EU award for Stirling-led aquaculture project

A research project coordinated by the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture has received a prestigious award in recognition of its work in the Atlantic Ocean.

Professor Trevor Telfer received the EU Atlantic Project Award for Accessibility and Connectivity on behalf of the TAPAS (Tools for Assessment and Planning of Aquaculture Sustainability) project.

Professor Trevor Telfer said the TAPAS consortium was "proud" after receiving the EU Atlantic Project Award.

Launched in March 2016, the four-year research project aims to support sustainable growth of the aquaculture sector in Europe by establishing an efficient regulatory framework and decision support system.

The project evaluates structures currently in operation across the EU’s marine environments, including the Atlantic Ocean, and its lakes and rivers, examining various environments and developing new approaches to deliver computer-based support systems for sustainable aquaculture expansion.

The outcomes will help decrease the licensing time for new and existing developments, enhance the public image of aquaculture and to gain a better understanding of the sustainability of aquaculture in the European Union.

Professor Telfer received the award from James How, Chair of the Atlantic Strategy Group, at the 4^th Atlantic Stakeholder Platform Conference in Glasgow.

“The TAPAS consortium are proud to receive recognition in the Accessibility and Connectivity category,” Professor Telfer said. “This affirms the importance of the work we are doing and emphasises the need for communication between scientists and stakeholders in developing future approaches to aquaculture sustainability.”

TAPAS involves 15 partner organisations including research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and regulators from across Europe.

The Atlantic Project Awards, established in 2016, recognise outstanding success stories relevant to the implementation of the Atlantic Action Plan, which aims to support the marine and maritime economy in the Atlantic Ocean area.