AquaGen Scotland opens new RAS freshwater breeding facility
AquaGen Scotland has just celebrated the opening of its new freshwater recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for the incubation of high-quality Atlantic salmon eggs.
The Holywood Breeding Centre is based in Dumfries and Galloway. With Finlay Carson MSP, Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs & Islands Committee & members of Salmon Scotland in attendance, the company marked the opening with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
AquaGen Scotland described the move as a significant step forward in sustainability and performance control, leveraging advanced technology to minimize environmental impact while maximizing egg health and viability, based on experience gathered from trial work on RAS incubation in past seasons.
The RAS system allows for precise control over critical water parameters, ensuring optimal conditions for egg development and reducing the risk of disease and stress. It also has substantial sustainability benefits, including reduced water usage through efficient recirculation and treatment along with lower energy input for water temperature control, minimising the facility’s carbon footprint .
It also includes decreased water abstraction volume requirements, further reducing the environmental impact and enhanced protection against environmental contamination through UV filtration, ensuring the removal of biological contaminants.
Managing Director Keith Drynan said: “The new RAS system is a game-changer for AquaGen Scotland, securing the supply of high-quality best of breed salmon eggs to the Scottish aquaculture industry.
"By combining advanced technology with sustainable practices, we’re not only improving the health and quality of our Atlantic salmon eggs but also reducing our environmental footprint. This facility showcases our commitment to innovation and sustainability in aquaculture."
AquaGen Scotland said the new system, commissioned and invested in by its parent company, underlined its commitment as a global breeding company to provide secure, biosecure and sustainable salmon egg supply to the markets in which it operates.
“Together with the newly certified Profunda facility in Norway, AquaGen is well-positioned to support both domestic and international salmon farming with robust and export-ready genetics,” it adds.
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