Scotland’s first conference dedicated to the emerging field of marine planning is to take place in Dundee, starting today.
The two-day event, hosted at Discovery Point, draws together experts to share knowledge and discuss solutions to challenges facing the sustainable management of Scotland’s seas.
Scotland’s first National Marine Plan launched in 2015 in response to the growing number of marine activities in Scotland’s seas.
The head of Marine Scotland Science Colin Moffat and global pioneer of marine planning Charles Ehler will address around 100 delegates from a spectrum of marine industries, research, policy and community interests.
Vital issues such as coastal erosion, sustainable development of marine resources and public participation in regional marine planning will headline during the conference.
The first day will feature a panel discussion in the style of Question Time.
Sam Gardner, head of conservation at WWF Scotland and Sea Scotland conference partner, said: “Our marine area represents almost six times Scotland’s land mass and forms a huge part of our country’s environmental, social and economic wealth.
“To protect this precious resource, we need to improve how we manage our seas.
“If we pool knowledge from across the globe, Scotland – with its phenomenal marine environment – can play a world leading role in sustainable development.
“Sea Scotland conference is a valuable opportunity to kickstart that conversation and help put us on the path to a thriving and productive marine environment.”