Bridgwater College recently unveiled a brand new aquaculture facility funded by the Fishmongers’ Company, London. Lord Phillimore, Chairman of the Company’s Fish and Fisheries Committee, officially opened the facility as part of a launch event that brought together numerous dignitaries, industry representatives and scientists, staff and students.

The facility, based at the College’s Cannington Centre, consists of 12 aquaculture tanks capable of holding a total of 10,000 litres of water and in excess of 100 kilograms of fish. The tanks are presently stocked with Nile tilapia but are suitable for holding a wide variety of fish including sea bass, carp, catfish, trout and salmon.

The facility fits strategically with the College’s ambition to offer students a clear line of sight to work, with both practical and classroom-based learning and assessments on offer. The College has already established connections within the agricultural industry and has shown that it makes a positive contribution to partnerships with employers, manufacturers and suppliers.

The new facility will allow this approach to be enhanced with regards to the College’s aquaculture provision. Research staff working at the facility will be able to provide practical instruction and, as a result of this engagement with industry, students will have frequent exposure to the very latest advances in the aquaculture sector.

Shaun Plenty, Bridgwater College’s Commercial and Research Manager for Fisheries said,

“The new facility is not just important to the College, but will also play a key role in developing aquaculture in the South West region via the provision of world-class aquaculture education, training and research.”

Bridgwater College’s aquaculture facility also provides fisheries advice, including survey work and fish removal. For more information, or to book a service, please phone 01278 655236 or email fisheries@bridgwater.ac.uk.