The Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR) is a centre of excellence founded in 2003 with support from the European Union, Welsh Government and Swansea University. CSAR is one of the most comprehensive university-based aquatic research facilities in Europe.
Our online brochure provides a detailed description of each RAS.
We have closed respirometry chambers for testing baseline metabolic rates, and swim tunnels for testing swimming ability and aerobic scope. These setups can be used to test marine or freshwater species between 0.5-150g in body weight.
We have a CRISPR lab for gene editing work, a molecular biology laboratory, and a dry lab with essential equipment (e.g. microscopes, flow hood, centrifuges, etc.)
Our £3.5 million state-of-the-art suite of 16 living labs were specifically designed to raise and/or optimally maintain a range of aquatic species for use in research and/or teaching.
If you would like to work with us and use our facilities check our facilities cost calculator.
For more information on how to collaborate and access the facilities please get in touch.
The two largest CSAR laboratories both have industry-grade RAS systems, each 60m3 in volume, with water circulation rates up to 100m3/h.
Self-contained RAS (with optional flow-through) with:
Self-contained RAS with:
Control temperature laboratory with:
Control temperature laboratory with:
CSAR has the largest microalgae production facility among British Universities and offers research and technological development expertise to businesses wishing to engage in this technology area. Our areas of expertise encompass:
Algal biotechnology is a new and growing business sector with applications in such diverse areas as second generation biofuels, carbon dioxide capture, waste water remediation and natural products manufacture (eg, omega-3 oils, pigments, antioxidants).
Controlled environment lab with:
Commercial scale algal production facility with:
CSAR has a dedicated dry laboratory equipped with specialist equipment for use in areas of microspcopy, histology, water chemistry, analytical techniques and cell culture.
