New case study: early detection, healthier salmon

This SAIC-supported project developed diagnostic tools to improve salmon health and sustainability

Disease outbreaks in salmon farming can threaten fish welfare, productivity, and environmental sustainability. By using biological markers - natural signals in the fish’s blood – this project aims to help producers identify and respond to health issues faster and more effectively.

Led by the University of the West of Scotland, the project - funded by the UK Seafood Innovation Fund – was valued at £439,500. The other partners were Bakkafrost Scotland, Vertebrate Antibodies Ltd, Fleet Bioprocessing, and the University of Waterloo, with collaboration from Environment Canada.

By focusing on biomarkers, the project team was able to create rapid, cost-effective tests to detect bacterial and viral infections early. These tools can help farmers respond quickly to health issues, improving fish welfare and reducing environmental impact.

By enabling earlier disease detection, this outcomes of this project will help to support the long-term resilience of the aquaculture sector, and strengthen Scotland’s position as a leader in the production of sustainable seafood.

Read the full case study - Early detection, healthier salmon: advancing biomarker diagnostics for a sustainable Scottish aquaculture