Marine connections across time and distance

_{The Marine Forum will focus on connectivity across time and distance.}

A marine event will look at how the life story of one dolphin links the work of researchers across three decades.

The fourth Marine Forum, organised jointly by the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) – part of SRUC, and Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), will focus on connectivity across time and distance.

It will include presentations by people working on citizen science and research initiatives both in Scotland and globally, including current, historical and future projects.

TV broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls will open the event, which will also feature a keynote speech by Professor Karen Stockin, from Massey University in New Zealand.

Researchers in Scotland will talk about how their work is linked by the life story of one local dolphin and citizen scientists, from Inverness to India, will talk about how volunteering with the WDC Shorewatch and SMASS Sampling programmes has influenced their paths.

The virtual knowledge exchange event, which is open to marine environment and conservation enthusiasts, will be held on the evening of Thursday 25 March.

Mariel ten Doeschate, from SMASS, said: “Given the previous success of the forum, and positive feedback from attendees, we did not want to miss one year out.

“We would have preferred to see people face-to-face and create the buzz and opportunity for the exchange of ideas that the event usually thrives on.

“However, by using a digital platform, we can include more people and speakers from all over the world, which is a challenge otherwise, so there are definitely benefits too.”

Alice Walters, policy officer at WDC, said: “For the 2021 Marine Forum, we will put the focus on connectivity across time and distance. We will consider how the life story of one local dolphin links the work of different researchers across three decades.

“And we will hear how volunteering with WDC Shorewatch and SMASS Sampling programmes has influenced speakers from Inverness to India.”

To find out more and register for the event visit: http://bit.ly/SMASSMarineForum

Posted by SRUC on 17/03/2021