Government Minister visits the Cefas Burnham Laboratory for Golden Jubilee celebrations

On Monday 24th November Ben Bradshaw MP, Defra's Minister for Nature Conservation and Fisheries, visited the Cefas Burnham Laboratory as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. During his visit Ben Bradshaw cut a Golden Jubilee cake, and unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Research at Burnham-on-Crouch started in 1947 to assist the local oyster fishermen and to improve the low productivity of the post-war industry. Staff were given temporary accommodation in a Nissen hut behind the Royal Burnham Yacht Club until the current laboratory opened on 23 September 1953. As the "first purpose-built fisheries laboratory" in the UK it rated an article in Nature. Staff at this time comprised of 6 scientists with technical and clerical support, and now there are just over 100. The remit of the laboratory has expanded to cover many aspects of environmental protection concerning coastal zone management, the offshore oil and gas industry and marine emergencies, hazardous substances and monitoring and assessment.

The Jubilee events at Burnham follow the centenary events of last year celebrating 100 years of fisheries research for Cefas.

Photo by Matt & Gloss Photography.