Fisheries Research Services (FRS), Aberdeen and NAFC Marine Centre, Shetland, have entered into a joint agreement to combine the skills of the two organisations in the area of aquatic resource management more effectively
The collaboration entitled, the Shetland Fisheries Research Fund (SFRF) is being set up to make joint funding available for topics deemed scientifically valuable by the newly formed board comprising FRS and NAFC members.
SFRF Board Member and FRS Programme Director, Dr Bill Turrell said, “FRS and NAFC have worked together for many years. However, this new agreement cements the partnership between the two organisations. NAFC’s location offers us exciting opportunities to work collaboratively on the fisheries and unique environments surrounding Shetland. Having a science partner in Shetland makes much sense from the point of view of gaining from local understanding of fisheries and the environment, as well as from more practical considerations such as reducing travel and carbon emissions.”
The SFRF will first look at how best to sample Shetland demersal, pelagic and shellfish fisheries. It is hoped this initial work will be a stepping stone towards expansion into other areas of partnership in marine research and development.
