Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd have been working together with Dr Keith Todd, Manager of the Marine Station to plan and integrate much of the life support systems for the facility where the remit is ethical research focussed on the unique marine environment of St Abbs and the North Sea. Specialising in the study of species native to the United Kingdom.

Varicon have assisted in the design and integration of many of the seawater pumping and control systems. Utilising Variable Frequency Drives linked to temperature and flow transducers we can maintain a steady flow of seawater into the facility regardless of tidal conditions. Varicon further undertook the full install of all pipework throughout the facility which was fully lagged and lined.

In keeping with the marine Station’s policy of low EMF, Varicon fabricated all of the tank and aquaria support structures from preformed Glass Reinforced Plastic angle and I beams. To facilitate temperature control for the various experimental systems we installed from our range of Teco Industrial chillers.

This is an impressive facility, built with the very best of building materials, incorporated very sympathetically into the old stone outbuildings which previously populated the pier and a real credit to the principles ad progenitors of this project.

The research agenda will include:

• Multi-species hatchery techniques for the culture of species which are considered vulnerable or of ecological or commercial importance.
• Lifecycle studies of marine species.
• Bio-remediation – the study and breeding programmes of marine creatures which can help restore the natural ecological balance.
• Researching the effects of natural magnetic fields and EMF in the marine environment.
• The research will be published for peer review and we aim to provide practical solutions for the restoration and enhancement of our seas.

The facilities are purpose built and are energy efficient, have a low EMF and magnetic field signature and many design features to enable our studies including a clear roof to allow natural daylight and photoperiod. The facility will have a 24 hour supply of raw natural seawater.

A key area of interest will be in the interaction of many species within the plankton, particularly larval stages and their effect on fisheries recruitment and biodiversity.

The marine station will initially be set up to study several species including shellfish (lobster, brown crab, langoustine, crawfish), European eel, Jellyfish and many fish species including herring, sand eel, haddock, lemon sole, cod, hake and wolf fish.