The 2025 SWME Conference
State of the South West Seas Conference | Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)
Friday 2 May 2025 | Book Here
It has been another fascinating year for marine life in the south-west. Highlights include the sustained high numbers of southern shearwaters and the rising population of humpback whales. The conference will be a great chance to catch up on a wide diversity of topics, including presentations on oceanography, plankton, the seabed and seashore, fish and turtles, seals and cetaceans. There will also be discussions on management issues such as marine planning, marine developments, including offshore wind, marine protected areas, fisheries, water quality, and plastic pollution. [The full programme can be accessed via the booking link].
The conference brings people together from a wide range of disciplines to discuss the changes unfolding in the marine environment and is a great opportunity to make the links between these topics. Following the success of last year, a wine reception will also be included for even more networking!
Upcoming webinars
Marine Protected Areas
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | 13.00 to 15.00
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a crucial role in safeguarding the South West’s incredible marine life. This webinar will provide an overview of key developments, challenges, and successes from 2024, while also exploring what’s on the horizon for marine protection in the region. Join us to discuss the latest updates, share insights, and consider the next steps for marine conservation in the South West. This webinar is being co-ordinated by Carli Cocciardi of the Devon Wildlife Trust.
The Peltic Surveys
Thursday 13 March 2025 | 14.00 to 15.30
Meeting ID: 311 429 762 013 Passcode: k9rA9Nh2
The Peltic survey has taken place every autumn in the western English Channel and Celtic Sea since 2012. Following systematic transects, the survey monitors not just the pelagic fish populations but also the oceanography, plankton and top predators such as seabirds and cetaceans. The information collected by the Peltic therefore provides a snapshot of the pelagic ecosystem at this critical time of year in the area. If you are interested in the oceanography, plankton, fish, fisheries, seabirds or cetaceans in these regional seas – this is a webinar for you. Presented by Jeroen Van Der Kooij (CEFAS).
Future Dates
Check the SWME website to find out more:
- Cetaceans | Cornwall Wildlife Trust | 19 March 2025 | 18:30 to 20:30
- Fisheries| Plymouth University | 27 March 2025 | 11:00
- Fish & Turtles | Cornwall Wildlife Trust | 9 April 2025 | 13:00-15:00
- Seabirds | MBA | 11 April 2025
- Seals | 16 April 2025
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