In July 2000, the AFDC merged with three separate Centres of Excellence and 9 departments within UCC to form the Environmental Research Institute (ERI), thus allowing a truly interdisciplinary approach to research projects.  In 2002, the AFDC relocated to new, larger, purpose-built aquaculture facilities.

The AFDC actively co-ordinates and participates in collaborative R&D projects (national and European) and provides consultancy and training services for both public and private sector clients, nationally and internationally. Research is conducted at the leading edge of aquaculture in collaboration with industry and academic partners, and activities are continually expanding to include developing areas. The AFDC also supports research by undergraduate and post-graduate students, from UCC and further afield

Over the years, the AFDC has built up a significant public profile and has made a valuable contribution to the development of aquaculture and the sustainability of fisheries, both nationally and internationally, through successful participation in research programmes, regional development and training initiatives. In these activities the AFDC maintains active links with universities and companies in all EU countries.

Finfish species of interest in aquaculture:
Salmon Salmo salar
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Turbot Scophthalmus maximus
Arctic Char Salvelinus alpinus
Atlantic Halibut  Hippglossus hippoglossus

Shellfish species of interest in aquaculture:
Abalone
Clams
Mussels
Oysters
Periwinkles
Scallops
Sea urchins


Fisheries interests:

Orange roughy
Hake
Conger eels
Cephalopod molluscs
Scallops

Whiting
Tuna