Aquaculture
Our scientific teams and laboratories are at the heart of our
work to ensure public health, the wellbeing of fish and shellfish,
clean waters and the control of pollution.
Much of our focus is on the diagnosis and assessment of problems or
diseases. Our teams help to discover solutions and/or offer
preventative measures across a range of aquatic industries. In
addition, we encourage all fishery enterprises to operate in a way
that safeguards the environment and the welfare of
animals.
Our labs offer identification, interpretation and protection
services related to key public health and disease-related
issues like water quality and specialised areas of fish
health. Our scientists also undertake R&D projects
aimed at preventing pollution and diseases.
Our skills and expertise, plus our Weymouth facilities are used
to help customers to improve their related products. In addition,
we offer specialist advice.
The Fish Health Inspectorate,
based at our Weymouth laboratory, plays a key role in this
area. This regulatory body is responsible for the control of fish
and shellfish diseases. Their work covers the import and export of
live aquatic animals, the farming of fish and shellfish, the
ornamental fish trade, and the control of non-native
species.
Aquaculture is playing an increasingly important role in
providing sustainable food choices for consumers. Our work helps to
ensure that that industry, and the relevant issues facing
it, is monitored in such a way that the health of species and
the marine environment remain a priority.