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Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland

Fisheries Science Forum

Welcome to the MASTS Fisheries Science Forum

This Forum is a world-class fisheries science collective which provides research and advice relevant to sustainable fisheries management.

By focusing on the ecology, economics, sociology, and governance of commercially exploited marine fish and fisheries, this Forum intends to improve our understanding of marine [fish & shellfish] systems, and the human [fisheries] influence on them.

Brown Crab in a fishing net
Forum News & Resources
Background & Objectives

The MASTS Fisheries Science Forum aims to be a world-class fisheries science collective which provides research and advice relevant to sustainable fisheries management. The Forum works under the MASTS ‘Productive Seas’ Theme to improve our understanding of marine [fish and shellfish] systems, and the human [fisheries] influence on them, by undertaking research into the ecology, economics, sociology, and governance of commercially exploited marine fish and fisheries. This is important not only for the long term economic future of an important global industry, but for the well-being of rural communities, and the food security and good health of the general public.

The forum will complement and supplement work carried out by national agencies such as Marine Scotland, but focus on medium to long-term strategic research, although members may provide short-term objective scientific advice on fisheries matters, as well as expert opinion & comment. The Forum will use and develop innovative technology and tools in support of these goals, drawing on the broader range of expertise available in the Scottish HEI community and the Scottish fishing industry. Finally, the forum will help to develop a new generation of fisheries scientists, providing a vibrant research atmosphere and training opportunities for young scientists.

This Forum works closely with Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability (formerly known as Fisheries Innovation Scotland). Find out more here. Download “A review of Scotland’s marine fisheries: stock status, knowledge gaps, research requirements and stakeholder engagement” here.

  • Interacting with the different communities which have an interest in Fisheries.
  • Engaging with new partners and promoting collaboration across disciplines to further Fisheries research.
  • Ensuring greater output and providing databases for those interested in Fisheries Science.
  • Discussing and helping to deliver the best scientific knowledge available.
Forum Activities

2023: MASTS Fisheries – Interaction with Policy Symposium

This event provided the opportunity to showcase to Marine Scotland Policy colleagues, the scope and research expertise relevant to fisheries across the MASTS community. The symposium was designed to allow a broad selection of research to be highlighted through a series of brief presentations and time for questions and discussion.
Policy colleagues were invited to participate in a facilitated open discussion to explore how the research community can engage and help to better inform policy.  The facilitator for this event was Kara Brydson, Executive Director at Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability.

A copy of the abstract booklet and links to selected presentations is available to view here.

Convenor
Picture of Steering Group Convenor Paul Fernandes' face smiling at the camera

Paul Fernandes
– Heriot-Watt University

Professor | Global Research Institutes & The Lyell Centre

Interests: Sustainable management of marine resources | Development of advanced underwater survey technologies (acoustics, visual surveys, geostatistics)

MASTS is looking for Co-Convenors for this Forum. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in this position.

Steering Group

Arina Moltova (Seafish), Chevonne Angus & Beth Mouat (NAFC Marine Centre), Beta Rodrigues (Student rep from Heriot Watt University and the SUPER DTP), Clive Fox (UHI-SAMS), Douglas Speirs (University of Strathclyde), Elena Balestri (Scottish Fishermens Federation), Harriet Cole (Marine Directorate), Karen Diele (Edinburgh Napier University), Mark James (University of St Andrews), Michel Kaiser (Heriot-Watt University), Mike Heath (University of Strathclyde), Robin Cook (University of Strathclyde) and Tania Mendo (University of St Andrews).

Member Logos Fisheries Science Forum
MASTS Resources

We’re working behind the scenes to bring you a suite of useful, and updateable, resources including: 

  • Find an expert
  • Find facilities & equipment
  • MASTS Publications

 

If you would like to be updated when the resources section is live please let us know.