Kathryn Allan
Marine Planning Project Officer
Kathryn plays a key role in the development and promotion of the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan (SIRMP). She excels in managing complex datasets and presenting spatial data using GIS and has a particular expertise in the creation of environmental assessments including Strategic Environment Assessments (SEA) and Habitat Regulations Appraisals (HRA).
Kathryn graduated from Plymouth University in 2006 with a BSc Hons in Animal Science. She relocated to Shetland in 2007, initially working part-time as a Shellfish Sampling Officer. In 2008, she joined the fisheries team as a Shellfish Research Assistant, transitioning to a full-time role in 2012. Her work included routine sampling, fisheries surveys and research, and the development of an innovative fisheries management tool.
In 2018, Kathryn moved to the Marine Spatial Planning Team, where she utilises her background in inshore fisheries and community engagement to undertake projects to support the SIRMP. She successfully secured funding to create the Shetland Community Wildlife Group and, as Project Coordinator, facilitates the collection of marine monitoring data and research through citizen science.
Email: Kathryn is also involved in projects focusing on marine enhancement and restoration, including mapping important marine habitats and creating a marine enhancement plan for Shetland. Trained in drone operation, she uses her skills to film porpoise behaviour and map seagrass beds.
Recently, she earned a Postgraduate Diploma with distinction in Business Administration (Environment) from the University of the Highlands and Islands. Her interests include stakeholder engagement in marine planning and decision-making, in particular, community involvement in marine science and their inclusion in monitoring, research, and policy and decision-making processes.