SAMS has been conducting research into aquaculture and the biology of marine organisms since the early 20^th century. On 20th October 2009 newly refurbished aquarium facilities were opened that support our scientific objectives and are also available for rent and contract research.

The Alan Ansell Research Aquarium extends over 160m² and includes indoor and outdoor facilities. The indoor facilities include a 40m² open plan experimental area, a 23m² mezzanine floor for dry and self-contained wet experiments, numerous photoperiod and constant temperature rooms, and an observation room.  For more details on individual rooms, please click here.

Rooms in this facility are available for hire externally - for information contact the business development manager, Dr Keri Page (T: 01631 559362).

The aquarium is serviced with:

• pristine sea water from the Lynne of Lorne
• reliable water pump system: duplicate, monitored and alarmed
• water pumped via sub-sea sand filters into four 62m³ reservoirs

• flow-through water system with capability for full or partial recirculation 

• compressed air and localised power supplies (230V ac, 110V ac and 12V dc)

• hard-wired data and video communication links to an adjacent observation room

• computer-controlled, flexible lighting system
• a selection of GRP stock tanks of the following sizes: 1000mm (length) x 500mm (width) x 300mm (depth);  1000mm x 1000mm x 500mm, and 1800mm x 1800mm x 900mm. We also have a few larger tanks and many smaller standard tanks in both glass and acrylic.

The new facilities meet the highest hygiene standards exceeding UK Home Office requirements and have been designed with the end user in mind with the use of easily washable surfaces and the commisioning of bespoke recycled plastic benches which helps the environment whilst improving the hygiene of the aquarium.

An in-house multi-skilled technical support team is available to assist in the design, development, setting up and running of bespoke experimental systems to conduct aquaculture or marine ecology related research projects.

The aquarium has been used for studies of various topics including fish physiology, fish feed trials, biology of deep-sea coral, biological rhythms, echinoculture, seaweed cultivation, larval development, behavioural studies, and the biology of non-native species. Recent clients include BOCM Pauls, Unilever, Roche, the Scottish Salmon Growers Association, the Crown Estate, the Highlands and Island Enterprise, DEFRA and Glycomar Ltd.

For further inquiries please contact the SAMS aquarium manager.

For information on our scientific services, please liaise with the knowledge transfer office at SAMS.