Since completing a PhD at Trinity College, Dublin in 1999, his main research focus has been the sustainable management and development of Irish inshore fisheries and aquaculture. He has secured high levels of external support from various agencies and industry in the last five years, and almost all of the projects he has managed have involved collaborations with industry partners.

Martin acts as scientific advisor to two Irish National Species Advisory groups for Inshore Management and the Irish Technical Advisory Committee for Marine Stewardship. He is also a nominated Irish representative to the ICES Working Group for Crab. He has spoken to both industrial and scientific audiences at national and international conferences and workshops, and has also published peer-review papers relevant to inshore and offshore fisheries.

When asked why he applied for the post, Martin Robinson said: “In all of these activities, the socio-economic sustainability and growth of maritime communities has always been the principal goal. I’ve come from a town with a strong fishing tradition and have spent much time at sea and this has enabled me to interact with a wide cross section of industry partners from the catching to the processing sector.

I’ve always had a fascination with marine science and, from an early age, was keen to explore how I could translate this into a career.

“I’m experienced in co-ordinating industry-focused research and development initiatives and have long held an interest in building synergistic working relationships between academia and industry, particularly with marine fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

“In the context of regional and national development during times of recession, I believe it is now more necessary than ever to achieve clear value for money from research and development income, and this has been my main role for some time in Ireland.''

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