Funding landed for research expansion

The laboratory, which is based at Machrihanish in Argyll, provides contract research services and facilities to industry and academics working within the aquaculture sector, including a number of multinational corporations.

The laboratory’s main focus is around new product development in veterinary medicine, vaccines and functional feeds for the salmon farming industry. MERL has long term service agreements with a number of multinational animal health organisations to develop a range of safe and environmentally acceptable products for sea lice control, including those derived from natural products. Sea lice are a major threat to the industry, with losses estimated in the region of £33m in Scotland and £305m worldwide.

Supported by £90,192 from economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the £322,819 expansion project will increase the number of research tanks at the facility. This will deliver an increase in research capacity, increasing employment and growing turnover.

MERL’s Dr Bill Roy commented: “We work closely with the aquaculture industry to tackle some of the important issues which affect its productivity and public reputation. The industry plays a major role in the economy of the Highlands and Islands and investment in research infrastructure is vital to maintain and develop this sector for the wider public benefit.”

HIE’s Morag Goodfellow added: “MERL has an impressive client list including feed companies and multinational fish farming organisations. The research undertaken at the centre is important in safeguarding the longevity of the aquaculture industry – which is also a significant employer across the Highlands and Islands. This project is a key element in increasing the capacity of the centre and building on what is already considered a high quality research and development institution.”