About
Tilapia on sale in Harrods
‘Tilapia Scotland’ aims to provide mentoring support to Scotland-based individuals or enterprises interested in diversifying into warm-water food-fish production in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). This will include advice on grants, third-party design options, operational issues (e.g. technical, husbandry and production scheduling) as well as marketing options. To enhance chances of success farmers will also be encouraged to share learning outcomes by various means including regular workshops and an online discussion forum.
Funded by Scottish Enterprise for two years (Dec 2008 to Dec 2010) the project will be implemented by the Institute of Aquaculture, in cooperation with the Department of Marketing at the University of Stirling. The project builds on previous research work (RELU) which demonstrated potential for this novel type of enterprise as a diversification strategy for UK farmers.
The services of this project will be available to existing or prospective aquaculture businesses within Scotland, with growth aspirations. The services of the project will be funded by Scottish Enterprise, but as part of the selection criteria, businesses must be able to demonstrate their ability to secure a contribution of funding towards the capital costs, associated with introducing new warm water production systems.
Depending on individual criteria additional capital-grant support may be available through public-funding streams including the recently announced European Fisheries Fund (EFF – see funding page).
If you wish to learn more or discuss further please contact either:
- Mr Will Leschen: wl2@stir.ac.uk, Tel. 01786 46 7899
- Dr Francis Murray: fjm3@stir.ac.uk, Tel. 01786 46 7926
