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Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research

"In pursuit of sustainable aquaculture technologies”  

CSAR is the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, based at Swansea University's College of Science.  Operating from state-of-the-art controlled environment facilities, the CSAR team carries out research and technological development, training and advice on behalf of commercial farmers / aquaculture service providers, funding agencies and governmental institutions, in the UK and internationally.  

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The Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, CSAR, is a centre of excellence founded in 2003 with support from the European Union, Welsh Assembly Government and Swansea University. Equipped with modern, fully programmable recirculating aquaculture systems, CSAR is designed for applied research on a diverse range of aquatic organisms, from temperate to tropical and marine to freshwater environments. 

In addition to its own top quality experimental facilities, CSAR has direct access to comprehensive expertise and laboratories across the Swansea University campus, encompassing biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, histo-pathology, water chemistry, systems engineering, bio-processing technologies and complex fluids processing.

Areas of specialty include: nutritional requirements and feed formulation/evaluation for farmed fish and shellfish; crustacean applied immunology and health management; microalgal biotechnology; water quality control and biosecurity management in recirculating aquaculture systems; and bioremediation and valorisation of aquaculture effluents.

As well as offering applied research services from its Swansea University base, the CSAR team provides information and advice to industry and governments. Recent examples include developing the aquaculture section of the Wales Fisheries Strategy (2008) and its associated Implementation Plan, and formation of the Welsh Aquaculture Producers’ Association (WAPA).

Education and training activities at CSAR include hosting a vibrant research studentship (PhD) programme, supervising MSc and MRes research projects, vocational training for undergraduate and postgraduate students and tailored training courses for industry and public institution personnel.