SAMS take over immediate management for the site thanks to a package of support from Lochaber Enterprise, the Highland Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, and Seafish.  The deal secures 11 jobs at the site.

SAMS plans to develop Ardtoe into a world-class facility for fundamental and applied research in fish biology and environmental interactions to complement its own research into the relationships between the physico-chemical environment, the marine ecosystem, and human activities.

Professor Graham Shimmield, Director of SAMS, said:
“We are pleased to announce that the former aquaculture research unit at Ardtoe will be operated by a new, wholly-owned subsidiary company – SAMSArdtoe.

"Aquaculture is an activity of great socio-economic importance to Scotland, but has attracted controversy over the scale of its environmental impacts. Independent quality research must form the basis for the sustainable development of this industry. The Ardtoe research facility operated by SAMS - which has a reputation for quality research and independence - will make important contributions to the sustainable use of marine resources."

Seafish has committed continued support for the unit with £200,000 in funding for research projects over the next three financial years with a Seafish representative on the Board of SAMSArdtoe. In addition, a further £175,000 in funding is committed to support research projects started during Seafish’s management of the site.

John Rutherford, Seafish Chief Executive, said:
“The Seafish Board took the difficult decision earlier this year that it was no longer viable for Seafish to serve the whole spectrum of the UK seafood industry and continue direct management of specialised aquaculture research at Ardtoe.

“The outcome of this transfer is significant with the majority of jobs maintained at the site and a new focussed research business. There has been a great deal of uncertainty for the staff based at Ardtoe over this period and I must praise the integrity and professionalism shown by the team.

“Seafish continues to support marine finfish and shellfish aquaculture and we maintain a small aquaculture development outreach team who will continue to work closely with Ardtoe and marine fish farmers throughout the UK.”

Charlotte Wright, acting chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise, said she was delighted at the announcement.

"This change of ownership is doubly welcome," said Ms Wright. "Not only does it end a period of uncertainty for staff at the unit, it also opens up an exciting new chapter for marine research on the west coast.

"Lochaber Enterprise is delighted to have been able to assist SAMS to take over the facility and lay plans to take it in a new and sustainable direction.

"The laboratories at Ardtoe have built up an enviable reputation over a period of decades and it really is excellent news that they will be able to continue their unique and pioneering work."

Councillor Michael Foxley, Vice-Convener of The Highland Council and the local member for Ardnamurchan and Morvern, said:
"The announcement of the successful transfer of the unit at Ardtoe from Seafish to SAMS is very welcome news. The Highland Council and Lochaber Enterprise Company have worked very hard to ensure the future of this important facility. 

"The facility is a key employer in this particularly fragile area and the Council is committed to not only helping to sustain these jobs, but in helping to support and develop this vital sector.

"Scotland needs this research capability and it will help the Highlands to develop as a centre of marine and environmental research.

"The Council looks forward to working with SAMS in its efforts not only to grow the company but to develop closer working links with the community and with community initiatives."

North MP David Stewart - who represents Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber - said today he was delighted the threatened Marine Farming Unit is now secure, paying tribute to Lochaber Enterprise, particularly Chief Executive, Charlotte Wright, for hard work behind the scenes.