Hands-on experience for Anya in Ian Napier studentship
A SHETLAND marine biology student has become the first recipient of a new studentship established in memory of the late Dr Ian Napier.
Anya Leslie, from Lerwick, gained valuable practical experience of fisheries science while spending eight weeks working alongside scientists at UHI Shetland’s Scalloway campus.
The fully funded studentship was created in partnership by Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) and UHI Shetland.
Leslie, who is studying marine biology at the University of Glasgow, took part in a wide range of research and industry-related activities during the placement.
These included fish sampling at Lerwick Fish Market, measuring and ageing scallops, assisting with a scientific literature review, joining a creel boat trip and taking part in UHI Shetland’s annual inshore fish survey.
She also accompanied marine mammal scientists on a dolphin survey and helped with work to restore seagrass meadows in Shetland.
Leslie said the placement had helped her better understand the areas of marine biology she may wish to pursue in future.
“The first year of university has been very broad, so coming here was about getting more practical experience and helping me work out what I might want to do in the long run,” she said.
“It has been great to actually see the fish, go out on boats and experience the practical side of marine science.
“Everyone has been so helpful and has tried to give me as much experience as possible. I could not have asked for a better placement over the summer.”
The studentship was established to reflect Dr Napier’s commitment to strong collaboration between fisheries science and the fishing industry.
It provides an undergraduate student with an eight-week placement, a stipend, accommodation and the training required to work aboard research vessels.
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SFA science officer Chevonne Angus said the success of the inaugural placement demonstrated the value of giving students direct experience of both fisheries science and the industry it supports.
“Ian was passionate about fisheries science and about ensuring that research was relevant and useful to the fishing industry,” she said.
“This studentship is a fitting way to continue that legacy by helping young people develop the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed for a career in marine science.
“Anya embraced every opportunity offered to her during the placement, from working aboard research and fishing vessels to sampling catches and supporting scientific projects on shore.
“It has been extremely encouraging to see how much she has gained from the experience, and we hope the studentship will encourage more young people from Shetland and elsewhere to consider careers in fisheries and marine science.”
Leslie, whose brother owns a scallop boat and whose grandfather previously captained cargo vessels, said the placement had strengthened her interest in seabed species and benthic ecology.
“I would definitely love to come back again,” she said. “The experience has opened my eyes to the areas I am most interested in and has helped me begin building relationships that could be useful later in my studies.”
Leslie is now returning to the University of Glasgow for the second year of her degree.
Prior to his death in 2024, Napier was a senior fisheries policy adviser at UHI Shetland and his work in the field was hugely respected not just locally but nationally and internationally too.
Earlier this year a memorial lecture was held at the college in Scalloway.
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