Published:
A Heriot-Watt academic has been appointed to the Scottish Seabird Centre Board of Trustees.
Dr Bill Sanderson will be joining the ranks of the charity as it progresses plans to create a national marine centre for Scotland.
The new centre will aim to inspire people about Scotland’s amazing wildlife – which is increasing under threat.
It is due to explore marine life above and below the waves and provide a national hub to communicate ground-breaking research.
Dr Bill Sanderson is well placed to support the new attraction, as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Life and Earth Science, at Heriot-Watt University.
With over 17 years working in government agencies as a Marine Ecologist, his research has concentrated on species and habitats of high conservation importance such as biogenic reefs, lagoons and habitats that support higher predators.
He has led government applied science and monitoring projects and programmes at the forefront of UK marine conservation implementation and Marine Protected Area development. Bill has authored more than 50 scientific reports and papers as well as a book.
Within the MASTS (Marine Alliance for Science Technology for Scotland) programme, his work focuses on developing the research needs associated with new conservation legislation such as the Marine Bill and the National Marine Strategy, concentrating on the ecology and societal importance of priority habitats and species.
He has also served on UK government monitoring groups such as the Interagency Marine Monitoring Group and the UK Technical Advisory Group.
Dr Bill Sanderson said: “The Scottish Seabird Centre’s plans for a marine centre are not only fascinating, but vital. Now is the time to inform and engage people of all ages about the importance of the marine environment and the cutting-edge research that is taking place around Scotland.
“The Centre’s plans to signpost other locations and attractions, as well as providing enhanced education programmes and outreach, is an excellent way to further increase collaboration and partnership not only within the marine community, but with the general public.”