Marine experts pool their thoughts about managing the seas

The question on how we can manage our seas in the future will be up for discussion at a new annual marine conference to be held in Plymouth next week.

Leading experts from the recently established Marine Management Organisation, government agencies, NGOs and scientific institutes from around the United Kingdom will gather to debate the issues associated with management of the seas.

Topics will include the impact of climate change on the seas, the sustainability of fisheries, threat of invasive species and human pollution.

The event is being organised by the Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership in collaboration with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and will be staged in Plymouth University’s Graduation marquees on the Hoe.

Plymouth University Professor John Spicer will talk on the issue of the management of the seas and acidification at a special session hosted by the Marine Biological Association. The session to be chaired by the Marine Institute’s Director Professor Martin Attrill will also look at some of the key scientific issues that will need to be considered by those responsible for delivery of a successful management of the seas programme.

And guest speaker, Professor Callum Roberts from the University of York will talk on the launch of his upcoming new book ‘The Ocean of Life: Surviving the next Century’.

Plymouth University’s Associate Director of the Marine Institute, Paul Wright, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to hear first-hand from experts on a subject which is being closely monitored by researchers across the globe. Bringing together the wealth of experience at Plymouth illustrates the value and importance of the City’s marine sector. I would urge people to come along and join in the discussions”

Visit http://www.managing-our-seas.org/ to register for the event which takes place on 13 and 14 September 2011.

ENDS