The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) Irish section conference on Coastal and Marine Environment: Biodiversity, Management and Protection, took place today, (Monday 13 October 2008), at the Marine Institute headquarters at Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway.
Speakers from organizations such as National Parks and Wildlife Service, NUI Galway, UCC, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, the EPA and the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force presented at the conference.
As a precursor to the conference, Dr Ken Whelan of The Marine Institute, and Chairman of the International Atlantic Salmon Research Board gave a presentation last night (Sunday 12th October) to delegates on “Where have all the salmon gone? – the International SALSEA Programme” at the Oranmore Lodge Hotel. For additional information please see: www.salmonatsea.com.
Over the course of the day the conference looked at the current state of biodiversity in the marine and coastal areas around Ireland and considered how best to protect and manage the invaluable biological resources found in such areas. The morning session focussed on coastal and marine biodiversity around Ireland, while the afternoon session examined management and protection issues.
The topics covered included:
- Marine Policy including the Marine Strategy Directive and the Water Framework Directive
- Coastal habitats and their protection
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management
- Coastal bird populations.
- Coastal cetaceans
- Coral reefs
- Sponge communities
- Pollution and biomonitoring
The final speaker of the day provided information about the IEEM’s Guidelines for Marine and Coastal Ecological Impact Assessment, which are currently in production.
For more information on the conference, please visit http://www.ieem.net/confireland2008.asp.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Dr Karl Partridge (Conference convenor)
Tel: 0044 7879 811802
Or
Claire Riordan, Communications Officer, Marine Institute
Tel: 0872937476
Notes to the Editor
IEEM
IEEM is the Institute supporting professionals in the fields of ecology and environmental management. The Institute was established in 1991 and currently has around 3,000 members drawn from local authorities, Government agencies, industry, environmental consultancy, teaching/research, and voluntary environmental organisations.
The objectives of the Institute are:
- To advance the science, practice and understanding of ecology and environmental management for the public benefit in the United Kingdom and internationally;
- To further the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological processes and life support systems essential to a fully functional biosphere;
- To further environmentally sustainable management and development;
- To promote and encourage education, training, study and research in the science and practice of ecology, environmental management and sustainable development;
- To establish, uphold and advance the standards of education, qualification, competence and conduct of those who practise ecology and environmental management as a profession and for the benefit of the public.