16th Annual Marine Economics and Policy Research Symposium

Tuesday 1^st December 2026

Venue: Porter Shed, Galway City Centre

The Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU) at the University of Galway, in partnership with the Marine Institute, invites you to attend the 16th Annual Marine Economics and Policy Research Symposium. The theme of this year’s event is “From Evidence to Action: Advancing Sustainable Marine Policy and Economies”.

The symposium will bring together researchers, policymakers and marine stakeholders to explore how economic and social science research can inform marine policy decisions, support sustainable ocean economic development, and contribute to the effective management and protection of our seas.

The day will provide insights into a range of important and emerging marine policy and economic issues in Ireland and across Europe, including marine spatial planning, the evolving ocean economy, public attitudes towards marine conservation, the economic valuation of marine ecosystem services, marine protected area designation, and marine policy enforcement. 

Particular attention will be given to how research evidence can help policymakers navigate competing demands on marine resources, balance economic opportunities with environmental objectives, and support more effective, inclusive and sustainable marine governance. Speakers will include representatives from the OECD, the Marine Institute, the University of Galway, Queen’s University Belfast, University College Cork, University College Dublin, and a range of European research and policy institutions.

If you wish to attend you can register here. Places are limited due to venue size so please only register if you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you all there