Aquatics

Important Information for Researchers

This section contains important information and FAQs for users of the BVS Aquatics facility.

The BVS zebrafish facility is based in a multi-centred research institue, and now has a total floor space footprint of 330m2. This consists of five long-term holding rooms, one of which is a dedicated quarantine room, four Wet Labs and a storage and wash-up room with Wellcome Trust funded tank washer and autoclave. Through the generous financial support of the Wellcome Trust, the British Heart Foundation and the Royal Society the five holding rooms provide a maximum total capacity of 3300 tanks, with an approximate holding capacity of 80,000 zebrafish. Since its beginnings in 2005 The BVS Zebrafish Facility has seen its expansion to include approximately 50 research projects, plus numerous projects generating pilot data.

As a Home Office (HO) designated facility (PEL X212DDDBD), access to the facility is restricted; as laid down in a detailed Code of Practice, with access only provided to staff and users only after an in-house Health and Safety induction. All university PIs are eligible to apply for shared space, the Scientific Advisory Board and Management Committee will peer review this to approve and monitor space allocation.

 

In the Wet Labs there are a number of microinjection stations with Leica stereomicroscopes mounted with digital cameras; microinjection stations and ancillary support equipment, i.e. large incubators and fridge freezers, needle pullers. Current staffing includes five full-time members of  staff, the facility manager, and four dedicated aquatic animal husbandry technicians. Further information on booking aquatics facility equipment can be found here. (secured)

As well as being the Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO), the facility manager also provides day-to-day technical support and administration, plus when required, training and consultation on the application of zebrafish in research. The zebrafish facility manager has supervised researchers at all levels working under a HO licence, ensuring compliance with their terms and conditions. The zebrafish facility manager is also responsible for attracting new zebrafish users, through symposia presentations, liaising with Centre staff, training courses and website development.

Animal Charges & Grant Costings (secured)

Calculator and money
What is included in the price of an animal tank?

Import/Export of Zebrafish (secured)

Zebrafish in a tank
Information on Importing and Exporting Genetically Modified and Wild-type Zebrafish

Health Screening (secured)

Red Cross
Information on the BVS Aquatics health screening policy

Facility Resources (secured)

microscope and microinjection system
This includes booking microinjection, and imaging microscopes, and access to the Aquatics Stock Database.

Useful Links (secured)

ESRC Fellowship project related links
A list of useful links and resources

FAQs (secured)

Where can I get help?
A list of frequently asked questions and answers.