Funding pledge to help Scotland's aquaculture sector recover from Covid

The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) is looking to support the industry’s recovery from Covid-19 through a new innovation fund.

The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre has announced a new funding call to support the sector overcome the impact of Covid-19.

The innovation centre is welcoming applications from “collaborative partnerships” between businesses and academic researchers for a fast-tracked process that will help the aquaculture sector adapt to a “new commercial and operational reality in the months and years ahead”.

Approved projects will receive up to £50,000 each from SAIC, with industry expected to match or exceed that investment through financial and in-kind contributions.

Sarah Riddle, director of business engagement at SAIC, said: “The outbreak of Covid-19 has been a significant challenge to the entire economy and aquaculture is no different.

“However, the sector is beginning to turn the corner towards recovery and there’s a real opportunity to introduce new, innovative ways of working.

“The sector can use this time as a catalyst for change – whether it is the development of more efficient processes or amplifying the ongoing focus on sustainability.”

The SAIC said that all of the projects should align with one of its priority areas, which support enhancements to fish health and welfare, strengthening the market for shellfish and other non-finfish species, and unlocking the sector’s capacity for development.

Riddle added: “Our new rapid-response funding call will support the sector through the months ahead, remaining open to allow for new projects and ideas as the situation evolves.

“A decision on each initiative will be made within ten weeks of submission and we’re particularly keen to hear from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with ideas in the sector and supply chain.”

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