More than 120 years of marine science in Lowestoft has been marked in style.

The Princess Royal visited the newly developed and refurbished Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) HQ building and laboratories on the second day of her two-day tour of the region.

As well as commemorating Cefas’ long-standing commitment to marine science in Lowestoft, the visit marked the formal opening of the new facilities.

Lowestoft Journal: The Princess Royal arriving and is met by Neil Hornby (Cefas CEO), Dr Sian Limpenny ( Director of Strategy and Delivery) and Kelly Baker (Refurbishment project manager) and is shown the newly developed Cefas HQ. Picture: CefasThe Princess Royal arriving and is met by Neil Hornby (Cefas CEO), Dr Sian Limpenny ( Director of Strategy and Delivery) and Kelly Baker (Refurbishment project manager) and is shown the newly developed Cefas HQ. Picture: Cefas (Image: Cefas)

During her visit, the Princess Royal met a range of Cefas colleagues - from scientists specialising in fisheries, marine climate change, pollution, and emergency response to staff who were pivotal in delivering the new building programme.

Lowestoft Journal: The Princess Royal looking down a microscope at fish otoliths (ear bones). Picture: CefasThe Princess Royal looking down a microscope at fish otoliths (ear bones). Picture: Cefas (Image: Cefas)

The Princess Royal viewed data gathering equipment used on vessel work around the UK, including the North Sea, and the UK Overseas Territories; toured the microscopy suite; listened to presentations on fisheries through the ages and spoke to scientists about their research on marine climate change, pollution and biodiversity.

Lowestoft Journal: The Princess Royal with Cefas Chief Scientist, Stuart Rogers and Cefas Marine Engineer, Annie Meadows and a demonstration of marine monitoring equipment. Picture: CefasThe Princess Royal with Cefas Chief Scientist, Stuart Rogers and Cefas Marine Engineer, Annie Meadows and a demonstration of marine monitoring equipment. Picture: Cefas (Image: Cefas)

After the Princess Royal’s visit, Cefas CEO Neil Hornby said: "Today is a proud day in Cefas’ history.

"Cefas’ roots in Lowestoft date back to 1902, when a small fisheries laboratory was first established.

"Reaching this important 120-year milestone has been an opportunity to reflect on our rich history, but also to plan for a future where our unique science expertise continues to support healthy and productive rivers, seas and the ocean in the UK and around the world."

During the visit, the Princess Royal signed a visitor's book, next to her father’s signature. He visited the Lowestoft Laboratory in 1956.

Lowestoft Journal: The Princess Royal unveiling the commemorative plaque alongside Neil Hornby, Cefas CEO. Picture: CefasThe Princess Royal unveiling the commemorative plaque alongside Neil Hornby, Cefas CEO. Picture: Cefas (Image: Cefas)

The tour concluded with the Princess Royal unveiling a commemorative plaque to formally open the new HQ building, which had been delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

The official opening of the new building follows a £16m investment programme with funding from Defra and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.

This secures a long-term future for Cefas in Lowestoft bringing employment, training opportunities and wider economic benefits.