Research Impact Spotlight Event – Plymouth Sound & the Tamar Catchment – Event report and next steps

The landmark event brought together over 110 participants from 30 organisations to tackle critical research needs for Plymouth Sound and the Tamar Catchment. The event marked a significant step towards collaborative marine research and management in the region. The event, organised in partnership with the Tamar Estuary Consultative Forum (TECF) and Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP), 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.

We encourage all interested parties to consider how they may contribute to the implementation of the next steps and therefore vision. Please share with us your ideas and plans by emailing impact@pml.ac.uk so that we may help to signpost and coordinate activity among all groups to enhance awareness and collaboration.

Watch the introductory video from the event featuring insights from Professor Steve Widdicombe, Director of Science at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The video highlights Plymouth’s unique position in marine research and the necessity of collaborative efforts among local authorities, harbour authorities, community groups, and water users. It also includes perspectives from Rob Giles, Chair of the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum and King’s Harbour Master for Plymouth, and Tors Froud from Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, showcasing the collective commitment to addressing environmental challenges in the region.