2013 - University College Cork

6
MARINE RESEARCH CENTRES AT UCC
AQUACULTURE & FISHERIES
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
STRATEGIC VISION
“To support, stimulate and promote the development of aquaculture
and fisheries, thereby enabling these sectors to achieve their full
socio-economic potential by utilising sustainable natural resources”
The Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre (AFDC; est.d 1987) is a centre of excellence
for aquaculture and fisheries research embedded within the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental
Sciences and affiliated to the Environmental Research Institute. Although the breadth
of research conducted at the AFDC is broad, the main aim of this research is to work towards sustainability
in aquaculture and fisheries with a view to securing Ireland’s future in marine economic
sectors, whilst working closely with industry and research groups nationally and internationally.
To achieve this aim, research which addresses the national and EU priorities for sustainability
within the sector are major drivers of the AFDC work programme. Often this includes research
into new and emerging aquaculture species and target fisheries of commercial potential. In addition
to the academic value of AFDC research, other end-users include commercial fishing communities,
fisheries managers, aquaculturists, national environment agencies, leisure groups (e.g
anglers), policy makers and regulators.
Research activities at the centre cover four broadly-descript thematic areas, each led by a Principal
Investigator from the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences:
– Marine Mammals and Fisheries (Dr Emer Rogan)
– Molecular Genetics (Prof. Tom Cross)
– Aquaculture (Prof. Gavin Burnell)
– Shellfish Health (Dr Sarah Culloty)
The research capability at the centre includes expertise in both inshore and deep-sea fisheries,
disease research, focussing on the impact of fishing practices on the environment, bycatch and
discards, on Genetic Stock Identification of exploited fish species and on conservation genetics
of endangered species and basic fish biology. Research expertise and influences from numerous
academic departments ensure a multidisciplinary approach to research projects. The AFDC actively
co-ordinates and participates in collaborative R&D projects (national and European) and
provides consultancy and training services for both public and private sector clients, nationally
and internationally. Research is conducted at the leading edge of aquaculture in collaboration with
industry and academic partners, and activities are continually expanding to include developing
areas. The AFDC also supports research by undergraduate and post-graduate students, from UCC
and further afield.
Over the years, the AFDC has built up a significant public profile and has made a valuable contribution
to the development of aquaculture and the sustainability of fisheries, both nationally and
internationally, through successful participation in research programmes, regional development
and training initiatives. In these activities the AFDC maintains active links with universities and
companies in all EU countries.