The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has announced GBP 1.6 million in funding for three major research projects aimed at improving the health and welfare of Scottish salmon, a key focus for the aquaculture sector.
The funding includes nearly GBP 600,000 from SAIC, with additional contributions from businesses within Scotland’s thriving aquaculture industry. It will help tackle pressing challenges like climate change and disease prevention, using innovative technologies to support the health of farmed salmon in Scotland.
“These projects represent a significant step forward in addressing critical health and welfare challenges in Scottish salmon farming,” said Sarah Riddle, director of innovation and engagement at SAIC.
“By fostering collaboration between industry and academia, we are developing real-world solutions to improve the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture.”
New innovation
Among the projects is a new holographic imaging system designed to detect and monitor micro-jellyfish at aquaculture sites.
Another initiative aims to enhance gill health in Atlantic salmon by refining predictive biomarkers using machine learning and non-invasive sampling methods.
Both are already underway, while a third project starting in November will focus on better stock management strategies for combating proliferative kidney disease (PKD).
These efforts build on SAIC’s decade-long work, which has seen GBP 11 million of investment drive transformative research.
The funding will enable continued advances in Scottish salmon farming, reinforcing Scotland’s leading role in the global aquaculture industry and help to ensure the long-term sustainability of this crucial sector for the country.
