The Scotland government on Wednesday announced the launch of Fisheries Innovation Scotland (FiS).
FiS, a non-profit organization, brings together academics, processors, suppliers and fishermen in the Scottish fishing sector as a pragmatic way to channel innovation and ensure that ideas from research, knowledge exchange and education are translated into implementation It will also work with similar organizations throughout Europe to develop research links.
The organization will be overseen by a board of trustees chaired by John Goodlad, chairman of Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group and Shetland Catch.
Other members include the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, the Scottish White Fish Producers Association, Seafish, Young’s Seafood, Sainsbury’s and Marine Scotland.
All member organizations of FIS pay a minimum annual subscription fee. These funds, together with other competitively awarded funding, will be used to fund a series of applied research projects designed to place Scotland fisheries at the forefront of innovative fisheries management.
The projects include:
• Educational/capacity building programs
• Short-duration projects — including exploratory studies which may lead on to more substantive projects
• Desk studies — collation, interpretation and reporting of information on a specified issue and/or subject area
• Development of improved fisheries management models
• Development and assessment of new fishing gear and techniques
“The Scottish fishing industry has always sought to lead the way in Europe through sustainable practices. At a time of unprecedented change for the industry this is shown by the catching, processing and retail sectors coming together with government and the research sector to forge innovative approaches to managing our fisheries for future generations,” said Richard Lochhead, Scottish Fisheries Secretary.
“Young’s Seafood Limited is very proud to be involved with Fisheries Innovation Scotland and as one of the trustees I am excited about what we’ll be able to achieve for the Scottish fish industry through this new organization,” said Pete Ward, Young’s Seafood deputy CEO. “Close coordination between the different parts of this industry is key to continuing and expanding its success. Both Young’s and I look forward to turning ideas into implementation that will benefit the industry here in Scotland.”
