The Edinburgh International Science Festival is well under way, so popping in and out of the National Museum of Scotland is a must. Away from the arctic conditions outside, spending an hour or so in the warm whilst broadening my horizons and topping up my virtually non-existent understanding of science and technology was an excellent idea. Amongst the exhibitions is one by MASTS - the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland - an organisation I freely admit I have never heard of. They are a consortium of organisations engaged in marine science, representing the majority of
Scotland's marine research capacity, and have a wide-ranging remit. MASTS cover many topics, including energy and food security, marine biodiversity, marine energy, aquaculture, and understanding the current and future climate of the earth and how this will impact on the ocean's sustainable resources. They also have many physical assets, from large ocean-going research vessels to inshore craft, remotely operated vehicles, diving facilities and specialist equipment. So now you know, and I know, just how vital this organisation is to our planet. And two of their assets are on display in the Museum.
ROV - or Remote Operated Vehicle (top pic) - is a clever chappie, having the capacity to undertake operations to a depth of 1,000 metres. It was designed to work in enclosed places such as tunnels as well as taking part in fly away operations in deeper offshore waters, places inaccessible to divers.The other remarkable piece of marine technology making a guest appearance at the Science Festival, is the Abyssal-Lander (bottom pic). This is a deep sea camera system that can operate to depths of 6,000 metres. It also has a crafty trick up its sleeve. By using bait, it lures deep-sea fish and crustaceans, allowing them to be photographed, taking a picture every sixty seconds. A heavy steel weight causes the Abyssal-Lander to sink to the seabed, floating back to the surface when the weight is released. Simple, really. So little is known about the diversity of life in the deepest seas, so equipment such as this can open our eyes to so much more. Cold water corals are just one recent discovery. And marine biotechnology - or the use of organisms found in the sea to provide useful materials such as medicines - can only benefit as well. Follow the Science Festival if you are able. There is so much to learn, so much to discover. And if I can understand it, anyone can.
Scotland's marine research capacity, and have a wide-ranging remit. MASTS cover many topics, including energy and food security, marine biodiversity, marine energy, aquaculture, and understanding the current and future climate of the earth and how this will impact on the ocean's sustainable resources. They also have many physical assets, from large ocean-going research vessels to inshore craft, remotely operated vehicles, diving facilities and specialist equipment. So now you know, and I know, just how vital this organisation is to our planet. And two of their assets are on display in the Museum. 
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