A new innovation centre for aquaculture has been launched.

The Scottish Government has said the project will help to create jobs and support the growth, sustainability and profitability of the industry in the country.

The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) combines industry and research to provide innovative solutions, with the aim of strengthening the already substantial contribution aquaculture makes to the local economy.

As a result of the investment, the growth in production will bring significant benefits in terms of infrastructure and research, and support employment and economic wellbeing of many fragile rural communities across Scotland.

The SAIC will focus on areas such as fish and shellfish health and welfare; feeding, quality and nutrition; breeding and stock improvement and engineering to contribute towards increased production of clean, safe and sustainable food.

The facility has been jointly funded by the Scottish Funding Council, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and matched by the Scottish aquaculture industry. It will be headquartered at the University of Stirling and will have a local delivery centre in the Western Highlands.

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Welcoming the launch of the centre, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse, said: "The aquaculture industry is increasingly important to the Scottish economy supporting employment in many fragile rural communities. If the industry's 2020 sustainable production targets are met this could mean a turn-over value of £2 billion to the Scottish economy every year and the on-going support of 10,000 jobs.

"For this to be fully realised, the sector must continue to demonstrate its commitment to improved environmental performance and sustainable growth; aided by a research and academic community that is well positioned to underpin the sustainable that development of the sector.

"The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the industry and this investment illustrates we are serious about investing in its sustainable growth through innovation. The SAIC will help the academic and research community understand the needs of the industry and help the industry understand the assistance that can be delivered through research."

Jack Perry, Chair of the SAIC Board, added: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead this important and exciting new collaboration between Scotland's fish and shellfish farmers. Scotland has an enviable reputation across the world for the quality of its farmed seafood.

"The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre will focus on growing and developing this important industry through the application of high quality, innovative and problem solving science."

(JP)