We contribute to a range of scientific research projects that help us better understand dynamics of fish populations and improve methods of sustainable harvesting in demersal and pelagic fisheries.
The research projects we are currently contributing to include:
Northern Shelf Cod Population Structure
Northern Shelf Blue Ling Population Structure
Spurdog distribution and abundance on the Northern Shelf
Improving scientific assessment of Rockall cod
We actively engage with the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) in the scientific stock assessment and management process and have participated in a range of ICES workshops, stock benchmarks and scientific advice drafting groups. This enables the Organisation to engage with ICES scientists responsible for the preparation of scientific advice and to provide valuable industry context into the scientific process.
The SFO also leads an award-winning collaboration between Scottish skippers, producer organisations and scientists to develop and deploy state-of-the-art technology to avoid unwanted catchers. BATmap, or By-catch Avoidance Tool using mapping, is a pioneering app for Scottish skippers to share real-time information about the location of hotspots of fish species that are choke species or of conservation interest with other participating skippers. Further information about BATmap is available on the project website.
