Rachel Shucksmith

Rachel Shucksmith is an Associate Professor in Marine Management and Governance at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), leading the Marine Spatial Planning section within UHI Shetland's Energy Innovation Team. She contributes to marine policy through the Shetland Islands' Marine Spatial Plan and serves as Co-Chair of the MASTS Marine Planning and Governance Forum and ICES Working Group member.

• Education: B.Sc. (2003) from University College of North Wales, M.Sc. (2008) from The Open University
• External Roles: MASTS Steering Group (2015-present), ICES Working Group (2013-present)

Her research bridges interdisciplinary marine science with real-world management, focusing on integrating cultural ecosystem services, local knowledge, and stakeholder engagement into decision-making frameworks. She develops decision support tools for offshore renewables, oil & gas, and fisheries management, emphasizing the importance of spatial data quality and stakeholder participation.

Recent projects highlight her work on marine restoration principles, habitat mapping (including seagrass surveys), and balancing competing marine demands through international comparisons. She collaborates with commercial sectors (aquaculture, renewables) and stakeholders (NGOs, regulators), aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals for marine conservation.

Scientific Awards:

• UN Ocean Decade Activity Endorsement (2025)
• UN Ocean Decade Endorsement - Marine Restoration and Enhancement Action Plan (2025)

Her recent publications examine habitat mapping methodologies, marine restoration frameworks, fisheries-governance integration, and just transition challenges, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based marine management and community-informed policy development.