Two Devon scientists hold the key to safeguarding Britain's favourite cod and chips – by breeding sea fish that thrive in freshwater.
Steve and Frances "Jean" Marriot were down to their last £50 18 months ago, but have just turned down a £25 million offer for their business.
Scientist have warned the nation's fish and chips lovers that North Sea cod is on the verge of becoming extinct, as a result of over-fishing for decades.
But under top-secret conditions, the Marriot's Holsworthy-based research company Diobas has developed technology that has led to the successful breeding of marine fish that thrive in fresh water.
The multi-million pound offer for their business, which they say came from a firm linked to the fishing industry they suspected may have wanted to scupper their innovation.
This week, they will fly to Singapore to meet business leaders to discuss licensing agreements that will see giant grouper bred in tanks in Singapore and the Blue Fin tuna – which marine scientists want to see become a protected species – reared in China within 12 months, for lucrative sushi-loving Far Eastern markets.
The Marriots first came across a saltwater breed of fish introduced to a freshwater lake and thriving, while on holiday more than a decade ago. It was a rare – but not unique occurrence in the wild – but the mystery of how fish adapt to such conditions had baffled scientists.
Mr Marriot said: "It has to be stated right at the start that cod cannot survive in a freshwater lake, so don't go trying it in your local fishery – as they will most definitely die."
After several years of research, the Marriots discovered how the fish were surviving. "That was the easy bit," said Mr Marriot. It then took the couple seven years in total, to develop technology to replicate the environment that enables saltwater species to adapt to fresh water. This habitat was key to the secret and the fish are not genetically modified in any way.
"We spent many frustrating years trying to understand just how it would be possible – and the answer came in one of those eureka moments when everything made sense," said Mr Marriot.
The breakthrough means that saltwater species including cod, can now be "farmed" in massive freshwater tanks holding millions of gallons of water, close to city centres, or in rural areas where agriculture has suffered a decline.
The technology has opened up the possibility of fresh-sea fish delivered to stores within hours of being harvested.
"You could even set it up in the middle of the Sahara – the implications are huge," said Mr Marriot.
Already, the technology has been licensed for use around the globe including in Singapore and Ireland. Yet the Marriots may pull their venture out of the UK altogether, after failing to attract support for their venture in its early stages.
"Eighteen months ago, we knew we'd cracked it, but our company account was down to its last £50 and we were desperate for support," said Mr Marriot.
The couple even resorted to bartering knowledge over the internet with scientists from around the world, with the offer of a pint to local researchers who pitched in.
"It was a tough struggle and when we needed help – it was nowhere. If I hadn't been so thick skinned, we would never have pushed it through. It would have been much more satisfying if our home industry had taken the lead."
The Diobas office is papered with replies to letters the Marriots wrote to every member of the houses of Commons and Lords, when they were desperate for support. Now they are considering relocating the business to Singapore and Mr Marriot believes that questions may well be asked one day as to why the UK didn't respond sooner to his groundbreaking discovery.
He also accused the fishing industry of attempting to buy out and "sit" on his technology, to safeguard a "dying" sector that he says is exhausting fish numbers in the wild.
"We feel justified in saying that our approach could have a dramatic impact both commercially and on our fast dwindling stocks," he said.
The Marriot's business units are now under tight security following threats they say have come from the fishing industry, which Mr Marriot adds could have secured a stake in the innovation when Diobas was desperately seeking investment.
An expert on fish behaviour, Mr Marriot has also written in clauses to the licenses of his technology, to prevent "battery farming" conditions.
He believes it is only a matter of time before the technology is copied – but Diobas has held back a vital component in licensing the equipment to safeguard their future.
They are also confident that their wealth of research is also a valuable commodity in itself.
Source: westernmorningnews.co.uk
Back to News Headlines