The Marine Aquaculture Innovation Centre (MAIC) enables aquaculture businesses, technology developers and seafood innovators to develop, validate and scale next-generation marine aquaculture technologies under commercially representative conditions.
The facility combines flexible rearing systems with advanced environmental control and monitoring infrastructure, enabling innovators to trial new technologies, optimise production systems and generate independent performance data under real-world aquaculture conditions.
MAIC supports innovation across a wide range of applications, including:
- Feed ingredient evaluation and nutrition trials
- Fish welfare monitoring and validation
- Genetic strain assessment
- Prototype and technology testing
- Diagnostics and health monitoring solutions
- Harvest and post-harvest process development
- Rearing protocols for emerging aquaculture species
The centre houses multiple rearing tanks (12 x 2m3 and 6 x 20m3) equipped with programmable lighting and feeding systems, oxygenation, waste collection and CCTV monitoring, alongside filtered and UV-sterilised seawater systems with optional chilling capabilities for precise environmental control.
By combining specialist infrastructure with commercial aquaculture expertise, MAIC enables innovators to accelerate technology development, de-risk adoption and support the future growth of sustainable marine aquaculture.
In collaboration with:
The Marine Aquaculture Innovation Centre is operated in partnership with Otter Ferry Seafish Ltd, located on Loch Fyne.
Otter Ferry Seafish is one of the longest established Aquaculture businesses in the UK. The company now specialises in the production of Cleaner fish. The company is the UK’s only Halibut hatchery, and founders of Gigha Halibut.
Otter Ferry Seafish is blessed to be in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and strives to look after the immediate environment, as well as making the most of the natural resources available. Consistent innovation, determination and resilience has driven the evolution of the business.
Aquaculture at the UK Agri-Tech Centre
The UK Agri-Tech Centre has made strategic investments to enhance the UK’s capacity for aquaculture research and innovation. We provide expertise that delivers whole chain, science-based solutions, at scale, and connect an outstanding breadth of academia, industry, and policy across the UK.
Supporting aquaculture innovation through controlled testing and real-world validation
These videos showcase the Marine Aquaculture Innovation Centre (MAIC) and how its facilities enable technologies, products and processes to be tested, refined and progressed towards commercial use. From facility overview to real project impact, see how MAIC supports innovation with robust data and industry-relevant trials.
Media / images
Curious to see MAIC in action?
Join us on 14 July 2026 to explore the facility for yourself. Find out more and book your place.
