ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORTS: 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007

 

Welcome to the Firth of Clyde Forum web site. The Forum is a voluntary partnership of local authorities, organisations, businesses and communities committed to working towards integrated, sustainable management of the Clyde's environmental, economic and community resources. 

A partnership to care for the Clyde.

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New!  The Forum's 2008 Annual Conference will be held on Tuesday 11th November in the Banqueting Hall of Glasgow City Chambers.

The topic: Climate Change.  Put it in your diary now!

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  Scotland's First Marine Bill: How to have your say!

 

A Clyde Forum Information Event

11:15 - 16:00 Tuesday 12th August, The County Buildings Ayr

After the recent launch of Scotland’s first Marine Bill by Richard Lochhead the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, the Clyde Forum is delighted to inform you that we, in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan, are holding an Information Event on the newly announced Scottish Marine Bill consultation.

This free event is to raise awareness of the consultation, the areas of future legislation explored in the consultation and any likely implications as well as to encourage participation in the consultation itself.  The event will also provide a forum, through the use of workshops, for more in-depth discussion of the consultation’s 5 themes and the individual questions found in the consultation document.  Question and answer sessions will allow delegates to question Scottish Government Marine Directorate officials who have been involved in drafting the consultation.

The themes of the consultation which will be discussed in the workshops are:

1)  Creating Stability: Marine Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management

2)  Reducing the Burden: Licensing and Enforcement

3)  Securing the Future: Nature Conservation

4)  Understanding Our Seas: Science and Data

5)  Managing Our Seas: Marine Scotland

The full consultation document 'Sustainable Seas For All: a consultation on Scotland's first marine bill', including all 57 consultation questions, can be found on the Scottish Government website and those who register for this event will receive a hard copy of the consultation document.

This free event is open to everyone and includes a buffet lunch, however advance booking is essential.  To download further information and a booking form click here Please return booking forms by Tuesday 5th August to clyde@clydeforum.org.  Delegates with booking forms received after the 5th August will be allocated workshops based on availability.

 

The programme for the day includes:

11.15

Registration and coffee

 

The County Hall, 1st floor

11.30

Civic welcome

Councillor Mary Kilpatrick, Deputy Provost, South Ayrshire Council

11.50

Chair’s welcome

Isabel Glasgow, Firth of Clyde Forum Chair

12.05

Sustainable Seas For All: a consultation on Scotland’s first marine bill

David Palmer, Head of Marine Strategy Branch, Scottish Government

12.50

Plenary

1.10

Lunch

2.10

Introduction to workshops

2.20

Workshops*

 

    1)  Creating Stability: Marine Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management

 

    2)  Reducing the Burden: Licensing and Enforcement

 

    3)  Securing the Future: Nature Conservation

 

    4)  Understanding Our Seas: Science and Data

 

    5)  Managing Our Seas: Marine Scotland (a marine management organisation)

3.45

Plenary

4.00

Close

*Delegates will be assigned to one workshop based on their preferences indicated on the booking form.

 

This event is organised in partnership with the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and Transportation Committee and the Scottish Government.

                                                          

 

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Annual Conference Proceedings now available online!

 

The proceedings from the Forum's 2007 Annual Conference, The Clyde: A destination to enjoy - marine leisure and recreation in the Firth of Clyde, are now available online!

 

To view the proceedings click here.

 

The conference proceedings are also available in hard copy, to receive a hard copy by post send your name and postal address to clyde@clydeforum.org with 'request for conference proceedings' in the subject line.

 

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January 21st: Scotland’s first Community Marine Conservation Area announced

Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran is set to become Scotland’s first Community Marine Conservation Area, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead announced today.

 

This will be the first time statutory protection has been given to a marine area as a result of proposals being developed at a grassroots level.

 

This follows work by the Lamlash Bay Working Group comprising representatives of the fishing industry and nature conservationists and chaired by an independent body, the Firth of Clyde Forum.

 

Under the new proposals:

  • part of the bay will become a marine reserve where fishing activity will be prohibited

  • the remainder will be a fisheries management area with a particular focus on scallops

  • students at the new Clauchhlands Outdoor Education Centre will be able to study and enjoy a protected marine environment on their doorstep.

 

Mr Lochhead said:

 

“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we all work together.  The proposals have been community driven and that has been key to their success.  The conservation area proposals in Lamlash Bay have been supported by the Scottish Government and are the first of their kind in Scotland. 

 

The proposals strike a balance between fishing and marine conservation.  We will see fisheries management in one part of the bay, the safeguarding of the natural marine environment in the other and a boost in tourism for the whole of Arran.

 

They also provide an opportunity to showcase the area’s marine environment and I have asked the organisations involved to consider innovative means of doing so. In particular, the possibility of underwater cameras will be pursued so that future visitors to the island and elsewhere will be able to enjoy the fantastic marine life which Lamlash Bay has to offer.”

 

Howard Wood, Chairman of COAST, said:

 

“The island community is delighted with the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary and is looking forward to continue to work with the fishing community of the Clyde in this exciting project to address the regeneration of the marine environment.”

 

Kenneth MacNab, Chairman of the Clyde Fishermen’s Association, said:

 

“The Association is pleased that, after a lengthy process, a satisfactory outcome has been reached in the Lamlash Bay process.  We are ready to play out role in the ongoing management of the Bay.”

 

Isabel Glasgow, Chair of the Lamlash Bay Working Group, said:

 

”I am delighted that we have reached a very positive consensus on this emotive subject.  The proposals demonstrate that groups with different agendas can work together to find common ground for the benefit of many.

 

The hard work does not stop here and the Firth of Clyde Forum looks forward to ongoing participation in this landmark process.”

 

Conference presentations now available to download!

 

Annual Conference 2007 & Accompanying Exhibition

The Clyde: A destination to enjoy.

Marine Leisure and Recreation in the Firth of Clyde

Wednesday 7th November, Glasgow City Chambers' Banqueting Hall

Keynote Speaker - Paul Naylor, underwater photographer and author began the presentations with some of his stunning underwater images and tales of the sea!

Scotland is renowned for it's beautiful beaches and coastal scenery, its maritime history and the variety of excellent marine recreation and leisure opportunities.  With Scotland considered to be one of the top six sailing destinations in the world, the Firth of Clyde home to a burgeoning eco-tourism industry and recognition of the current and potential economic benefits to the Clyde area, marine leisure and recreation are high on everyone's agenda.

The Firth of Clyde Forum, in collaboration with Glasgow City Council, brought together experts in marine leisure and recreation in the Firth of Clyde.  Presentations were given by people involved in the different marine industries, in the planning and coastal regeneration ongoing around the Clyde, those who cater for leisure and recreation interests, local businesses who described their experiences and discussed how they see the future of marine leisure and recreation in the Clyde and last but not least the people who use the water for numerous different activities be it canoeing, diving or simply walking along its shores.

An accompanying exhibition was held  alongside the conference to encourage networking and communication within the marine leisure and recreation sector and allow organisations to share good practice.  Exhibits from a wide range of local businesses, organisations, community groups, voluntary organisations, NGOs and public bodies  showcased their work. 

Conference presentations included:

Click on a titles above to download the full presentations.

Download the conference programme here.

For more information on how to become a Forum member and take advantage of free tickets for future Information Events and reduced price Annual Conference tickets click here.

 

Information Event

Aquaculture and the Firth of Clyde

Thursday 12th July, The Loch Fyne Hotel, Inverary

The Firth of Clyde Forum recently held 'Aquaculture and the Clyde', a general information event about aquaculture - a sell out!

Presentations included:

  • SEPA as fish farm regulator.                                              Douglas Sinclair, Aquaculture Specialist, SEPA

Click on a title above to download the full presentation.

The event was open to all, tickets for the day were free for Forum members and £5 for non-members. The programme for the day can be downloaded here.

For more information on how to become a Forum member and take advantage of free tickets for future Information Events and reduced price Annual Conference tickets click here.


 

A Sea Change

Defra's Consultation on a UK Marine Bill White Paper

A Sea Change, a Marine Bill White Paper, was published on 15 March 2007. Defra are seeking views on the proposals set out in the White Paper and input to the supporting regulatory impact assessment.

Five key issues are covered:

  • planning in the marine area;

  • licensing activities in the marine area;

  • marine nature conservation;

  • modernising marine fisheries management;

  • a new marine management organisation.

The White Paper and further information can be found on the Defra websiteThe deadline for responses was 8 June 2007.

 

Download: View the FoCF's response to a UK Marine Bill White Paper consultation by clicking here.


 

Climate Change Information Sessions

Facing up to the Clyde's Climate Future

Saturday 24th February, Largs Sailing Club

There is no escaping climate change.

  • What changes will we see in the Clyde as a result of climate change?

  • How will these changes affect us?

  • What can we do to help save the planet and some money in the process?

These are some of the questions that were discussed on the day through a series of talks and panel question and answer discussions.

Presentations included:

Click on a title above to download the full presentation.

The sessions were open to all, tickets for the day were free for Forum members and £5 for non-members.

For more information on how to become a Forum member and take advantage of free tickets for the Information Day click here.

 

New Firth of Clyde Forum Project Officer in Post!

We would like to welcome Claire Pescod as the new Firth of Clyde Forum Project Officer.  Claire has a background in marine biology and coastal management and has previously worked on marine policy in Scotland and Europe.  Among other initiatives she has been involved with the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG), the Seafisheries Advisory and Reference Group (SeaFAR), the Clyde Fisheries Development Project (CFDP) and the North West Waters and North Sea Regional Advisory Councils (NWW & NS RACs). 

Scotland's First Coastal and Marine National Park

In January this year the Scottish Executive consulted on proposals to establish Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park (CMNP).  The responses to the consultation have been published and analysed by the Scottish Executive.  All consultation responses can be downloaded from the Scottish Executive website.

 

The consultation received a total of 940 responses – 171 from organisations and 769 from individuals. 613 responses were in the form of a questionnaire, while 327 people emailed or wrote outlining their views on the consultation questions and other issues.

 

CMNP Consultation Summary Report - to download the report click here.

The Firth of Clyde was considered as a possible candidate for the new Coastal and Marine National Park, although it was not one of the five areas identified as a strong possibility it was one of the 10 candidate sites.  To view the report produced by Scottish National Heritage on Coastal and Marine National Parks as well as other associated information visit the SNH website.

Download - View the FoCF's response to Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park: A Consultation by clicking here.

              The Environment and Rural Development Committe                 Marine Environment Inquiry

ERDC Final Report - to view the final report click here.

The Scottish Parliament's Environment and Rural Development Committee (ERDC) is conducting an inquiry to examine the management of the marine environment.  All interested parties were invited to submit written evidence by Wednesday 20 December 2006.  Isabel Glasgow, Chair of the Firth of Clyde Forum, gave oral evidence to the Committee on 24 January 2007 on behalf of the Forum and the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI) Clyde Pilot. 

Download - View the joint response of the FoCF and the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative Clyde Pilot to the Marine Environment Inquiry by clicking here.

The Committee was particularly keen to hear from communities and individuals who live and/or work in coastal or marine areas.  For further information on the remit of the enquiry click here.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2006

Marine Spatial Planning: A Scottish Perspective

Conference presentations available here now! Just click on the titles below

Conference presentations included:

Download  - View the summary report of the conference breakout sessions by clicking here.

 

          

The Firth of Clyde Forum is funded through the generous support of Scottish Natural Heritage, Clydeport, the Crown Estate and SEPA.  We also receive support in kind from Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee.


 

News

           Clyde Breakers - The Firth of Clyde Forum's Newsletter  

Issue 5 October '05.  Latest news on events and annual conference.  (1MB)

Issue 4 March '05. Spring edition focussing on SEPA's work and wildlife issues (1MB)

Issue 3 November '04.  Our first edition after our relaunch.  (913KB)

Issue 2 January '03. Contains the Clyde Catchment Conference report. (250Kb).

Issue 1 June '02. Included within this issue are articles relating to Clyde Flooding by Dr Farrow of the Glasgow Science Centre, research activities of the Marine Biological Station on Cumbrae and British Marine Industry Federation guidelines for coastal craft usage. (170kb)

 

 

The BBC Comes to the Clyde!

As many of our members may have seen, throughout August and September, the BBC bro

adcast its Coast program, a series which explored the wildlife, landscape, archaeology and history of the UK’s coast.  The West Coast of Scotland and Western Isles program explored the Clyde coast, including looking at ship building in Govan and the work of the HM Naval Base at Faslane.

 To complement the series, the BBC has signposted/created some new walks around our coast.  One of these is along the River Clyde in Glasgow.  These walks are signposted and will remain so at least the next 6 months and possibly a year.  The map is below and further details can be found on the BBC website at www.bbc.uk/coast  The BBC is looking for feedback from users on the walks and their experiences using mobile phones (please see below for details).  Any comments can be fed back through the BBC website.

Alien Species Found in the Firth of Clyde!

Wireweed, Sargassum muticum, an invasive species of seaweed, has been found in Loch Ryan and now in the Firth of Clyde on the Isle of Cumbrae.  Click here for more info and details on how to identify it.  Please report any sightings to the Firth of Clyde Forum Project Officer.

 

Clyde Reports

 

More reports can be found here.  The following is a selection of some recent ones:

 

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

ITAD/BMT CORDAH report - An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Local Coastal Management Partnerships as a Delivery Mechanism for ICZM.

 

Flooding

Turning the Tide on Flooding - A WWF Scotland case study of the Clyde (1.1Mb) (21/11/02)

 

Economic Development

Clyde reBuilt: A report recently prepared by the Clyde Waterfront Working Group exploring the regeneration potential of the Clyde from Glasgow Green to Erskine Bridge. The Clyde Waterfront Working Group brings together representatives from Councils, Scottish Enterprise, local enterprise companies the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Committee and the Scottish Executive. Feedback on this article to Mr Euan Dobson, Scottish Enterprise National, 120 Bothwell Street, Glasgow G2 (1.5Mb)(1/07/2002)

 

Natural Heritage

Marine Natural Heritage of Argyll and Bute - Loch Fyne to Loch Craignish (23/05/02)

Marine Coastal Zone Management - A New Approach for Argyll and Bute. Report prepared by Les Oman Associates. (21/05/02)

Scottish Natural Heritage 'Futures' publication. This series of documents outlines SNH's vision for the future management of Scotland's natural heritage and aims to assist all organisations and individuals that have an influence on the natural heritage and the decisions which affect it. A copy of the section entitled Coasts and Seas can be found under 'Clyde reports'. (2/05/02)

Environmental designations in the Firth of Clyde. SSSI's, SPA's, RAMSAR Sites, National Scenic Areas, Marine Consultation Areas, Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and details on legal definitions. (28/03/02)

 
   
post:
Project Manager
Firth of Clyde Forum
Caspian House
2 Mariner Court
8 South Avenue
Clydebank Business Park
Clydebank G81 2NR

Working together for Scotland's coastal resource

Scottish Coastal Forum

The Forth Estuary Forum

Solway Firth Partnership

Tay Estuary Forum

Moray Firth Partnership

email:
clyde@clydeforum.org

telephone:
0141 951 0820

last update:
30 July 2008



 
 




 

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