Scotland has launched its Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) to help create jobs and support the growth, sustainability and profitability of the country’s industry.
The aim is to grow the already substantial contribution aquaculture makes to the Scottish economy. The recently published independent report An Assessment of the Benefits to Scotland of Aquaculture highlighted the industry already contributes up to £1.4 billion each year to the Scottish economy and 8,000 jobs in Scotland. Industry estimates suggest that every additional 10,000 tonnes of salmon create an additional £96 million for the Scottish economy.
The SAIC will focus on areas such as fish and shellfish health and welfare; feeding, quality and nutrition; breeding and stock improvement and engineering to contribute towards increased production of clean, safe and sustainable food.
The SAIC will be headquartered at the University of Stirling and will have a local delivery centre in the Western Highlands.
Jack Perry, Chair of the SAIC Board, said, “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead this important and exciting new collaboration between Scotland's fish and shellfish farmers. Scotland has an enviable reputation across the world for the quality of its farmed seafood. The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre will focus on growing and developing this important industry through the application of high quality, innovative and problem solving science.”
