The three-year agreement was signed on 7 May between the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, UK (Cefas), Industrial Mechanics, Biological Complexes Scientific and Research Centre Ltd., Latvia (RMBKZPC) and MOTTRA Ltd.
The partnership aims to build on and combine the areas of knowledge and expertise of the three organisations. Cefas' experience and expertise in the provision of technical and scientific support and advice in the areas of aquaculture, biosecurity, fish and shellfish disease, and project management will complement RMBKZPC research expertise in the area of finfish aquaculture and recirculation systems.
MOTTRA Ltd has extensive know-how in developing and optimising their unique technology of large-scale closed-system recirculation fish farms, leading to new environmentally friendly and scientific approaches to providing ethical sturgeon caviar farming.
The Parties wish to build a collaborative relationship in the area of aquaculture research, particularly recirculation technologies, to promote common knowledge technology for production of sturgeon and other species of freshwater fish from Latvia and to share the knowledge with other European countries and worldwide.
On signing the agreement at the Latvian Embassy in London, the Ambassador of Latvia, H.E. Andris Teikmanis, said: "This agreement is a good example of bringing together science, technology and business for a common goal. In Latvia green technologies and environmentally friendly processes have always been important for our society. I am particularly proud, that Latvia can provide a significant contribution in terms of expertise, knowledge and know-how in aquaculture for mutual British-Latvian benefit".
Cefas CEO Mike Waldock, said: "This partnership represents a real opportunity for Cefas to bring our leading edge aquaculture science and technology to a new UK-Latvian collaboration. Our combined efforts aim to drive forward scientific and commercial opportunities for the benefit of our organisations, countries and most importantly the well-being of our citizens in Europe and potentially world-wide."
