Major marine science boost for Wales

Bangor University’s SEACAMS (Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors) project has been given the go-ahead following EU backing of £12.6m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.  

The project will turn cutting edge research ideas into new processes, services and technologies to encourage over 450 businesses to grow, create new high tech jobs and win more global contracts.

As part of the project, a new Innovation Centre will be set up at the University’s School of Ocean Sciences (SOS) at Menai Bridge, Anglesey. The Centre will provide laboratory and computing facilities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs will also have access to the 40 metre SOS research ship Prince Madog to focus studies on tackling the impact of climate change such as coastal erosion, flooding, water quality and offshore energy generation.

Mr Jones, who is also the Minister for the Economy and Transport said,

“Increasing commercial activity and promoting inward investment in the marine science sector will help secure high quality jobs and contribute to making Wales an international hub for this growing sector.”