South West Marine Ecosystems Conference 2026

The South West Marine Ecosystem (SWME) Conference brings together marine conservationists, citizen scientists, researchers, and managers to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and inform future monitoring and management of the marine environment. Observations and research from 2025 will contribute to the annual State of the South West Seas report.

The conference provides a valuable opportunity for networking and collaboration, connecting a diverse range of people to exchange ideas and build networks that support marine ecosystems. It strengthens citizen science initiatives and fosters collaboration between users, researchers, and policymakers, while also enhancing links between scientists working on projects across the region.

A key focus is on ecological and oceanographic observations, recording major environmental and biological events from 2025 that have affected south-west marine ecosystems. These insights contribute to the State of the SW Seas report, helping to identify links between environmental changes and marine life.

The event also highlights marine species and ecosystem studies, exploring research on planktonic, benthic, and mobile species—including fish, birds, mammals, and turtles—and the ecosystems that support them. Annual updates provide valuable insights into species populations and their responses to environmental and human pressures.

Marine ecosystem management is another important theme, with discussions aimed at strengthening connections between policymakers and scientists. The conference promotes science-led management to support the health of south-west marine ecosystems, ensuring that conservation and policy decisions are based on strong scientific evidence.

Additionally, the conference celebrates marine education and outreach, highlighting and supporting marine education initiatives across the region. It encourages the development of new programmes that promote marine conservation and best practices in environmental education, interpretation, and community engagement.

Finally, the conference is a chance to come together and celebrate our shared passion for the South West’s marine environment.