Multi-million marine lab opened

The University of Aberdeen's Oceanlab is already leading groundbreaking studies into the world's oceans as well as providing information on marine life in waters around Scotland.

Now Oceanlab 2 - a brand new complex next door to the original Oceanlab at Newburgh - will enable scientists to do much more to further understanding of the marine environment.

The combined Oceanlab facilities will give scientists the capabilities to explore every part of the sea from its shores to its furthest depths and will also allow researchers to investigate the impacts of global warming on marine environments.

The opening comes just weeks ahead of the University taking on the directorship of the recently launched MASTS - Marine Alliance for Science and Technology.

MASTS - a collaboration involving 700 marine research staff from 10 of Scotland's leading research institutions - aims to place Scotland at the forefront of international marine research as well as providing information for policymakers and other stakeholders Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"The opening of Oceanlab 2 is the latest exciting development for marine policy in Scotland. Next week our new Marine Bill will hopefully be endorsed by Parliament, providing additional opportunities to build on Scotland's outstanding reputation for marine science.

"Improving our understanding of the marine environment is key, so leading research institutions like Oceanlab clearly have a vital role to play in terms of increasing Scotland's competitive edge and keeping us at the forefront of international marine research."

Oceanlab leads the world with its remotely operated systems called landers that can be deployed in water as deep as 36,000 feet.

The technology has enabled researchers to make a series of breakthroughs including discovering new species and capturing the deepest ever images of living fish.