MASTS ‘Brexit’ event – summary report

Background. As negotiations continue in relation to the UK’s departure from the European Union, considerable uncertainty remains around the final structure of any deal and the implications across all policy areas. Maritime issues are of key concern in Scotland and numerous reports and opinions are accumulating, highlighting significant areas of concern, ranging from fisheries to decommissioning, and some potential opportunities. There is a critical need for knowledge and capacity to support and influence the on-going negotiation process, at both the Scottish and UK level. Expertise regarding the broad range of marine research, operations and commerce is in demand to support discussion, promote interests and secure advances where possible. Such discussion must be based on the best available science but taking into account the socio-economic and historical context. The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland1 (MASTS) is supporting this discussion, providing scientific expertise and promoting the development of emerging policy and progress towards sustainable marine management, during the transition period and for the post-departure UK organisation. This workshop, supported by MASTS, brought government and academia together to consider the legal, governmental and research framework under which Brexit is taking place and to identify priority areas and activities where information can be shared and options considered for enhancing scientific support for the Brexit process. The objectives were to: • Understand current status of Brexit with respect to marine systems and research capacity, including the legislative framework • Identify the priority gaps in knowledge • Develop ways to enhance communication pathways for the best scientific advice required to support the Brexit process.