Multi-million marine lab opened

The University of Aberdeen's Oceanlab is already leading groundbreaking studies into the world's oceans as well as providing information on marine life in waters around Scotland.

Now Oceanlab 2 - a brand new complex next door to the original Oceanlab at Newburgh - will enable scientists to do much more to further our understanding of the marine environment. The combined Oceanlab facilities will give scientists the capabilities to explore every part of the sea from its shores to its furthest depths. It will also allow researchers to investigate the impacts of global warming on marine environments. 

Yesterday’s opening came just weeks ahead of the University taking on the directorship of the recently launched MASTS - Marine Alliance for Science and Technology - a collaboration involving 700 marine research staff from 10 of Scotland's leading research institutions. It aims to place Scotland at the forefront of international marine research as well as providing information for policymakers and other stakeholders.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Delivering a new management framework to protect our seas and ensure economic growth will be one of our proudest achievements to date, but it is simply the beginning. We are heading towards an era where renewable energy will be even more important in our fight against climate change, and our seas will only become more valuable."