Over a third of elasmobranchs (cartilaginous fish such as sharks, rays and skates) are categorised as endangered or critically endangered, making them amongst the most threatened marine animals. This includes Dipturus intermedius which is more commonly known as the flapper skate. The decline in flapper skate over the last century is mainly the result of historical overfishing. With their slow body growth, late maturity and an 18-month egg development period, flapper skate are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fishing. Often, individuals were caught before reaching maturity and as a res ..read more

We have published our new Marine Science and Innovation Strategy highlighting the crucial role of science and innovation in realising the full potential of the marine environment. The strategy – part of our Blue Economy Vision to 2045 – is a blueprint for the Scottish Government to utilise the best available science, evidence and data for making informed marine management decisions that benefit the economy, environment and society, including coastal and island communities. It also includes a commitment for innovation through using the latest technology, such as artificial intelligence, includi ..read more

To mark International Women’s Day (8 March 2022), we are sharing some of the achievements of women working in various roles across the Marine Scotland directorate of the Scottish Government. Kelly McIntosh, Marine Chemist works in our science team (main picture above) Kelly said: “I grew up in Fraserburgh, before doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forensic and Analytical Science at Robert Gordons University in Aberdeen. Part of my degree involved an 18-month industrial placement with Shell at the St Fergus Gas Processing site. “While on placement, I worked as a technician alongside the Proce ..read more

To celebrate British Science Week 2021 Marine Scotland has produced some new videos to put the spotlight on the importance of our seas, oceans and freshwaters. So join us to learn more about the seas and climate change and to find out what it’s like working in the lab. These talks are suitable for Secondary 2 to 6 pupils. The programme includes: Motion of the Ocean – Bee Berx Marine Scotland Science Climate Change Lead The role of the ocean and changes within it to our climate Diagnosing bacterial disease in fish and shellfish – Alison Garden Senior Microbiologist Marine Scotland Science – A ..read more

If you’re stuck for some fun, educational things to do at the moment then look no further than our Marine Education Zone. Below, our Comms Team has recommended some of their favourite Marine Scotland themed resources to keep boredom at bay – so check them out and share your creations. You can tweet your finished article tagging @marinescotland and using #MShomeschooling Or you can send them directly to us using the address ms.exhibitions@gov.scot and we’ll share them on Twitter. Our You Tube channel has a range of great video clips including a virtual tour of one of our research vessels, the S ..read more

Many marine organisms, such as whales, dolphins and seals produce sound whilst they are under water. Maybe you’ve heard the clicking noises made by dolphins. But did you know that this is also the case for fish too? This is what PhD student Monika Kosecka has been studying as part of her project on fish acoustics. Usually based in Oban, at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS) campus, Monika came to Aberdeen to conduct acoustic and behavioural trials using the fish behaviour aquaria at Marine Scotland. Conducting Trials Monika monitored nine fish during the trials, recording all so ..read more

As we celebrate British Science Week we’re delighted to bring you an update from Indian artist and researcher, Sonia Mehra Chawla, with whom we worked closely with during the research phase of her two year project. Sonia’s installation, which focuses on issues around the North Sea, will be open to the public from April 4, 2020 at Edinburgh Printmakers and is presented as part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2020 and the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 Partner Programme. Below, Sonia has given us some excerpts from her working notes – where we see her begin to explore living systems and the phases ..read more

Ms Hannah Fennell, Senior Researcher in our Marine Analytical Unit To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are thrilled to announce that Ms Hannah Fennell, Senior Researcher in our Marine Analytical Unit, will be giving a talk at the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther about her research into ‘The Unacknowledged Inputs of Orkney’s Fishing Industry’. The ‘Women in the Fishing Industry’ event will begin at 1 pm on Sunday 8th March and will continue throughout the afternoon. Women from all areas of the fishing industry will be giving talks about their research, work and what it is like t ..read more

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity for us to put the spotlight on some of the great work that’s going on in Marine Scotland Science. This year’s big day also marks the first since we were awarded the Bronze Award by the Athena SWAN Charter as part of our work to tackle gender inequalities in science and engineering. The Award recognises work undertaken to address gender equality in Higher Education and Research Institutes. Dr Carey Fraser who leads on diversity and inclusion within Marine Scotland Science said: “It is clear that more diverse teams perform better ..read more

We are currently seeking applications for a Fishery Assistant within Marine Scotland based in Edinburgh. This is a permanent and pensionable appointment and new entrants will normally start on the minimum of the pay range. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria below will be invited to the assessments. The successful candidate will join the Marine Scotland Compliance division. Marine Scotland is responsible for the integrated management of Scotland’s seas. Marine Scotland Compliance, a division of Marine Scotland, is entrusted with the effective monitoring and enforcement ..read more