Friday Email
MASTS Scotland
The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland is a consortium of organisations engaged in Marine Science
Groundbreaking project to study sharks and skates in Scottish waters
The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) has secured funding for a groundbreaking project studying sharks and skates in Scottish waters - the SharkScape project.
"The impact of this research extends far beyond scientific curiosity." (Lead researcher Dr James Thorburn , Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science)
Sharks and skates (elasmobranchs) have long played a crucial role in marine ecosystems by influencing the structure and balance of food webs. These apex predators help to maintain biodiversity by controlling the abundance and distribution of prey species and, therefore, and important for ensuring the overall health of marine habitats. Despite their known importance, they are among the most threatened vertebrates on the planet because of factors such as historic overfishing, habitat removal, and climate change.
Effective conservation strategies are desperately needed to ensure the survival of these elasmobranchs species as well as for a stable oceanic ecosystem. However, many species lack data on areas such distribution and sensitivity to human activity which is hindering management efforts.
The SharkScape project aims to enhance our understanding of elasmobranchs species in Scottish waters by collating existing data to identify knowledge gaps and using innovative methods – such as tagging technology, environmental DNA, and underwater video – to map distribution, migratory patterns, population dynamics, and interactions of these fish with their environment. Edinburgh Napier University will lead this ambitious project supported by a dedicated team of researchers and experts from 英国爱丁堡大学 , Scottish Association For Marine Science , UHI , Orkney Skate Trust , University of Aberdeen , Scottish Government's Marine Directorate , and NatureScot , and has been funded by 壳牌 UK for 3 years. Read the full story below:
Contents
MASTS Newsroom
FYI
Publications & Podcasts
Events
Funding and Grants
Vacancies
MASTS Newsroom
1. Dr Ian Napier 1966-2024
All at UHI Shetland are devastated to hear the news about our colleague Ian. Ian had been at UHI Shetland and the former NAFC since 1995, and as our Senior fisheries policy advisor was a well-respected scientist in his field and a valued member of the marine science team. Moreover, Ian was a kind and sincere colleague, and will be missed by all at UHI Shetland. We send our condolences to his family and friends at this time.
2. Fitting tribute for Andy
A bay in the Antarctic has been named after Professor Andy Brierley, who died in February 2024 aged 56. The newly named Brierley Bay is located on the southern coast of Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, at the western end of Orwell Bight.?Andy, who worked in the School of Biology’s Scottish Oceans Institute,?was a pioneer in using autonomous platforms to investigate the distribution of Antarctic krill. This included using moored echosounders and leading the first deployment under sea ice in the Southern Ocean of one of the world’s first autonomous underwater vehicles (Autosub), specifically in the northwestern Weddell Sea.?Read more about this tribute here.
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3. A Scientific Robotics Training Consultation
Developing Sector-Led Courses:
The Scottish Association For Marine Science operates the Scientific Robotics Academy which is designed to support the use of autonomous technologies for environmental research and education. As they develop their training portfolio they are keen to understand from academics and practitioners where you see the priorities lie over the next decade. They invite you to share your thoughts in a brief survey designed to highlight the most pressing topics currently shaping the research and academic landscape, while uncovering opportunities for meaningful collaboration. ?This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Input from students through this consultation is also invaluable; ensuring we teach skills and exchange knowledge of topics that match their aspirations and build expertise in areas of industry demand. They will also be hosting a free event on the "Fundamentals of Environmental Robotics" on 21st February. Stay up-to-date on all opportunities of the Scientific Robotics Academy at SAMS LinkedIn page or contact Libby at [email protected].
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4. Scotland’s Nature Student Conference
People, Nature & Climate on 18th & 19th March 2025, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
NatureScot is thrilled to announce the dates for the 2025 Scotland's Nature Student Conference will be 18th-19th March and will be hosted in collaboration with 英国爱丁堡大学 and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh . The event, which is run by students for student, has already confirmed Mat Williams (Scottish Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture) has a keynote speaker and will have plenty of networking opportunities. If you organisation would be interested in attending with a stand to help showcase career opportunities in the nature sector then contact [email protected]. To register and find out more see the link below, this is a free event for students.
FYI
1. Join the Young Persons Policy Group
Aged 16-25 and based in Scotland? Want to get more involved in marine policy and advocacy? Join the Young Persons Policy Group (YPPG) run by Young Sea Changers Scotland .?The YPPG regularly meet to respond to consultations, attend policy and networking events and learn more about world of marine policy from policymakers, MSPs and other experts. This month we are working on a response to NMP2 consultation with online meetings on the 13th and 20th of January. Sign up and learn more here:
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2. Call for symposium co-sponsorship now open
ICES - International Council for the Exploration of the Sea welcomes proposals for symposium co-sponsorship.?Scientific symposia are a cornerstone of progress in marine science, offering vibrant platforms for experts to connect, collaborate, and innovate. These gatherings spark the exchange of cutting-edge research, address global challenges, and inspire solutions that advance knowledge and practice in the field. Each?year, ICES actively supports scientific symposia?that align with our?mission to develop and share expertise critical to marine science and sustainable ocean management. We now welcome?proposals for co-sponsorship of symposia scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Deadline is 1st February.
3. Emergency preparedness for aquatic disease outbreaks
This elearning course from 联合国粮农组织 provides an overview of disease in aquatic organisms. In doing so, it highlights the importance of preparedness for effective prevention, management and control of disease in in aquatic organisms. The course introduces the role of disease outbreak investigation and diagnostics for aquatic disease using a 12-point checklist for active surveillance of disease in aquatic organisms as well as contingency planning for mass mortality events in aquatic populations.
4. New 'Eat Scottish Mussels' Campaign
The new Eat Scottish Mussels?campaign aims to?improve the health of the nation by getting more people to eat sustainable farmed shellfish.?The?campaign is sponsored by Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers and Crown Estate Scotland, who?have recognised the need to improve awareness and knowledge about mussels with current and future generations. Find out more:
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5. EGU Open Call for Abstracts
With the expansion and intensification of human activities and climate impacts affecting marine sedimentary carbon, we would like to bring together the current research on this topic. We invite you to submit an abstract to a session at EGU25: Marine sedimentary carbon: Quantifying and mitigating human disturbances and climate impacts. The abstract submission deadline is?15 January 2025, 13:00 CET. You can find?instruction for submission?on the EGU25 website. Find out more here:
Publications & Podcasts
Podcast
Magnus Johnson , a senior environmental marine science lecturer at the 英国赫尔大学 , explores the collapse of Scarborough’s traditional fishing industry, AI's potential in fisheries, and the impact of wind farms on UK fishing grounds. Seafood Matters Podcast is available on all podcast networks and on YouTube. Alternatively, you can also listen on the dedicated website.
Feature Events
MASTS 2025 Webinar: Coastal Resilience in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Opportunities
Join Bahareh Kamranzad at 1pm on the 22nd of January for the first of the MASTS 2025 Webinar. Approximately 40% of the world’s population resides within 100 km of coastlines, with over 10% living in low-lying coastal areas less than 10 meters above sea level. These regions face increasing vulnerability to the intensifying impacts of climate change, including...[Read more and Register here]
Killer whale predation of seals in Shetland
Attend the latest of the winter webinar series from Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust with Julia from the ECOPredS project as she explores predator-prey interactions of killer whales and seals in the inshore waters of Shetland.
Other Events
Funding & Grants
Call for Artists for 2025-2026 EMBracing the Ocean Programme
European Marine Board IVZW is to announce that the call for artists for the 2025-2026 EMBracing the Ocean artist-in-residence programme is now open for applications.?As we enter the fifth year of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the need to connect people to our Ocean is more important than ever. The EMBracing the Ocean programme provides grants for creative individuals/groups from a wide-range of disciplines (i.e. visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, traditional/indigenous arts) to engage in a two-way co-creation of artwork in collaboration with Ocean scientists. The aims of the programme are to:
The deadline for applications is 17th February.
OCEAN’s second application round is now open!
Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) provides support to locally-led projects that aim to deliver lasting change to the marine environment and coastal communities worldwide.?In this second application round, we will be prioritising projects that put gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) at their centre.?
What size grants are available? There will be there are two pots of funding available:
Find out more about who and how to apply for these grants here:
Vacancies