China looks to Stirling’s Hub to help guide best practice in aquaculture
A leading group of scientists from the People’s Republic of China has visited the University of Stirling’s National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), to understand how pioneering new research facilities can shape best practice in the world’s largest aquaculture market.
NATIH is a £21m suite of research and development facilities, based at the University of Stirling’s campus, which will enable 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.
The party was from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Scientists (CAFS), which, as a scientific academy of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, is dedicated to promoting excellence in fisheries sciences and plays an influential, strategic role in shaping China’s response to the developing aquaculture sector.
China accounts for almost two-thirds of global aquaculture production and is a major element in the industry’s growth worldwide. However, as the University of Stirling points out, this growth rate presents challenges for aquaculture producers, in a context of climate change, disease management, and changing consumer expectations.
Professor Trevor Telfer, Acting Head of the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, said: “China is a major player in the global aquaculture industry, and its growth trajectory is set to continue. By working collaboratively to fully utilise the combined strengths of our knowledge and facilities, we can play a critical role in ensuring that the sector is informed by the latest research and development. This will ensure that growth is sustainable and offers the best outcomes for producers, consumers and the environment.
“The visit from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Scientists was a valuable opportunity to explore shared areas of interest, and to highlight how the Institute of Aquaculture’s new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub can help to support this thriving global marketplace.”
Professor Yu Shuzhou, Head of Discipline Inspection Group at the CAFS, said: “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 £17m investment by the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, as well as a £1m Wolfson Foundation grant, and £3m from the University of Stirling.
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