Science Evidence Data and Digital Portfolio Annual Report 2024 - 2025

Introduction

The Science, Evidence, Data and Digital (SEDD) Portfolio of the Marine Directorate (MD) is responsible for providing robust research and scientific advice and evidence together with infrastructure, analytical and IT support to underpin the management of Scotland’s marine and freshwater resources, to inform decisions made by Ministers, stakeholders and partners.

This Annual Report for 2024-25 sets out the valuable work and excellent contributions from colleagues in each of the Delivery Areas within the SEDD Portfolio and following a period of corporate transformation for MD.

The Delivery Areas are as follows:

Aquaculture, Fish Health and Biosecurity (AFHB)

Provides statutory regulation, scientific advice and services to support the Scottish Government's vision of a sustainable aquaculture industry while safeguarding the high health status of farmed and wild fish and shellfish stocks in Scotland.

Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystems (CCBE)

Provides a coherent programme of environmental and biodiversity monitoring, climate change, environmental assessments, invasive non-native species, harmful algal blooms, and management measures assessment, research and advice in order to help Scotland achieve clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse marine and coastal environments demonstrated by good environmental status.

Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT)

Develops, supports and maintains MD’s IT infrastructure, ensuring the seamless operation and security of all critical applications (including data storage), covering both onshore and offshore environments. Key responsibilities include systems and database administration, data exchanges and data interoperability across all MD systems, continuous improvement, troubleshooting, upgrades and cyber security. Also, responsibility for all IT systems on-board MD vessels, including satellite communications and marine-specific applications.

Marine Analytical Unit (MAU)

Provides analytical advice and support across MD as well as other areas of Scottish Government on matters relating to the marine economy and environment. The MAU produce Official Statistics of the Scottish Marine Economic Statistics and Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics, as well as providing data and statistics to a range of users. They also undertake and commission marine and freshwater socio-economic research and evaluation to support the continued development of the marine and freshwater evidence base.

Marine Renewables and Ecology (MRE)

Provides scientific support for policy development and licensing of energy production from renewable sources in Scottish waters and advice on specific receptors of high conservation value (marine mammals and marine birds) relating to the identification and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the development of conservation strategies and approaches to reduce pressures on protected species and populations.

Operations (OPS)

Provides science and business operations support to meet the needs of the SEDD Portfolio through Business Support, Quality Management Systems. Health and Safety, Ships and Logistics and Engineering.

Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (SFF)

Provides scientific evidence and data, licensing and advice in support of management actions and implementation and development of freshwater fisheries and aquaculture policy to ensure sustainable freshwater fisheries and aquaculture sectors and the conservation of diadromous fish (mainly salmon, trout and eels).

Sea Fisheries (SF)

Collects, analyses and provides the data to carry out fisheries stock assessments that underpins the information and advice required for the sustainable management of Scotland’s fish and shellfish stocks, and coastal and offshore fisheries.