Organism health

Our science helps us to understand the way in which individual organisms respond to stressors, disturbance, chemical and pathogenic challenges.

The aquatic environment is susceptible to man-made and natural perturbation such as disease, pollutants, and toxins. These may impact the health of individual organisms or populations and can also impact man through the food chain.  A sustainable aquatic environment, and rational exploitation of its natural resources, requires understanding of the nature, mechanism and impact of such stressors and their management. Science in this thematic area is primarily focused on understanding and managing undesirable impacts in fish and shellfish (animal health) and on man through the food chain (human health).

Many of our work programs are linked to formal risk assessment and management activities. However, we also strive to maintain a vibrant underpinning research component to understand and meet emerging challenges. Primary customers are Defra, the Food Standards Agency and the EU. We also provide services, scientific advice and research to a range of other governmental and commercial organisations.