New sustainable aquaculture investment for Stirling

An ambitious new aquaculture research and innovation facility at the University of Stirling has received a further one million pounds of investment.

The National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), which will build on the University’s internationally renowned Institute of Aquaculture, has been awarded a Wolfson Foundation grant to support research to improve modern aquaculture practice with a focus on sustainability, and increase the economic, social and environmental benefits of aquaculture.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for experimental science, NATIH, funded through £17 million of UK Government investment as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, will allow researchers to tackle the major challenges facing aquaculture producers, such as fish welfare and managing environmental impacts, working with local and international partners.

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2m investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8m, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214m, to be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years.

Professor Simon MacKenzie

Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Institute of Aquaculture, said: “The call from the Wolfson Foundation was for high quality research with clear impact, and we’re delighted the judges recognised NATIH’s potential to support sustainable, resilient and secure aquatic food systems that enable health and prosperity for people and for the planet.

“Building on the initial investment by the UK Government and the Institute of Aquaculture’s global network, NATIH will enable us to build an innovation community in Stirling and Clackmannanshire that nurtures jobs and skills, turning scientific research into practical, applied solutions that support economic development in communities from rural Scotland to South America, Africa and the Middle East. We welcome further investment and partnerships.”

Real world solutions

Chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, Paul Ramsbottom, said: “The Wolfson Foundation aims to support civil society by investing in research and education - surely ever more crucial during this challenging period.

“Our latest round of awards demonstrates the importance of capital funding for communities across the UK. The new buildings, refurbishments and equipment funded by the Foundation will support learning, enhance wellbeing and advance scientific research. While many and varied, the projects have one thing in common: they are places for people to connect, and they support imaginative and excellent work.”

NATIH, due to open in 2024, will bring together experimental aquatic facilities, including a new tropical aquarium, with state-of-the-art laboratories, and space dedicated to business incubation and acceleration. 

Aquaculture - the cultivation of fish, crustaceans, aquatic plants, algae and shellfish in water environments - is one of the world’s fasting growing sectors, with an estimated global growth rate of 8%.

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart, said: "Scotland has a global reputation for its aquaculture expertise that underpins the prosperity of many rural and coastal communities.  

"I am glad that UK Government's £17m support for the aquaculture innovation hub has already helped to unlock further investment that will secure a sustainable future for the industry.  

"This is part of more than £2 billion of regional investment by the UK Government for levelling up right across Scotland."

Find out more about NATIH