The Aquatic Resources Centre

Aquatic Resources Centre

Over £12 million has been invested in the Aquatic Resources Centre (ARC) to provide a world-class teaching and research facility.

With 14 aquaria rooms, including the recent addition of a 3000 tank zebrafish unit, the ARC houses a wide range of freshwater and marine species, each relevant to a series of specific research questions.

The ARC is staffed by a highly experienced team of management and technical staff covering the areas aquatic systems and husbandry including plant and life support systems, zebrafish and all other aquatic organisms husbandry and welfare.

Indeed, research taking place within the ARC is incredibly wide-ranging and includes:

• improving our understanding of how chemicals entering the environment affect aquatic organisms;
• monitoring current and predicting future global impacts of ocean acidification and climate change;
• assessing the impacts of anthropogenic noise pollution on aquatic ecosystems;
• working towards sustainable aquaculture;
• understanding biological systems including neuroscience;
• studying aspects of human health, from modelling human disease processes through to drug development.

The facility is supported by a Wolfson Imaging Unit with specialist microscopes, video and imaging equipment, together with several preparation and laboratory rooms that contain automated respirometry, dosing and gas control systems that allow for sophisticated developmental, physiological and behavioural research.

A computer-controlled water treatment plant with 12 recirculating and 7 flow-to-waste systems allows us to provide high quality water of the desired salinity and temperature, from 10 to 28°C (+/- 1°C). Each room also has its own dedicated building management system for air temperature control and independent day-night light cycles.