Marine Scotland: Science (formerly Fisheries Research Services) was established as a division of Marine Scotland on April 1 2009. Its purpose is to provide expert scientific and technical advice on marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, and the protection of the aquatic environment and its wildlife. This advice informs the policies and regulatory activities of the Scottish Government. Marine Scotland: Science comprises two principal laboratories, the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen and the Freshwater Laboratory near Pitlochry.