Scotland’s Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has secured £1.5 million in new funding to continue its support towards fish health research and development.
The package is made up of £500,000 from the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland and £1m of transitional funding from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
SAIC has also announced a new funding call for projects focused on finfish health and welfare. The deadline for applications is 19 June. A minimum of £800,000 is available, targeting gill health, climate change challenges such as harmful algal blooms and micro jellyfish, and other emerging fish health issues.
“SAIC is one of Scotland’s success stories, having played a significant role in supporting innovation and development in aquaculture,” Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said.
Nearly 500 aquaculture professionals have benefitted from SAIC’s skills programs
“We are now supporting SAIC to move to a refreshed and updated role that will ensure it and Scottish aquaculture have a bright future.”
David Gregory, chair of SAIC, noted the importance of combining sector and government funding for aquaculture advancements. “The funding provided by the Scottish Government and SFC will allow SAIC’s vital work to continue,” he said.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, emphasized the significance of SAIC’s focus on fish health and welfare for the sustainable growth of the salmon sector. He urged continued government support for SAIC and the Scottish salmon farming sector.
Since its inception, SAIC has supported more than 100 projects, leveraging £10 million of investment into research valued at over £71 million, leading to new companies, products, and solutions for the aquaculture sector.
