Advice
With a wealth of skills and years of experience behind them, our
scientific teams are able to give advice and support on a wide
range of topics.
We also have a national reputation for our expertise and
commitment on water quality and how to achieve it.
Marine biotoxin monitoring
Our Harmful Algal Biotoxins in
Shellfish (HABS) team advises customers on the design and
implementation of both shellfish and phytoplankton marine biotoxin
monitoring programmes, all of which meet EU requirements.
Expert programme co-ordinators and phytoplankton specialists
suggest the species of shellfish to be sampled, the frequencies and
the methods to be applied for both shellfish and phytoplankton
monitoring elements. They offer a comprehensive mapping service to
complement the design of these programmes.
We also provide advice on the nature of the causative organisms
and their effects, using modern analytical techniques.
Epidemiology and risk analysis
Customers can make use of our extensive experience of detecting and
investigating the spread of endemic, exotic and emerging
diseases.
Our epidemiological and modelling approach is robust,
systematic and transparent, and helps produce the evidence needed
for effective decision-making.
These investigations enable us to understand more about how
diseases affect large numbers of animals in one place, at one time.
In addition, they help reveal how future disease outbreaks might be
handled and help support aquatic animal health
policy-making.
Fish cultivation
We advise on increasing the productivity and profitability of
marine and freshwater aquaculture operations.
We undertake research to produce benefits such as higher growth
rates, improved disease resistance, and greater temperature and
stress tolerance of farmed species. Our research covers many
aspects of fish-farming operations, such as:
- diets and feed strategies
- feed palatability and feeding attractants
- brood and seed stock improvement
- the biology and lifecycle of the farmed species.
Additionally, our aquatic product evaluation
services are invaluable for the safe and successful development of
aquaculture-related products.