UHI Shetland receives major boost from Marine Fund Scotland Grants
UHI Shetland has welcomed the award of funding through the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland of £387,000 for a Hybrid Training Boat, and a further £73,827.97 towards the improvement of ling stock assessment.
The new hybrid training vessel will be a significant investment in the future of maritime education and skills development in Shetland. Designed as a low-carbon vessel with the capability for future conversion to hybrid operation, it will provide students with access to the technologies and skills that are increasingly shaping the maritime sector. The vessel will offer a safer, more reliable and environmentally responsible platform for year-round training, supporting the delivery of industry-recognised maritime qualifications, expanded aquaculture training and increased opportunities for applied research and ecological survey work. By strengthening UHI Shetland's ability to deliver industry-relevant education and collaborate with partners across the marine sector, the new vessel will support skilled employment, sustainable industry practices and a sustainable maritime sector.
The vessel will also support collaborative research involving scientists, policymakers and industry partners, helping to strengthen the evidence base for marine planning, environmental monitoring, and sustainable practices within the fishing and aquaculture sectors. The investment will strengthen the work of UHI Shetland's Centre for Sustainable Seafood, expanding its capacity to deliver impactful research and support industry innovation. The new hybrid vessel will enhance the Centre's ability to undertake applied marine research and survey activity, enabling more frequent and higher-quality data collection on marine habitats and species that underpin Shetland's shellfish and aquaculture sectors. By strengthening the evidence base for sustainable marine management and industry development, the vessel will support informed decision-making and contribute to the continued growth of Scotland's marine economy.
Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland, Laura Burden said: "We are delighted to have secured this funding from Marine Fund Scotland. The award recognises UHI Shetland's contribution to sustainable marine development through applied research, training and education, and partnership working. This investment will help us build on our expertise, strengthen collaboration with the marine sector and support the development of innovative solutions that benefit Shetland and Scotland's blue economy."
A portion of today’s grant award will go towards supporting a pioneering fisheries science project aimed at improving the assessment of northern shelf ling, an economically important species for Scotland's fishing industry. Working in partnership with the Shetland Fish Producers Organisation and the Scottish Fishermen's Organisation, the project will further develop an innovative stock assessment model that combines scientific survey data with industry-generated information. The work will help provide a more accurate understanding of ling stock abundance, supporting sustainable fisheries management, more evidence-based quota setting and long-term benefits for fishing businesses and coastal communities. The project will also strengthen UHI Shetland's fisheries research capacity and reinforce its role in delivering collaborative, industry-focused marine science.
Daniel Lawson, Shetland Fishermen’s Association said: “Fishermen face real economic consequences when important species such as ling are classed as data deficient and trapped in a quota-reducing cycle of scientific uncertainty. This project – backed by industry, the UK Government and now the Scottish Government – has huge potential to change that, leading to evidenced-based annual assessments and quota levels that better reflect the abundances fishermen see around Shetland. Today’s Marine Fund Scotland support is extremely welcome and will help UHI Shetland take this innovative project through towards completion.”
“We are delighted that this project has secured funding from Marine Fund Scotland. The Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation have been backing this work with UHI Shetland because a robust and reliable stock assessment for ling is vital for the industry and for the sustainable management of the stock. This award recognises the value of industry-led science and will allow the project to build on the progress already made, delivering the improved evidence base that fishers and managers need." added Dr Paul Macdonald, Scottish Fishermen's Organisation.