Scientist to present free lecture on aquaculture

A scientist from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI will deliver a free lecture on aquaculture next week.

Professor Kenneth Black, principal investigator in marine ecology, will discuss why aquaculture, the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, shellfish and seaweeds, has grown much faster in developing countries than in developed nations over the last few decades. He will examine some of the issues related to aquaculture expansion including planning, carrying capacity, interactions with other users and social license.

The academic’s lecture is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands’ public lecture series and marks the fact he was made a Professor by the organisation last year.

Speaking about the forthcoming event, Professor Black said: “Seafood is a healthy food option and our ever growing human population is in need of inexpensive high-quality food. But we also need to ensure that we develop aquaculture in an environmentally sustainable format. In my lecture I will reflect on these drivers and the various responses from across the global industry.”

Professor Laurence Mee, director of SAMS UHI, said: “I am greatly looking forward to Professor Black’s inaugural lecture on aquaculture. He has researched the relationship between aquaculture and the environment for the last 30 years. Kenny’s insights draw upon the 130 years that our organisation has been engaged in practical research on aquaculture and he uses these insights to peer into the future. Kenny is an internationally respected expert called upon for advice on aquaculture across the globe.”

Professor Black’s inaugural lecture, Finding Space for Aquaculture, will take place at SAMS UHI, Dunstaffnage near Oban, from 5:15pm to 7pm on Wednesday 30 April. To book your free place, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk