Niall Bromage Freshwater Research Unit

The Niall Bromage Freshwater Research Unit (NBFRU) is the Institute of Aquaculture’s salmonid freshwater capability and is situated approximately seven miles from the main University campus, near Carron Valley reservoir. The unit is gravity fed from the nearby Buckieburn reservoir, which provides over two million gallons a day of temperature stable water, as it is drawn from a constant depth all year round.

Our capabilities

We have a total of 42 flow through holding units of various volumes, ranging from 0.8m³ to large 25m³. Each of these systems can be run in distinct groups, from one unit to twenty, these can be monitored and data logged daily for various water quality parameters. Additional oxygenation is available using a high capacity oxygen injection system.

The unit has a dedicated sterile room for live fish work as well as a laboratory for further detailed analysis. This feature allows greater flexibility in the timeframes for research experiments, the investigation of species allowing increased capacity to deliver a range of projects. The facility also has full temperature controlled recirculation units of up to 24, 800 litre tanks, as well as a dedicated on site hatchery, with computer controlled monitoring, full solunar lighting, for out of season work as well as fully integrated feeding systems.

Compliance with European Union - UK Home Office legislation

The unit is fully compliant with European Union - UK Home Office legislation in conducting a wide variety of activities, such as but not limited to:

• Environmental manipulation and monitoring of experimental parameters
• Production of triploid stock and effect on their physiology
• Sex reversal and manipulation of sexual differentiation
• Immune function
• Vaccination studies
• Vaccine safety tests
• Larval / juvenile / broodstock fish performance
• X-ray feed intake performance
• Production of research robust stock

Benefits of using our facilities and services

• Improved animal health, welfare and resilience
• Improved industry performance
• Improved industry sustainability
• Reduced environmental impacts