The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has seen its membership double since rebranding in 2021 to reflect its increased focus on sustainability.
It now has 300 members with two new organisations, with Pennsylvania-based Life Diagnostics and Ayrshire College, taking it over the milestone figure.
“Global demand for nutritious protein sources continues to rise and we recognise the important role aquaculture will play in feeding the world’s growing population in the years to come,” said Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC.
“We must grow sustainably, however, in ways that reduce the environmental footprint of aquaculture while increasing its economic impact.”
Tackling challenges
SAIC’s role, through the consortium, is to connect leading researchers with the sector to help develop new processes and technologies, as well as tackling some of the ongoing challenges the industry faces.
The network’s reach spans beyond Scotland to include other major seafood-producing nations, as well as organisations with related expertise such as regulation, subsea technology, data and communications and animal health.
In the coming months, SAIC will be working with new member Ayrshire College to highlight the range of skills and employment opportunities the sector has for students.
Seafood producer Bakkafrost Scotland also recently submitted plans for a new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) at the Hunterston Port and Resource Centre (PARC), bringing of the opportunity for a number of aquaculture jobs and supply chain development to the region.
