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Local research, management and community representatives come together to discuss the future of Plymouth Sound and Tamar Catchment
22 July 2024
Organised in partnership with the Tamar Estuary Consultative Forum (TECF) and Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the event aimed to foster open discussions on key environmental challenges and evidence gaps. Participants included representatives from statutory bodies, harbour authorities, community groups, and local water users, reflecting the diverse range of people involved in marine management and research.
Professor Steve Widdicombe, Director of Science at PML, opened the event by highlighting Plymouth's unique position in marine research. "Plymouth boasts one of the UK's largest concentrations of marine researchers, alongside dedicated management of the Marine Protected Area in TECF and the first UK national marine park," he said. "It's remarkable to have all this in one city. Working together for our environment and communities is crucial."
The event centred around group discussions on key issues relevant to marine area management in Plymouth Sound and the Tamar Catchment. These topics, identified by TECF as crucial to the future of the site, align with PML's global research areas. For instance, participants explored ways to improve water quality monitoring in the estuary and coast, a critical issue for both environmental health and the various communities that rely on these waters. They also discussed strategies for implementing effective local actions to mitigate the effects of climate change, recognising the unique challenges faced by coastal areas like Plymouth.
Professor Widdicombe emphasized the importance of these discussions: "The topics we're addressing today are not just local concerns. They represent global challenges that many coastal communities face. By focusing on Plymouth Sound and the Tamar Catchment, we're developing solutions that could have far-reaching impacts."
Participants engaged in two rounds of breakout sessions, generating a wealth of ideas and potential solutions. This format encouraged active participation and idea generation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the region's environmental challenges. Jen Lockett, Head of Integrated Research, Impact and Support Services at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), celebrated the event's success. "We're thrilled to have led this first-of-its-kind gathering on such a significant scale," she remarked. "At PML, our mission is to conduct science with purpose. To achieve this, we actively collaborate with diverse organizations and community groups, valuing their unique perspectives, insights, expertise, and experiences. We firmly believe that only through such inclusive partnerships can we produce research that drives meaningful and enduring change in our world."
The event received positive feedback from participants and organizers alike. Rob Price, Tamar Management Catchment Coordinator for the Environment Agency, commented: "It was a really well-organized and productive workshop. I'm looking forward to seeing the outputs."
Amelia Sturgeon, representing the Tamar Estuary Consultative Forum (TECF), highlighted the importance of collaboration: "This event exemplifies the power of bringing together diverse stakeholders. By combining the scientific expertise of PML with the local knowledge and management experience of TECF, we're creating a robust foundation for addressing the complex challenges facing Plymouth Sound and the Tamar Catchment."
Tors Froud from Plymouth Sound National Marine Park added, "The enthusiasm and engagement we've seen today are truly inspiring. This event has not only generated valuable ideas but has also strengthened the connections between research, management, and community. It's a significant step towards realizing our vision for a thriving, sustainable marine park that benefits both nature and people."
This event marks the beginning of ongoing collaborations. PML, along with its partners, will explore immediate opportunities to share research and data, as well as develop longer-term collaborative projects based on the ideas generated during the event.
Jen Lockett concluded, "We're so grateful to everyone who participated and amazed by how engaged they were and the amount of content and ideas we were able to develop together. This is just the starting point for these discussions, and we look forward to working with these individuals and organizations to realize some of the ambitions created during the event."
This Research Impact Spotlight event exemplifies how regional expertise can drive global advancements in marine science, conservation, and technology, while addressing critical local environmental needs. It underscores PML's dedication to fostering collaboration and ensuring that cutting-edge marine research directly benefits both local communities and global environmental efforts.