© SAIC
The SAIC has secured new government funding to continue its support of fish health research and development, delivered in collaboration between the private and public sectors.
The £1.5 million funding package, consisting of £500,000 from the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland and £1 million of transitional funding from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), will allow the research organisation to continue its work supporting research and development within the aquaculture industry, building on its progress from over the last decade.
“SAIC is one of Scotland’s success stories, having played a significant role in supporting innovation and development in aquaculture. We are now supporting SAIC to move to a refreshed and updated role that will ensure it and Scottish aquaculture have a bright future” said Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, in a press release announcing the funding.
Since its inception, the SAIC has supported more than 100 projects, turning £10 million of investment into sector-critical research with a combined value of over £71 million. These research projects have led to the creation of spin-out companies, new products and services, and innovative approaches to tackling sector-wide challenges. Looking to the future, SAIC aims to sharpen its focus on tackling the most pressing health challenges facing the aquaculture industry.
“SAIC’s more concentrated remit is aligned to the sector’s priorities, and we look forward to fostering greater collaboration on research and development projects to tackle the most pressing health and welfare challenges faced by the fish farming community‚” said David Gregory, chair of SAIC.
As part of the funding, SAIC is also launching a new funding call for businesses and higher education institutions for projects exclusively focussed on finfish health and welfare, the deadline for which is 19 June 2024. The funding call seeks to support projects with a particular emphasis on gill health, the mitigation of challenges potentially arising from climate change - such as harmful algal blooms and micro-jellyfish - and emerging issues affecting fish health.
