Conference to define '˜seascape' of Tay estuary and coastline

Scientists, environmental campaigners and policy makers are to attempt to define and visualise the seascape of the Tay and Forth estuaries. (Picture by Laura Booth.)

The 19th annual Tay Estuary Forum (TEF) conference will see researchers, representatives of local authorities, and other stakeholders deliver presentations on topics including biodiversity, offshore renewables, coastal erosion, winter storms, marine tourism and recreation and Scotland’s changing coast.

The TEF is a voluntary local coastal partnership, hosted by the University of Dundee, covering an area from the River North Esk to Fife Ness, including the Tay Estuary to Scone.

It is part of a wider, national network of Scottish coastal partnerships, helping to deliver integrated coastal zone management.

The Tay Estuary Forum regularly communicates with coastal stakeholders, user groups and the general public on a variety of coastal and marine current issues.

At the conference – ‘Seascape: A Coast of Contrasts’ – delegates will be attempting to define and viusalise the seascape of the Tay estuary.

Seascape originally referred to works of art which depicted the sea but the term has come to be used in planning contexts as a combination of adjacent land, coastline and sea within a specific area.

Dr Laura Booth, TEF project officer, explained the aim of the ‘Seascape: A Coast of Contrasts’ conference being held in Dundee this month: “Seascape means different things to different people and this event will highlight some of the many elements that characterise our coasts, how they change over time, and will explore how we view and assess those changes.”

The conference takes place at West Park Conference Centre on Friday, April 22.

Professor Rob Duck, TEF chair, said: “This year’s speakers will spark lively debate surrounding a wide range of current coastal, marine and environmental topics, with an east of Scotland focus.

“We have put together a packed programme and presentations will range from the national scale to local-specific initiatives, all of which aim towards sustainable management of our coasts and seas ensuring a productive future”.

The conference organisers are keen for as many young researchers as possible to get involved.

More information is available from www.tayestuary.org.uk or contact project officer Dr Laura Booth on 01382 384933, email [email protected].