A new innovation centre for aquaculture is expected to help create jobs and support the growth and profitability of the industry in Scotland.
Based at Stirling University, it will bring together industry and research with the aim of growing the already substantial contribution aquaculture makes to the Scottish economy.
The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) will focus on areas such as fish and shellfish health and welfare; feeding, quality and nutrition; breeding and stock improvement and engineering to contribute towards increased production of clean, safe and sustainable food.
It has been jointly funded by the Scottish Funding Council – in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise – and industry.
Announcing the plans at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The aquaculture industry is increasingly important to the Scottish economy, supporting employment in many fragile rural communities.
“If the industry’s 2020 sustainable production targets are met, this could mean a turnover value of £2billion to the Scottish economy every year and the on-going support of 10,000 jobs.
“For this to be fully realised, the sector must continue to demonstrate its commitment to improved environmental performance and sustainable growth, aided by a research and academic community that is well positioned to underpin the sustainable that development of the sector.”