The Scottish Government recently unveiled its Marine Science and Innovation Strategy, which aims to harness the full potential of the marine environment and drive the development of the blue economy. This strategy, part of the broader Blue Economy Vision to 2045, emphasizes the vital role of science and innovation in making informed decisions for the benefit of the economy, environment, and society as a whole, including coastal and island communities.
At the heart of the strategy is a commitment to utilizing the best available science, evidence, and data to inform marine management decisions. By leveraging the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, holographic cameras, drones, and non-destructive environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, the Scottish Government aims to model and better understand Scotland’s marine environment.
The strategy was presented to key stakeholders in science, data, analysis, and engineering at the opening of the Helen Ogilvie Hub, located at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen. Named after one of the laboratory’s pioneering women scientists, the hub serves as a center for scientific collaboration and innovation.
Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Islands and Land Reform, expressed the government’s commitment to utilizing science and innovation for positive and tangible impacts on the marine environment, economy, and cultural heritage. The strategy seeks to address pressing issues such as biodiversity loss and the impact of climate change, while also maximizing the opportunities offered by Scotland’s marine and freshwater environments for local communities.
The strategy’s mission is to provide the scientific evidence and data necessary for policies and regulatory decisions that contribute to long-term benefits for nature and the people of Scotland. The Scottish Government aims to lead in scientific endeavors by fostering dynamic partnerships with collaborators from both Scotland and international institutions. The ultimate aspiration is to ensure a healthy and vibrant marine and freshwater environment that is in balance with thriving businesses and communities through impactful research, science leadership, and data-driven insights.
In addition to the unveiling of the strategy, the Helen Ogilvie Hub opening event also featured a speech by Professor Selina Stead, the UK Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor for the Marine Management Organisation and the Executive Dean of Environment at the University of Leeds.
The Scottish Government’s Marine Science and Innovation Strategy marks an important step toward unlocking the vast potential of Scotland’s marine environment. By prioritizing science, innovation, and the use of cutting-edge technologies, Scotland aims to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for its marine ecosystems, economy, and communities.
