The £3.5 million project, led by the University of Stirling (Scotland - UK), aims to develop a digital tool to promote sustainable aquaculture in the Mekong Delta.
Called the “AquaSoS Project”, the aquaculture support programme was announced during a recent visit by the British Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Iain Frew, to the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling. During the visit, Mr. Frew discussed with Professor Gerry McCormac, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, and scientists working on projects to improve aquaculture operations in Vietnam.
“The University of Stirling is a world leader in aquaculture research and the work carried out in Vietnam over many decades has made a significant contribution to supporting the livelihoods of people and communities across the Mekong Delta,” said Ambassador Frew.
Mr. Iain Frew (center), British Ambassador to Vietnam, with scientists at the University of Stirling, UK. The AquaSoS project will support aquaculture in the Mekong Delta. Source: University of Stirling
Through the British Embassy in Hanoi, Mr Frew shared: "I am delighted that the UK Government's funding will help the University of Stirling continue its university research partnership in the Mekong Delta through the development of the AquaSoS Project and its activities to address the challenges posed by climate change..."
Also through the British Embassy, Professor Gerry McCormac, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, affirmed: "Aquaculture is an important sector in Vietnam. In this sector, researchers from the University of Stirling have been working hard to support the sector's efficiency and sustainability."
In addition, Professor McCormac said that the University of Stirling has linked the AquaSoS Project with the Stirling Institute of Aquaculture and Stirling’s Earth Observation and Water Quality programme. This means that international expertise is also being brought to bear on the project.
The £3.5 million AquaSoS project is funded by the UK Government and is led by Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Department of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling. Drawing on Earth observation and water quality expertise from Stirling’s School of Biological and Environmental Research, the project will use data from satellites, sensors and laboratories to tackle challenges such as pollution, climate change and disease.
According to the University of Stirling, the AquaSoS project will create digital tools to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable aquaculture. The tools will provide scientists, policymakers and industry leaders with vital and necessary information to balance environmental protection with food production.
Professor Simon MacKenzie detailed: "Around the world, rivers, seas and deltas are vulnerable to rising water temperatures, salinity, pollution and changes in water flows due to environmental change. These changes disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity and threaten food and water security, negatively impacting developing countries like Vietnam."
Pangasius farmers in An Giang. Source: VASEP
"We chose to develop the project here because the region has the potential for large-scale, diverse aquaculture, but the risk of infectious diseases is increasing. Diseases in aquaculture in Asia and around the world are a major threat to sustainable production, and AquaSoS aims to address this issue," the head of the AquaSoS project explained why the Mekong Delta was chosen.
AquaSoS is one of four projects announced as part of a £12 million UK Government initiative to increase sustainable aquaculture in Southeast Asia. The projects are funded through Official Development Assistance from the UK Government’s International Science Partnership Fund and are being implemented by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
The University of Stirling is the university that awarded an honorary doctorate to Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 when he was the head coach of the world-famous Manchester United football club (England).
Source: https://danviet.vn/dai-hoc-tung-trao-hoc-vi-tien-si-cho-sir-alex-dang-ho-tro-nuoi-thuy-san-o-vung-mien-nao-viet-nam-20250319120448086.htm
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