The Scottish Government has published its Marine Science and Innovation Strategy which it says highlights the crucial role of science and innovation in realising the full potential of the marine environment.

The Strategy – part of the Scottish Government’s Blue Economy Vision to 2045 – is said to be a blueprint for ministers to utilise the best available science, evidence, and data for making informed marine management decisions that benefit the economy, environment, and society, including coastal and island communities.

It also includes a commitment for innovation through using the latest technology, such as artificial intelligence, including holographic cameras, drones and submersibles, and non-destructive environmental DNA (eDNA), to model and understand Scotland’s marine environment.

Mairi Gougeon, Rural Affairs Secretary, at the launch of the at the opening of the Helen Ogilvie Hub at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Our commitment to science and innovation is not just for exploration but to make a tangible and positive impact for the marine environment, our economy and our cultural heritage.

This ambitious new strategy will give us further evidence to respond to biodiversity loss and the impact of climate change, and to make the most of the opportunities our marine and freshwater environments have for our communities.”

First steps

One of the first steps of the Strategy will be to map the marine and freshwater science and innovation capability and capacity across Scotland with partners. An operational plan to deliver the Strategy will be created, and an Areas of Research Interest (ARI) scoping exercise will enable research priorities and knowledge transfer to key communities of interest.

The strategy will give government further evidence to respond to climate change and maximise opportunities in water, says minister.

You can read more on the news of the release here and the full Marine Science and Innovation Strategy can be read here.