The European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban, Argyll, Scotland.
Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
A groundbreaking project is underway in Argyll to establish Scotland’s first commercial laboratory for marine environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, specialising in the aquaculture sector.
Ocean Ecology, an underwater ecological survey company, is developing the lab at its facilities within the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban. This new facility will enable more detailed environmental monitoring and "full life-cycle" services for Scotland’s aquaculture industry.
With a total investment of £108,000, the project has secured £21,642 in funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The funding will support the acquisition of advanced equipment for eDNA extraction and purification from sediment and water samples.
This technology allows Ocean Ecology to offer comprehensive analysis services that monitor biodiversity, assess water quality, and detect invasive species, which is essential for sustainable aquaculture practices, the company said.
The expansion comes amid growing interest in eDNA analysis among Ocean Ecology’s clients, "expected to lead to substantial industry demand in the short term", according to HIE.
“The addition of eDNA services will allow us to continue to provide services to our clients during the full life cycle of an aquaculture site, from pre-development site characterisation and licensing to compliance monitoring and diagnostics. By keeping up with regulatory change we can remain reactive to our clients’ needs," said Dr Michael Redford, Ocean Ecology's laboratory manager.
In addition to the aquaculture sector, Reford said the new facility "will also allow us to serve several other industries, including an expanding offshore renewable sector.”
“The marine environment around Scotland offers tremendous potential for sustainable commercial activity, and many companies are involved in various initiatives that tap into this. Ocean Ecology is a great example. The company is part of a growing cluster of marine related innovation at the EMSP," said Morag Goodfellow, HIE’s area manager for Argyll and the Islands.
"This latest project to create an eDNA lab will trigger further growth of the company while enhancing the wider expertise that’s available in Scotland. I’m delighted we are able to support the project and look forward to continuing to work with Ocean Ecology as they continue their growth," Goodfellow added.