Genes, fish and fisheries—a journey from science to policy

This essay outlines a personal scientific journey in molecular ecology and evolution, with particular focus on marine fish and fisheries genetics. Along the way, opportunities were taken, challenges navigated, and various lessons learnt. From early studies of counting protein variants on gels (allozymes) to the adoption of high throughput genomics, personal research highlights are described, with some reference to wider advances in the field. Developments in high throughput sequencing technology enabled progressively more detailed analysis of population structure, connectivity, temporal and spatial trends in marine biodiversity, and exploration of gene function. While the focus here is on marine fishes, emphasis is placed on the value of a comparative evolutionary approach, with study of taxa differing in lifestyle, distribution and ecology. An optimistic tone is now possible linking science to policy, including for example, contributions of genetic tools to mixed-stock fisheries and real time management, forecasting the impacts of environmental change on marine biodiversity and resilience, and traceability of fish populations and products. Importantly, the benefits of genomic tools are quantifiable, both in terms of promoting sustainability of exploited resources, and impacts on economic gain from catches. Various underlying drivers underpinning translation of genetic and genomic outputs into policy are identified, including salient technological advances, increased communication between scientists and policy makers, and the escalating urgent need to monitor and forecast impacts of environmental change on marine biodiversity. Based on personal experience the aim here is to highlight facilitators and strategies to navigate the often-conflicting demands of academia and scientific research.