Ray Hilborn: Prominent US Fisheries Scientist to Visit Shetland to Discuss the Future of Seafood

UHI Shetland are welcoming a renowned researcher in the field of fisheries science to Shetland: Professor Ray Hilborn

Professor Ray Hilborn, of the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Washington is travelling from the US to visit the Isles as part of UHI Shetland’s strategic development in partnership with the seafood industry.

Prof. Hilborn’s research focuses on the best ways to manage fisheries to provide sustainable benefits to human society. He is the author of several books and over 200 peer-reviewed articles on the subject. He is noted for his expertise in understanding global fish stocks and in 2016 received the International Fisheries Science Prize. Prof. Hilborn frequently collaborates with international study teams looking at important and often controversial topics such as the status of fish stocks, the impact of bottom trawling on animals on the seabed and the impact of Marine Protected Areas on fisheries yields.

While here, Prof. Hilborn will meet with local industry leaders to discuss the local seafood industry and research scientists at UHI Shetland to explore potential opportunities for fisheries science in Shetland. He will also be giving a lecture at UHI Shetland’s Scalloway campus on 29th April at 6.30pm entitled “The Future of Food from the Sea”. Members of the public are welcome to attend, and light refreshments will be offered.

Dr Beth Mouat, Joint Head of Marine Science and Technology said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Prof. Hilborn to Shetland and gratefully acknowledge the support of The Fishmongers’ Company for enabling the visit and Shetland Fishermen’s Association who are sponsoring the lecture. Ray is a world-renowned researcher and we are very much looking forward to discussing the local seafood sector and our plans for developing our own research capacity with him.”