Little and large firms push SAIC roster above 150

The latest companies to join are at opposite ends of the spectrum: the long-established Glasgow-based marine engineering specialist Malin Group and shellfish start-up the Isle of Skye Mussel Company.

SAIC acts as a connecting hub for different parts of the aquaculture sector, including seafood producers, supply chain companies, regulators, and the public sector. Other sectors represented under the SAIC umbrella range from biotechnology, subsea companies, and equipment suppliers, to logistics firms and retailers. SAIC organises and part-funds many aquaculture research projects.

Innovation and collaboration

“The growth of SAIC’s consortium reflects the increasing commitment from aquaculture – as well as the many industries that support it – to innovation and collaboration,” chief executive Heather Jones said in a press release

“It also highlights the growing diversity of the sector, not only in terms of geography, but also in the types of businesses involved, their size, and areas of focus.”

Electrification

Chris Dunn, principal naval architect for Malin Group, said: “Joining SAIC’s consortium has been a great development for the Malin Group, providing a forum to learn more about aquaculture, as well as develop our activity in this important sector. 

“We were keen to forge relationships with those working on the front-line of aquaculture, as they can help us gain a better understanding of the day-to-day opportunities and challenges – particularly in terms of fuel emissions and electrification.

“Sustainability is a key focus for us within the Group, as well as the sector as a whole, and collaboration through networks like SAIC will be key to making workboats ready to support the sector’s future.”

Invaluable help

Judith Brown is director of Isle of Skye Mussel Company, which is re-establishing mussel lines at Loch Slapin in the south west of the island.

Brown, who has degrees in marine biology and aquaculture and a PhD in fishing and fisheries science management, said: “Joining the consortium during our start-up phase has enabled us to build relationships within a range of fields from research to industry, and the positivity of the SAIC staff has been fantastic during a difficult time to start a new business.

“The SAIC network encourages a spirit of knowledge-sharing and collaboration that has been invaluable to us as a new business. It has opened the doors to an entire community of aquaculture experts that are willing to work together.

“With backgrounds in commercial fisheries and natural resource management and, having studied sustainable aquaculture, we recognise the benefit of business innovation working hand in hand with science and academic research. In the next few years, we hope to welcome university visits and support postgraduate students, as well as getting involved with new R&D projects ourselves.”