HIE and SAMS join forces to enhance marine science sector

1st September 2025

HIE and SAMS will collaborate to enable pioneering marine and coastal research, innovation and technological advancement.

Two organisations have teamed up to strengthen Scotland's status as a major player in the global marine science sector.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) will expand and combine their collective knowledge of the ocean as a resource for sustainable economic growth.

This will underpin efforts to strengthen island and rural economies and the long-term prosperity of the Highlands and Islands region.

The two organisations will collaborate to enable pioneering marine and coastal research, innovation and technological advancement. This includes advancing science, supporting innovation and promoting Argyll and Bute as a world-class destination for work and study and as a global centre for marine innovation and discovery.

The Highlands and Islands region is home to 86% of Scotland's coastline. The region's economy and culture are intrinsically linked to the sea, through fishing and aquaculture, offshore renewables and marine tourism.

This supports thousands of jobs, sustains rural and island communities, and contributes significantly to Scottish exports.

A new memorandum of understanding outlines how HIE and SAMS will work together going forward. The agreement was signed by both parties at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) at Dunstaffnage near Oban today (Thursday 28 August).

HIE has been developing the EMSP for more than a decade as a prime location for marine science related businesses.

The close proximity of SAMS to the EMSP has been and will continue to be a major benefit in attracting companies and encourages collaboration between commerce and research and development.

Construction is currently underway on a new £8.1m 1,500 sq metre facility to help meet increasing demand for offices and laboratories.

Stuart Black HIE chief executive said:

"The marine environment is becoming more and more significant as a resource, not just at local and regional levels but nationally as Scotland and the UK pursue their net zero aspirations. The Highlands and Islands is at the heart of growth industries like aquaculture, offshore renewables and marine tourism, most of which is underpinned by world-class scientific research and development.

"We need to make sure this vital resource is used sustainably and in ways that make the most positive difference. That’s one of the reasons our working relationship with SAMS is so important. I’m delighted to sign this new MOU and look forward to strengthening that collaboration."

SAMS Director Prof. Nick Owens said:

"The signing of this MoU will further strengthen the long-held partnership between SAMS and HIE, which has helped the region to establish itself as a focal point for the emerging blue economy.

“This agreement comes at a crucial time for SAMS as we develop our long-term strategy, SAMS 2050, and I look forward to working with HIE on developing this.

By working more closely with HIE, I see this collaboration being more than just a benefit to SAMS, but for Argyll and the wider Highlands and Islands too."

PHOTO
Prof Nick Owens of SAMS (L) and Stuart Black of HIE Photographer Will Harvey/SAMS