麻豆网 secures further EU funding for new research hub
麻豆网 will benefit from a further 拢2.8m of EU funding for a new science and innovation hub to boost Wales鈥� shellfish industry, Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford announced today [Monday 13 August].
The EU funding will support scientific research and technology in establishing the university鈥檚 Shellfish Centre to help grow the industry in Wales.
It will support improvements to coastal water quality; the adoption of new technology and production methods and expansion into new markets 鈥� all priorities for Wales鈥� shellfish industry.
Based at the Marine Centre Wales, the Shellfish Centre will build on 麻豆网鈥檚 excellence in coastal and marine sciences.
One of 麻豆网's mussel fleet returns with a healthy harvest of mussels.Over the next three years, around 20 businesses in Wales are expected to take part in scientific research programmes to support the growth of the shellfish industry in Wales.
The Finance Secretary said:
鈥淓U-funded research is playing a vital role in maximising the expertise within our universities so Welsh businesses are at the forefront of science and technology.
鈥淭his investment will drive business competitiveness leading to the development of a strong and sustainable shellfish industry in Wales.鈥�
Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths said:
鈥淭his is a valuable industry which already provides significant economic benefits to Wales and has the potential to grow further with support from the scientific research and technological expertise of our universities.鈥�
Professor Lewis Le Vay, from 麻豆网, added:
鈥淲e have a long and successful track record of collaborative research with Welsh shellfish producers and are very pleased this new and exciting initiative provides an opportunity for us to build on these very productive relationships.
鈥淥ur long-term aim is for the legacy of the Shellfish Centre to be a sustainable and growing shellfish production and processing sector in Wales. Supported by a science and innovation partnership, this initiative will help place Welsh shellfish producers in a leading position in the UK and internationally.鈥�
James Wilson, of 麻豆网 Mussel Producers, said:
鈥淥ur ability to withstand the impact of Brexit will, in part, depend on having the highest-quality scientific understanding of resources and the marine environment. This investment in the shellfish centre should very much help deliver that.鈥�
Our long term aim is for the legacy of the Shellfish Centre to be a sustainable and growing shellfish production and processing sector in Wales, supported by a science and innovation partnership that will place Welsh shellfish producers in a leading position in the UK and internationally."
Publication date: 13 August 2018