IEEM Irish Section Conference takes Place in Galway
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 visithttp://www.ieem.net/confireland2008.asp.