The UK’s innovation agency has launched a £4.6 million fund to support sustainable aquaculture ventures from both academia and industry. This investment, led by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), a part of UK Research and Innovation, will back 10 projects aimed at tackling challenges in British aquaculture.
The funded projects include:
– Using AI-powered imaging to improve the health and welfare of plankton.
– Developing new methods to cultivate seaweed, which is commonly used in bioplastics.
– Accelerating the genetic improvement of Atlantic salmon through speed breeding and gene editing technologies.
In addition to the funding from BBSRC, these projects will receive an extra 10% cash investment from industry partners.
Dr. Lee Beniston, associate director of industry partnerships and collaborative research and development at BBSRC, highlighted the potential impact of these projects. “Advances in aquaculture technology and innovative approaches can provide the UK and the world with more sustainable, diverse, and healthy sources of nutrition,” he said. “This supports ambitions in areas such as food security and the health of the nation.”
He added, “We are pleased to be investing, alongside businesses, in these exciting research and innovation projects which will drive innovation across the aquaculture industry.”
This initiative aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry, promoting the development of sustainable practices and technologies in aquaculture. The ultimate goal is to enhance food security, improve public health, and support the UK’s position as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.
