SPSG

SCIENCE

PIONEERS IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

The Scottish pelagic sector is a pioneer in scientific self-sampling and data collection work. To spearhead this work, the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association appointed in 2016 a Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Steven Mackinson, to develop and implement a long-term strategy for professionalising its science engagement activities.

Under the self-sampling initiative, and working in partnership with the Marine Directorate of the Scottish government, Shetland UHI and others, Scottish vessels have been collecting fish samples at sea, which ensures the provision of valuable and accurate data that can inform fisheries science and management. Due to the success of this initiative, the Scottish pelagic fishing industry has recently become the sole provider of samples for stock assessment.

Scottish pelagic fishermen also undertake scientific surveys of the western herring stock to better understand its population dynamics, as well as mackerel egg surveys. Surveys on Atlanto-Scandian herring and blue whiting are being undertaken on behalf of the Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government and The Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science.

Such work fosters a spirit of co-operation between industry, science and government, and ensures pragmatic management that is based on best science, and which ensures sustainable fisheries.

Stock Advice

Science Initiatives

Data Collection

The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association appointed in 2016 a Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Steven Mackinson

The Scottish pelagic fishing industry has recently become the sole provider of samples for stock assessment

Scottish pelagic fishermen undertake scientific surveys of the western herring to better understand its population dynamics