Shaun Fraser

UHI Shetland - Marine Science and Technology Department

The Marine Science and Technology Department, part of UHI Shetland - Scalloway Campus, is the most northerly marine institute in the UK. Situated on the west coast of the Shetland Islands it is ideally placed to access the vibrant waters around Shetland, Orkney, and northern Scotland. The Centre is an independent, not for profit, charity that, at a local and regional level, supports the sustainable development of the marine sectors. The department conducts applied research providing advice to marine-based industries and other stakeholders within Shetland, wider Scotland, and beyond. Our research includes Finfish and Shellfish Fisheries, Marine Spatial Planning and Policy, and Aquaculture. We have specialists in fisheries, shellfish, marine planning and policy, species cultivation, marine biology and ecology, invasive non-native species, GIS analysis, and marine surveys. Our scientists are well equipped to carry out research at a local, national, and international level, which is reflected in our research outputs, and we welcome interest from potential collaborators. Our staff are supported by modern and well equipped laboratory facilities for histology and microscopy as well as general laboratory space for more ‘dirty work'. Our research and survey vessels are equipped with several types of fishing gear including scallop dredges, creels, trawls, and jigging machines as well as technology such as multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiler, drop down video system, and several options for grab sampling. Our on-site marine research hatchery is a pump-ashore facility fitted with a drum-filtration and UV sterilisation system. The indoor and outdoor tanks have a dedicated back-up generator and a 24/7 call out alarm system and the indoor tanks also have a photoperiod control system.