A group of scientists from the People’s Republic of China visited the University of Stirling to understand how new research facilities can shape best practice in the world’s largest aquaculture market. The party from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Scientists (CAFS) toured the Institute of Aquaculture’s new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), a £21million suite of research and development facilities which will enable a broader range of academic research and commercial trials to be undertaken, with a focus on responding to critical and emerging challenges in the aquaculture sector.
Nowadays, the rapid growth of Chinese aquaculture poses challenges for producers amid climate change, disease management, and changing consumer expectations. The scientific academy of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (CAFS) is dedicated to promoting excellence in fisheries science and plays an influential, strategic role in shaping China’s response to this evolving landscape.
Trevor Telfer, acting head of the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, said that “China is a major player in the global aquaculture industry, and its growth trajectory is set to continue. By working collaboratively to fully utilize the combined strengths of our knowledge and facilities, we can play a critical role in ensuring that the latest research and development inform the sector. This will ensure that growth is sustainable and offers the best outcomes for producers, consumers and the environment. In addition, this visit from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Scientists was a valuable opportunity to explore shared areas of interest, and highlight how the Institute of Aquaculture’s new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub can help support this thriving global marketplace.”
The Institute of Aquaculture’s NATIH development offers a combination of research facilities, capacity and academic expertise in Europe, including the capability to replicate freshwater aquaculture environments anywhere in the world. This includes the ability to vary gaseous states of water and work within temperature parameters of 6-28°C. Additionally, China has been the world's largest producer of aquaculture products since 2002, farming more than 800 species.
Yu Shuzhou, head of discipline inspection group at the CAFS, said that “as China’s national academy dedicated to fishery sciences, the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences is pleased to note that both sides share extensive common interests. We firmly believe that this collaboration will enable us to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in both research and innovation.”
The National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) is funded by a £17 million investment from the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £1 million Wolfson Foundation grant, and £3 million from the University of Stirling. The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2 million investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8 million, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214 million, to be delivered over 10 to 15 years.
