Marine
Marine Scotland Science Annual Review 2015/16
August 8, 2016 by Marine Scotland Communications 2 Comments | Category Marine Directorate Science, Publications
The latest Marine Scotland Science Annual Review 2015/16 has just been published which gives an insight in to the huge range of knowledge, skills, achievements and level of work undertaken by the scientists working within the Marine Scotland family.
As the Head of Science, Professor Colin Moffat (pictured right),
Prof Colin Moffat
explains:
“High quality science and advice that has an impact is fundamental to Marine Scotland Science (MSS), whether it is supporting Scotland’s aquaculture production to the highest level in terms of volume and value, providing the economic analyses needed to implement the management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas, providing world leading science on understanding how sea lice are distributed in the environment, leading to strategic sea lice control or implementing the new Conservation Regulations for salmon. All have direct impact.”
In addition, as well as providing specific advice to Scottish Government policy divisions and other national stakeholders, Marine Scotland Science expertise influences the development and implementation of international policy and regulations through participation in a wide range of working groups, networks and multinational organisations.
A few highlights from this report include:
- 275 site inspections were conducted by The Fish Health Inspectorate
- 720 days of training were provided for Science staff
- 1,857 salmon and sea trout catch returns were processed
- 14 Regulatory Impact Assessments of Marine Protected Area measures were undertaken
- 8 Marine Protected Areas were surveyed
- Advice on 1,630 oil and gas industry applications was given
- Our research vessels spent 582 days at sea
- Biological data were obtained for 250 fish and shellfish species
- A total of more than 29,000 environmental samples have been taken from 6 sites around Scotland’s coasts since 1997
Over the coming months, the blog will feature more stories and information from our scientists, but the Annual Review is a fascinating snapshot in to the depth and breadth of work undertaken by our dedicated team.
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Is there any plans to engage with Seismic, geotechnical companies as the new changes take effect, my thoughts are towards major oil and gas operators who employ geoscience marine vessels such as the one I work for?.. Andrew
Hello Andrew. Marine Scotland does not currently have plans to conduct or commission seismic surveys in support of our science programme. We do conduct some geotechnical sampling using the facilities on our own vessels as part of long-term or specific site monitoring and should a requirement for these services arise, notices would be placed on the portal for public procurement in Scotland: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Default.aspx