Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources Annual Conference
MASTS Scotland
The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland is a consortium of organisations engaged in Marine Science
We are officially 2 weeks from the SMMR Conference! Here your conference break down!
SMMR addresses critical marine research gaps that span a variety of disciplines, from natural capital to ocean literacy and systems-based management. It's working to break down barriers between science and policy to build a strong research base to support decision-making within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone. Working together, we can improve management of the UK marine environment and – through better management – we can realise sustainable societal and economic benefits for the UK.
The Annual Conference will focus on delivering tools and interventions to inform policy, regulation and management, and brings together members of the UK transdisciplinary marine science community.
In this article I will give you a overview of the SMMR Conference programme covering insights into our 6 Workshops, Plenary Speakers, and the 6 Academic Presentation sessions.
Find our more about the SMMR and the Annual Conference online.
Still plenty of time to register your place on our Website and check out the full programme for more information.
Participate in the Discussion with the SMMR Workshops!
SMMR will be running 6 workshops across 2 days that are themed around understanding values, building tools, and supporting policy in the marine environment. Here is a brief overview:
Diverse voices in marine research and policy - [Tues 14th May, 10.30am-12.30pm]
Join the Resilience of Coastal Communities and Diverse Marine Values for a dynamic workshop on engaging diverse voices in research and policy consultations for sustainable UK marine resource management. Learn how they navigate challenges such as integrating female and younger voices, and reaching out to harder-to-reach groups. Share your own experiences and contribute to a collective exploration of blind spots, barriers, and effective strategies for more inclusive research and engagement.
CoOpt + Diverse Values: Communicating Climate Change Workshop - [Tues 14th May, 11am-1pm]
Step into the world of climate change communication with and discover the inherent challenges of conveying scientific insights to diverse audiences. From policymakers to the public, learn how to tailor messages effectively through a range of methods. Dive deep into insights from Co-Opt & Diverse Marine Values on engaging communities in coastal protection decisions. Reflect on the experiences of researchers and explore best practices for disseminating research findings. Join us to amplify your communication skills and make an impact in the fight against climate change
Mapping and understanding ocean literacy for England - [Tues 14th May, 2-4pm]
Embark on a journey to shape England's ocean literacy strategy! Join us for the first in a series of workshops aimed at co-developing a comprehensive approach to ocean literacy. Understand its pivotal role in achieving the UN Ocean Decade's goals and explore its impact on ocean and coastal management. Drawing on recent assessments and project outputs, we'll map existing initiatives, uncover barriers, and identify priorities for a co-designed strategy. Inspired by Wales' efforts, let's collaborate to build a future where ocean literacy drives positive change!
Diverse Marine Values "Echoes of the Shore" Exhibition [Thurs 16th May, 1.15-2.45pm]
Explore the realm of innovative marine research and management at this immersive exhibition hosted by the Diverse Marine Values researchers. Showcasing art-based research methods used to amplify lesser-heard voices in Portsmouth, Chepstow, and the Shetland Islands, discover how art can enrich marine decision-making and foster ocean literacy through inclusive processes. Dive into digital storytelling, participatory theater, photography, and community voice methods, unlocking new pathways in marine management and research. Engage with researchers and practitioners, pose questions, and glean insights from their experiences. Don't miss this opportunity to chart new territories in marine science.
Pyramids of Life Q Method workshop - [Thurs 16th May 1.15-3.15pm]
Unlock the secrets to sustainable marine management with the Pyramids of Life project. Join us as we unveil protocols and tools for designing, analyzing, and interpreting Q-methods. Dive into mixed quali-quantitative approaches to capture diverse stakeholder values effectively. Participate in a hands-on Q-method session to explore data preparation, analysis, and result interpretation. No prior expertise needed – just bring your laptop and an open mind! Let's shape the future of marine ecosystems together.
Opportunities and challenges for financing UK marine habitat restoration - [Thurs 16th May, 2-5pm]
Join stakeholders from the UK marine management community, restoration practitioners, economists, and the finance sector for a collaborative workshop - lead by the ReSOW project - that will chart a course towards sustainably restoring marine habitats. Explore the opportunities and hurdles of financing marine habitat restoration and craft a roadmap for wider adoption. Dive into UK-specific case studies of nature restoration financing, spanning terrestrial and marine realms. Assess the viability of schemes like carbon and biodiversity credits for long-term use in the UK. Discover alternative finance frameworks to engage private investment and evaluate their potential impact. Let's pave the way for a healthier marine ecosystem together!
Are you workshop ready? register your place on our Website and check out the full programme for more information.
Setting sail for Sustainability: Discover the research that is changing our management of UK marine resources
There is a huge variety of academic sessions presenting the latest findings from all of the SMMR projects as well as 2 plenary talks that will set the stage for each day.
Wednesday 15th May:
Kicking off the first of the academic sessions is Dr Stella Alexandroff from OceanKAN who will be discussing a modern approach to cross-network collaboration that connects people from around the globe who are trying to involve scientists, knowledge holders, and stakeholders in the co-design of ocean science and knowledge.
(Session 1) Seagrass Solutions: From Governance to Carbon Accounting.
Immerse yourself in a captivating presentation session delving into the multifaceted realm of seagrass restoration in Great Britain. Danny Campbell kicks off the discussion by dissecting the impact of seagrass restoration on recreational demand, shedding light on its implications for environmental stewardship and public engagement. Dr Ally Evans follows, bridging governance perspectives with practical insights to navigate the barriers and solutions to scaled seagrass restoration across the UK. Concluding the session, Dr Nicola Wilson Nicola Wilson unveils groundbreaking research on predicting Zostera marina seagrass carbon stock, leveraging machine learning and earth observation for enhanced carbon accounting practices. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the dynamic intersections of science, policy, and conservation in seagrass restoration efforts.
(Session 2) Enhancing Coastal Communities: Insights from the ROCC Project - Chaired by Louisa Evans
Immerse yourself in the findings of the SMMR Sustainable Development and Resilience of Coastal Communities (ROCC) project! This panel offers a comprehensive exploration of enhancing resilience, wellbeing, and marine sustainability in policy and practice. Louisa Evans introduces the resilience nexus, setting the stage for Sien van der Plank 's analysis of past responses to change. Next up, Pamela Buchan dives into values and change, while Sarah Sutcliffe examines adaptive capacities in the present. Matt Fortnam unpacks trade-off decision-making, followed by Océane Marcone insights on decision-making for the future. Join us for an illuminating Q&A session to delve deeper into this transdisciplinary research journey.
(Session 3) Visualizing Equity: A geovisualization for Marine Decision-Making - Chaired by Edd Hind-Ozan
Delve into diverse perspectives on decision-making in marine contexts with our panel of experts! Marta Meschini unveils insights from a fuzzy cognitive mapping exercise, probing into how different value systems influence the decision-making process. Next, Chris Reilly explores the potential of geovisualization to foster equitable marine and coastal decision-making. Will Burton constructs a comprehensive relational map of UK North Sea socio-ecological entities, forecasting the impacts of offshore wind energy expansion. Kay Barclay sheds light on societal perspectives and values in the Scottish marine context, while Gemma Smith emphasizes the importance of simple Social-Ecological Systems analysis in holistic marine environment management. Join us for a thought-provoking session on navigating complexities in marine decision-making.
(Session 4) Artistic Insights: Navigating Diverse Values in Marine Management - Chaired by John Murray
Discover the intersection of diverse values, arts, and marine management with our panel of thought leaders! Tim Acott explores the integration of diverse values and the arts in marine management, while Emma McKinley brings the ocean to the stage, performing coastal values and marine management. Ffion Mitchell-Langford presents "Hiraeth Yn Y M?r," a community-driven initiative fostering ocean literacy for sustainable marine management in North East Wales. Celine Germond-Duret delves into the representation of the sea by HM Government, unveiling strategies for communication to enhance ocean citizenship. Dr. Kathryn F. concludes the session by applying a spatial framework to identify entry points for integrating diverse values in marine decision-making. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the multifaceted landscape of marine management!
Wrapping-up day 1 of the Conference will be Prof David Paterson who will bring you the key highlights from all the talks and give insights into what to expect for Day 2.
Seen something you are interested in? register your place on our Website and check out the full programme for more information.
Thursday 16th May:
Join Prof Nick Hanley from the University of Glasgow as they open day 2 of the SMMR conference with their Plenary Talk that looks into the latest advancements in ecosystem service valuation to discover if recent years have seen tangible progress in this crucial field.
(Session 5) Unlocking Coastal Ecosystems: Insights on Economic, Social, and Ecological Value - Chaired by Dr Mark James
This captivating session explores the multifaceted co-benefits of coastal ecosystems and their economic value! Sara Kaffashi, PhD uncovers the economic value of saltmarsh habitats in the UK, shedding light on their vital contributions. Larissa Naylor bridges the science-policy-practice interface, enhancing resilience of marine ecosystems to urbanization and climate change impacts. Sarah Coulthard highlights the national benefit of small-scale fisheries in the UK, emphasizing the importance of protection. James Rimmer delves into fisheries management within a Multi-Species Modelling Framework, ensuring sustainable use of the Celtic Sea's marine living resources. Finally, Jo Bluemel investigates biodiversity patterns under a shifting baseline, identifying crucial areas for sensitive fish species to aid marine spatial planning. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and human well-being!
(Session 6) Charting Climate Resilience: Innovations in Marine Spatial Management - Chaired by Prof Ana Queirós
Join us for an illuminating session on the Marine Spatial Planning Addressing Climate Effects (MSPACE) Early Warning System, revolutionizing climate-smart spatial management of UK marine fisheries, aquaculture, and conservation! Susan Kay unveils the groundbreaking system, offering insights into its role in climate resilience. Liz Talbot invites collaboration in co-developing climate-smart spatial management scenarios, fostering proactive approaches to environmental challenges. GINA YANNITELL Reinhardt (she/her) and Pat (Danahey) Janin delve into exploring preferences and values surrounding marine planning in the aquaculture, conservation, and fisheries sectors, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable decision-making. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of climate-smart spatial management innovation!
Register your place on our Website and check out the full programme for more information.
So much more to experience at SMMR.
In addition to Workshops and Presentations, there are networking sessions throughout the day supported by poster sessions:
There you have it, a full breakdown of the SMMR Conference. Last chance to register your place on our Website and check out the full programme for more information.
Independent Social Science Researcher / Lecturer / Consultant | PhD, Philanthropy
10 个月Looking forward to this!