Scotland’s Salmon Farming Innovation: Approaching £200 Million Investment

Innovative Growth in Aquaculture Sector – Scotland’s salmon farming industry is witnessing a remarkable surge in innovation, nearing the £200 million mark according to an independent review. This significant investment reflects collaborative efforts among salmon producers, supply chain entities, academic institutions, and public funders.

Key Findings of the Review

The review, conducted by the research consultancy Frontline and commissioned by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) and trade body Salmon Scotland, highlights that 268 publicly supported projects worth over £183 million have been initiated since 2018. This excludes entirely company-funded projects, indicating that the total investment in new technologies is likely much higher.

Focus Areas for Innovation

One of the focal points of this investment is fish health and welfare, with more than £83 million directed toward advancements in vaccines, diagnostics, welfare tools, and disease prevention. Notable improvements have also been recognized in sea lice management through biological controls, novel treatment techniques, and AI-enabled detection systems.

Government’s Response

The Scottish Government has welcomed the findings, with Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon, expressing her support. She emphasized the importance of ongoing public investment in aquaculture innovation, stating, “Scottish salmon aquaculture is a highly agile sector… focused collectively on generating world-class aquaculture science.”

Research and Development Impact

Dr. Suzanne Hamilton, director at Frontline, noted that significant progress has been made since 2018, with research translating into tangible outcomes in areas such as fish health and environmental sustainability. However, she also cautioned that the impact of research often unfolds over several years, necessitating sustained investment for future success.

Advancements in Genetics and Breeding

The review highlights ongoing advancements in genetics and breeding programs, particularly through initiatives like the £8.5 million Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) project, Drivers of Salmon Robustness. This project, a collaboration between Mowi Scotland and the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, aims to develop salmon with increased resilience to farming challenges.

Collaborative Efforts and Employment Impact

Interviews conducted as part of the review found that almost 88% of companies reported that innovation activities prevented potential job losses, while 76% indicated that turnover would have decreased without such initiatives. This collaborative approach has spanned various domains, including disease detection, breeding strategies, and environmental monitoring.

Addressing Challenges in Innovation

Despite the positive trends, the review cautions against potential slowdowns in innovation due to short-term funding and protracted regulatory processes. The authors advocate for longer-term support and expedited routes for trials to maintain momentum in the sector.

Highlighted Innovations

Among various innovative projects is WellFish Tech, a University of the West of Scotland spin-out that leverages AI for rapid blood diagnostics, providing results within 24 hours. This advancement allows farmers to promptly respond to signs of stress or disease in their salmon.

Looking Ahead: National Aquaculture Technology Hub

The drive for innovation is set to continue with the upcoming £17 million national aquaculture technology hub, which will open at the University of Stirling this year. This facility promises to further enhance Scotland’s capacity for research and innovation in aquaculture.

Expert Insights

Dr. Iain Berrill, head of technical at Salmon Scotland, stated, “The scale of innovation now underway in salmon farming in Scotland showcases our commitment to advancing standards across the sector. Continued investment in the latest research is vital for maintaining our position as a leader in aquaculture.”

Sarah Riddle, head of research and innovation at SAIC, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of sustained strategic support for collaboration and innovation to strengthen Scotland’s position as a global aquaculture leader.

Image Credit: Salmon Scotland