The aquaculture research fund supports research and education-related projects focusing on the environmental and technological aspects of aquaculture.
The Crown Estate is landowner but no longer non-statutory planning authority role for aquaculture development. For further information about our role please visit our aquaculture page.
The aquaculture research fund was established in 1988 and recently we have invested around £200,000 per year into the environmental and technological issues facing the industry. By targeting new research and the identification and implementation of practical solutions to priority issues, the fund contributes to the long-term and sustainable development of the industry.
Early projects focused on environmental issues with implications for all stakeholders. Key issues included optimising site selection, the potential consequences of amalgamating fish farms, advancing data on fish farming through GIS and improving fish health.
During 2001 The Crown Estate research committee (CERC) was created to promote transparency and consensus in how funds available to us and to our partners should be allocated to meet research priorities affecting the marine aquaculture industry in Scotland. In 2003 the Scottish Executive’s Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture proposed that a Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum (SARF) be created to promote, encourage and support research and development in aquaculture. The Crown Estate fully supported this move, disbanding CERC and instead becoming one of the main SARF contributors.
Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum
As well as making a significant contribution to SARF and the funding of its research projects, we continue to fund a number of other projects to support the aquaculture industry and The Crown Estate's business interests. A strong emphasis is put on ensuring the projects we support and initiatives are monitored and evaluated to high standards.
Follow the links below for a selection of reports arising from a range of projects that we have supported:
Reports
In addition to support through the aquaculture research fund, we are working closely with the salmon industry on a range of development measures aimed at restoring confidence within the industry itself and amongst both consumers and the financial community. Further information about projects supported by this additional funding can be found on the aquaculture page.
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