Marine scientist named as new professor for the blue economy

A marine scientist at the forefront of developing Scotland’s ocean economy through his research has been awarded a professorship by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). 

Aquaculture expert Adam Hughes at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), a partner of UHI, has been given the title of Professor of Innovation in the Blue Economy. In this role he will investigate ways in which ocean-related commerce can create jobs and growth, while helping to address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

The new professorial title signals an intent by Oban-headquartered SAMS and UHI to develop solutions to these challenges.

A privilege and opportunity

Hughes said: “I believe that the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland should be a national and global leader for the blue economy. Our marine environment should be at the centre of vibrant, sustainable and inclusive coastal communities. 

“The role will also help the wider UHI to contribute to the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy (2023–2033), and specifically its Innovation-led Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Programme.

“Innovation, research, training, and skills are at the heart of such a vision, and I believe that UHI is the critical element in achieving this vision. As such, becoming a member of the UHI professoriate is both a great privilege and an opportunity.”

From urchins to economy

Hughes has spent the majority of his academic life at SAMS, having completed a PhD at the Oban-based institute on the ecology of sea urchins. Since beginning a post-doctoral position at SAMS in 2008, he has expanded his skills and experience in aquaculture more generally and, most recently, in the blue economy.

He has previously worked across the globe in countries such as Fiji, the Bahamas, the Falkland Islands, Mozambique, Tanzania and the United States.

Over the past 10 years Hughes has worked with 32 companies on 12 projects to secure £3.6 million of innovation funding into Scotland. 

His work has included Future of the Sea: Trends in Aquaculture, written with Professor Kenny Black for the UK Government Office for Science in 2017.

Salmon inquiry

Hughes was one of five SAMS scientists to give evidence to an inquiry into salmon farming by the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee in 2018.

He was also a co-author of SAMS’ response to last year’s Scottish Government consultation on extending local authority marine planning zones from three nautical miles to 12 nautical miles offshore to enable aquaculture growth.

The scientists said this was not the right approach, and called for a regional planning partnership to manage Scotland’s west coast waters from the Mull of Kintyre to Cape Wrath, integrating fish farms with industries like offshore renewable energy. They said a more coordinated, science-based approach was needed to make the most of Scotland’s waters and ensure sustainable development.

The SAMS scientists said some local authorities lacked sufficient resources to adequately deal with operational planning in offshore waters, and argued that argue that marine planning zones “are purely administrative divisions, unrelated to processes in the marine environment that can carry water, wastes and organisms between zones”.

Significant impact

Professor Brian Williams, deputy principal academic and research at UHI, said: “Adam’s appointment as Professor of Innovation in the Blue Economy is a testament to his outstanding contributions to marine science and sustainable economic development.

“His work has already had a significant impact on Scotland’s marine sector, and this new role will further strengthen SAMS and UHI’s commitment to driving innovation, research, and collaboration in the Blue Economy. We are delighted to see his expertise and leadership recognised in this way.”

Hughes’ inaugural professorial lecture entitled ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy’ will take place at SAMS and online on Wednesday, October 1 from 5.30pm to 7pm. To book a place, visit: www.uhi.ac.uk/events