Beth Mouat

Beth Mouat is the Director of Research, Enterprise & Impact at UHI Shetland and Joint Head of the Marine Science Department. Her roles include overseeing research and development in fisheries, marine spatial planning, and aquaculture. She serves on the University Research Degrees Committee and chairs the Marine, Environmental Science and Engineering Research Cluster.

Her education includes a Doctor of Science from the University of Glasgow (2002), focusing on Norway lobster reproductive dynamics; a Master of Science from the University of Aberdeen (1999) on Falkland Islands cephalopod diets; and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Aberdeen (1998) studying phytoplankton and hydromedusae impacts on salmon farming.

Research interests center on sustainable marine management, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key areas include fisheries governance, marine spatial planning, and shellfish stock assessments. She has led studies on benthic habitat modelling in Shetland and Fair Isle MPAs, and pioneered methods for integrating policy into spatial decision tools for offshore renewables.

External roles include membership in ICES Crab Working Group (since 2006), Clyde 2020 Research Advisory Group (2015–2019), and Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation. Recent work emphasizes data-driven approaches to fisheries management and ecosystem-based solutions.