Fisheries

Research track record

We have established a solid portfolio of research gained from early studies into the interactions between the oil and gas sector and the fishing industry, this includes

• Studies of fish aggregation around North Sea oil and gas installations.
• Risk assessments: frequency and consequences of interactions between deep-sea fishing gear and sub sea oil and gas installations.
• Policy development with the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) on decommissioned oil and gas platforms.
• Assessments of the potential for artificial reefs to enhance local fisheries.
• Working with fishers to identify research agendas; thus breaking the commonly held perception that fisheries research is a tool only available to policy makers.

EU funded research

EU funded research has involved a study of the interaction and conflicts between fishing conservation and tourism.

Sensitive locations, such as the Galapagos, are studied to understand the economic importance of the fishery and how it can co-habit space with other users of the sea.

The potential effects of marine renewable energy developments have become a focus for our research. In particular we are working to understand the effects of closing off relatively large areas of inshore fisheries for marine energy development. The effects of closed areas can be both positive and negative.

Understanding these effects requires the mathematical modelling of fish behaviour as well as working with fishers to understand how the fishery is managed.

If you are interested in discussing fisheries research with us please contact Dr Mike Bell.