Science at Fisheries Research Services (FRS) is conducted to facilitate the provision of advice to the Scottish Government and also to a range of Government departments. FRS' science programme can be broadly categorised into research, monitoring and advice.

 

Research

Research is intended to improve our capability and understanding. It generally involves laboratory or field investigations, and data analysis designed to answer specific questions and test hypotheses. Our research is formulated into time-limited     DNA sequencing   projects that are required to meet an agreed schedule of milestones and targets consistent with the Agency's performance criteria. Our research goals are:

• Understanding the functioning of aquatic ecosystems
• Understanding and quantifying human impacts on aquatic ecosystems, particularly on living resources and the aquatic environment
• Evaluating options for sustainable fishing and aquaculture

Monitoring

The ability of FRS to provide advice and undertake relevant supporting research is critically dependent on extensive data which characterise the state of the aquatic environment and its biota.

 

It is particularly important to maintain long time series data sets so that ecosystems and the impacts of human activity can be studied against a background of natural variability and long-term change.     Phytoplankton cells. Photo R. Davidson   Monitoring involves the regular sampling and measurement of strategic aspects of the environment or living resources. Analysis of historical information often provides great insight into the functioning of the ecosystem. This understanding is essential for the   development of many higher level policy aims such as an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. The data are also used for routine advice, such as setting fishing quotas and identifying areas with high shellfish biotoxins.

Advice

One of the main functions of FRS is to provide timely scientific and technical advice. Such information is used to guide policy development and support regulatory and statutory obligations of government. Particular responsibilities are in relation to:

Queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis). Photo W. Mojsiewicz

• The management and conservation of marine and freshwater fisheries
• The protection of the aquatic environment and wildlife
• The management and further development and regulation of aquaculture
• The identification, notification and control of diseases and parasites in finfish and shellfish (both wild and cultivated)
• The protection of the consumer of finfish and shellfish with regard to public health