The University of Stirling (UK) has just announced a £3.5 million initiative to develop a digital tool to promote sustainable aquaculture in Vietnam's Mekong Delta.
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The initiative was announced during a recent official visit by British Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, to the world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling. During his visit, Ambassador Frew held discussions with Professor Gerry McCormac, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, and scientists working on projects to improve aquaculture in Vietnam.
Ambassador Frew said the University of Stirling is a world leader in aquaculture research and the decades of work undertaken in Vietnam has made a significant contribution to the livelihoods of fishermen and communities across the Mekong region. Addressing the pangasius disease outbreak and efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will ensure that Mekong aquaculture thrives for decades to come.
“I am delighted that the UK Government funding will enable the University of Stirling to continue their research partnership in the Mekong through the development of the AquaSoS project and tools to address the challenges posed by climate change, enabling Vietnam to transition to a more resilient food system,” said Ambassador Frew.
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| Ambassador Frew (left) and Professor Gerry McCormac |
According to Professor Gerry McCormac, aquaculture is a key sector in Vietnam, where researchers at the University of Stirling have been working to support a more efficient and sustainable industry. “The AquaSoS project combines the world-renowned work of the Stirling Aquaculture Institute with our expertise in Earth observation and water quality, and is another example of how we are applying our research and innovation around the world to support environmental sustainability and global food security,” said Professor Gerry McCormac.
The £3.5 million AquaSoS project, funded by the UK Government and led by Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Department of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, will conduct research in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Drawing on Earth observation and water quality expertise from Stirling’s School of Biological and Environmental Studies (BES), the interdisciplinary project will use data from satellites, sensors and laboratories to tackle challenges such as pollution, climate change and disease.
AquaSoS will create a digital tool to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable aquaculture. This tool will equip scientists, policymakers and industry leaders with the critical information needed to balance environmental protection with food production.
“We chose to develop the AquaSoS framework in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam because of its potential for large-scale multi-species production, but also because of the increasing burden of infectious diseases,” said Professor Simon MacKenzie. “Infectious diseases in aquaculture in Asia and around the world are a major threat to sustainable production. AquaSoS will be designed to address this.”
AquaSoS is one of four projects announced as part of a £12 million UK Government initiative to enhance sustainable aquaculture in Southeast Asia, addressing climate change, food security and community resilience. The projects are funded through Official Development Assistance from the UK Government’s International Science Partnership Fund and are being delivered by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Dr Amanda Collis, Executive Director, Research Strategy and Programmes at BBSRC, said: “We are delighted that BBSRC and NERC have been able to invest in four sustainable aquaculture projects, building partnerships between researchers in the UK and South East Asia through a £12 million investment from the UK Government’s Official Development Assistance budget. Our shared aim is to deliver a more productive, healthier, more sustainable food system and this interdisciplinary programme on aquaculture systems will take us one step closer to realising this ambition.”Source: https://thoibaonganhang.vn/thuc-day-nuoi-trong-thuy-san-ben-vung-tai-dong-bang-song-cuu-long-161551.html
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