University of Stirling Secures £2 Million Grant for Aquaculture Welfare Project in Asia
The University of Stirling has successfully secured a funding boost of over £2 million for a project focused on enhancing the welfare of farmed fish across Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This significant grant of $2.7 million (approximately £2 million) comes from Open Philanthropy, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting various global causes.
Expanding on Previous Initiatives
This initiative builds upon an earlier Open Philanthropy-funded project that aimed to improve fish welfare specifically in Thailand and Vietnam. The new project will extend its reach to include Indonesia and promote the development of the Asia Fish Welfare Network.
Addressing Stakeholder Awareness
Previous efforts concentrated on educating and engaging stakeholders throughout the fish value chain, involving all stages from farm production to consumer. The importance of this work is emphasized in regions where fish and shellfish hold crucial dietary significance and where large concentrations of aquaculture exist.
Dr. Timothy Wiese, Professor Dave Little, and Arnan Hirunratanakorn conducting observational research at a wholesale fish market in Thailand.
Leading the Initiative
The project will be spearheaded by Professor Dave Little, Deputy Head of the Institute of Aquaculture. He emphasizes the pressing welfare concerns affecting millions of aquatic animals in Asia and the necessity of driving change in public and stakeholder awareness.
Professor Little notes, “Understanding consumer perceptions is vital to enhancing practices throughout the value chain. Our initial findings identified critical moments in the harvest and slaughter processes where improvements can be most effectively implemented.”
Support for Local Talent
The new grant will fund research across various aspects of fish welfare, incorporating practical, biological, social, and economic factors. Workshops will be organized to engage academics and aquaculture practitioners, and mentorship programs will be established to strengthen networks and institutional capacity.
Furthermore, the project will support six Master’s students from Vietnam, Thailand, or Indonesia to pursue fully funded courses at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, ensuring the development of local talent in this essential field.
Free Application Process
The application process for these studentships is free of charge, requiring no commitment until a funding decision is made. Interested candidates can apply for the MSc Sustainable Aquaculture, MSc Aquatic Pathobiology, or MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies for the academic years 2025-26 or 2026-27. More details are available at Sustainable Aquaculture Stirling | Welfare Studentships.
Future Prospects and Innovations
The significant grant will sustain the project for three years, with Professor Little collaborating with Simão Zacarias as Project and Research Coordinator, along with John Bostock, who will assist with communications and educational materials.
This announcement aligns with the advancements on the University’s National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), which is nearing completion. Funded by a £17 million investment from the UK Government and a £1 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation, NATIH seeks to position the UK as a leader in modern aquaculture practices.
NATIH will be fully integrated into the renowned Institute of Aquaculture, with facilities addressing the challenges faced by aquaculture producers, focusing on fish welfare and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Main Image: Graduation for the two MSc students supported through the Improving Farmed Fish Welfare in Asia project. From left to right: Dr. Simão Zacarias, Nghĩa Phan (Vietnam), Professor Dave Little, and Arnan Hirunratanakorn (Thailand).
