the industry. It provides a connection between ideas and research and a developing a proven concept. These unique facilities will enable small business in the sector to establish themselves and have the support structures in place as they develop and grow.”
Astec offers private, scalable and fully customisable laboratory, office and outdoor production space for all types of aquaculture related businesses and research projects. Links with other research institutions, the North East science community and the region’s universities mean that businesses and individuals based at the centre can benefit from valuable support and advice to help them develop and commercialise their ideas.
