National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub
National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) is a new, £21m suite of research and innovation facilities that transforms the range of services the Institute of Aquaculture can offer businesses.
NATIH offers
- A combination of research facilities, capacity and academic expertise unique in Europe.
- The ability to replicate fresh and marine water aquaculture environments across the world.
- The ability to variate gaseous states of water, and work within temperature parameters of 6-28 degrees Celsius.
- Appropriate licences in place to import any species from anywhere in the world to undertake aquaculture research.
- World-leading R&D across temperate and tropical freshwater aquaculture.
- The ability to research and pioneer innovative solutions across the entire lifecycle of multiple aquatic species.
Marine and freshwater facilities
NATIH Marine
NATIH Marine is the Institute’s marine facility, hosting a wide range of academic and contract research, including pharmaceutical development for salmonid aquaculture to the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standard.
NATIH Freshwater
NATIH freshwater facilities offer multi species freshwater research capabilities based on and off campus.
More business services
Nutrition Analytical Services
We are a commercial analytical service for the feed and food sector, utilising state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
Continuing professional development
We deliver continuing professional development training in a wide variety of aquaculture-related areas.
Our services at a glance
The below list outlines just some of the services we offer across our NATIH facilities. Contact us to find out more about how your business can benefit.
Water quality analysis
We’ve been delivering expert environmental survey services to the aquaculture industry, water authorities, and private clients since 1984. We help clients meet statutory and regulatory requirements, with services ranging from water quality monitoring to strategic advice on site development and environmental impact.
Performance testing of novel feeds
We test novel feeds, ingredients, and additives to assess fish performance in controlled freshwater and seawater environments. Our tailored analytical services span molecular to behavioural measurements, with bespoke experimental design to meet your project’s specific goals.
Sea lice and AGD challenge models
We offer established sea lice and AGD models for in-vitro and in-vivo testing, helping combat this major aquaculture challenge. As the UK’s only facility with a range of sea lice strains - inducing drug-naive and albino - we bring deep expertise in their life cycle to support effective treatment and control strategies.
Fish health management services
We support the aquaculture sector with expert fish health management services, including disease diagnosis and routine screening using parasitology, bacteriology, histology, virology, and pathogen identification.
Therapeutant testing
As the first GLP-compliant aquaculture centre in Europe, we’ve conducted clinical and non-clinical studies since 1994. Our purpose-built facilities support the testing of new therapeutants, all in line with GLP and GCP (Veterinary) standards to ensure safety for animals in the human food chain. We specialise in feed performance and toxicity testing across multiple species such as Atlantic salmon, Rainbow and Brown trout, Arctic char, Pangasius, Tilapia, Carp, and Barramundi.
Sustainability metrics and life cycle assessments
We deliver advanced sustainability metrics aligned with global aquaculture standards and EDI goals. Our Life Cycle Assessments help identify improvement pathways and support evidence-based marketing strategies.
Links with over 50 countries
Our Institute of Aquaculture has active partnerships all over the world. We play a leading role in projects in India, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America, working with governments and local partners to enhance food security through our expertise.
Read more about NATIH
National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub delivers new, state-of-the-art laboratories and aquatic experimental facilities, reinforcing our world-leading aquaculture work. NATIH is funded by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.
Contact us
Get in touch for advice and queries on all our services