Marine

Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) Launch

August 12, 2014 by No Comments | Category Marine Collaboration Research Forum (MarCRF)

© Scottish Aquaculture

Aquaculture currently contributes an aggregate economic impact of over £1,300 million per annum to the Scottish economy. There exists, nonetheless, considerable untapped potential in Scotland for increased production of high quality aquaculture products. Following the funding of the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) on 20th February 2014 and a consortium meeting on April 28th the formal launch of the SAIC has taken place today, Friday 20th June, at the Royal Highland Show. The launch was announced by Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and was attended by SAIC Board members, representatives from the funding bodies SFC, SE and HIE and the media.

The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) will provide transformational change in the relationship between the aquaculture industry, the research community and Government to overcome these issues and release Scotland’s potential. Investment in the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre will help transform aquaculture’s already substantial contribution to the Scottish economy, with many of the benefits concentrated in fragile rural communities. The Scottish Government has adopted industry targets for increased production. In the salmon industry alone, meeting these targets would contribute an additional £500 million to the Scottish economy per year. If we consider the wider sector, including trout, shellfish, supply chain and all supporting businesses, then the overall financial contribution to the Scottish economy could exceed £1 billion. SAIC will bring together the key players in this strategically important industry, focusing on removing current and future obstacles, creating wealth and long term employment.

For news and announcements of future events go to www.scottishaquaculture.com

Article by Andronikos Kafas

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