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2014 Workshops

Confirmed Workshops for the 2014 ASM are:

Utilisation of technical diving as a tool in the study of mesophotic ecosystems

OrganiserDr Yannis Papastamitiou

Date/Time/Location: Wednesday 3rd September, 9am-1pm, Wardlaw room

Background: We will discuss and promote the utilisation of technical diving methods (mixed gases, close circuit re-breathers) in the study of mesophotic reef ecosystems (MCEs) and deeper work in general. Currently, technical diving tools are not being heavily utilised by UK Universities, despite the growing interest worldwide in MCEs. We will discuss safe operating procedures for technical diving as well as potential collaborative research goals.Schedule of Talks

Expected outcomes/outputs: Our major goal will be to develop a framework of safe operating procedures, methods and protocols for utilising deep diving in marine research. We also hope to promote collaborations between different research groups in the use of deep diving techniques in marine science.

Spatial Ecology of Elasmobranchs: trends, advances in methods and opportunities

OrganisersDr Lea-Anne Henry and James Thorburn

Date/Time/Location: Friday 5th September, 9.00-13.00. Carnegie Room A

Background: The first MASTS elasmobranch workshop in 2013 had nearly 30 attendees from a large number of organisations. It’s success led to the MASTS ‘SIORC’ Communiyt Project, the aim of which is to develop a prioritised research agenda for Scottish sharks, skates and rays. The aims of this 2014 workshop are 1) to give attendees the opportunity to present their research on any aspect of elasmobranch spatial ecology both in Scotland and overseas, and 2) provide attendees with a forum for discussing advances in methods, funding and interntional opportunites. Workshop programme.

Presentations:

Dr Irene Kingma

Dr Fred Whoriskey

Micro-plastics in the marine environment: sources, sinks, efefcts and impacts

OrganiserProf Terry Dawson

Date/Time/Location: Friday 5th September, 9.30am-12.30pm. Room Bruce A.

Background: The introduction of alien species has been identified as the second most important reason for biodiversity loss worldwide after habitat destruction, and in oceanic islands, is undisputedly first. The prevention and management of marine invasive species presents more difficulties than terrestrial invasive species due to the high degree of natural connectivity that exists, rapidly increasing marine traffic due to global trade and tourism, and the logistics required to work in the marine environment. Marine invasions are currently recognised as a widespread issue throughout the world’s oceans with significant impacts to ecosystems, the environment, the economy and health.

Full workshop programme

Decommissioning & Wreck Removal: Why? What? How?

OrganiserKaren Seath, Business Development Manager, SOI Group, 01334 479100

Date/Time/Location: Thursday 4th September (2-5pm) and Friday 5th September (9.30am-12.30pm) in the Gibson Room. Delegates are encouraged to attend both sessions. The Thursday will focus on the Why and What, whilst Friday will focus on the How and Scientific Initiatives. For delegates attending both half days of this workshop but not aatending the rest of the ASM, please contact Karen Seath for a promotional code.

Background:

Why? – Why are we removing man-made steel and concrete structures from the marine environment? Taking an ecosystem-centric perspective, regardless of application, be this extraction of hydrocarbons, the harnessing of tidal or wave energy, or the transportation of people or property for ships that have met an unplanned, but not entirely unforeseeable fate.What is the underlying scientific rationale for undertaking this work in frequently hostile conditions that in itself entails risk?

What? – What steel and concrete structures are in the marine environment that should come out? Given that the UK government is to fast track the implementation of Sir Ian Wood’s recommendations for maximising the UK’s remaining offshore oil and gas resources and, where, ratified, the UNESCO COnvention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage determining that all traces of human existence having a cultural, historical or archeological character, which have been under water for over 100 years should remain in situIs there a mechanism by which a consistent, scientific rationale can be applied?

How? – How should steel and concrete structures be removed from the marine environment, giving due consideration to the preservation of life and the prevention of injury, as well as additional environmental impact? Are there novel and/or cost-effective methods and equipment that can be applied and if so, how can these be implemented?

This year’s workshop follows on from the very well received 2013 MASTS Oil and Gas/Decommissioning workshop, which had approximately 60 participants. A summary of the day can be found here. For the 2014 workshop, we will again welcome, and will bring scientists together with operators, engineers, salvors, regulators, trade associations, insurers and a classification society to consider these three deceptively simple, but fundamental questions about technlogy and methodology, taking a function based approach for the ecosystem. The agenda can be found here.

Opening presentations:

Why? Session 1 presentations:

What? Session 2 presentations:

How? Session 3 presentations:

Scientific initiatives to effect beneficial change. Session 4 presentations:

 Full notes from the workshop

Sustainable Aquaculture

OrganiserProf Brendan McAndrew, Sustainable Aquaculture Forum Convenor

Date/Time/Location: Friday 5th September (9.10am – 1.30pm) in Carnegie Room B.

Draft outline of Workshop

  • 09:15 – Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre and its role in developing industry led research.
  • 09:45 – Ministerial Working Group Science and Research Strategy
  • 10:15 – Research Councils Aquaculture related research funding inititatives
  • 10:45 – Coffee
  • 11:00 – 6 x 15 min oral presentations followed by discussion
  • 13:00 – Lunch and e-poster session

Get involved: Colleagues are invited to submit abstracts in the following priority areas:

  • Fish Health
  • Sustainable Fish Feeds
  • Stock Improvement
  • Shellfish Farming
  • Sustainable Aquaculture

If you are interested in presenting at this workshop (either by oral presentation or e-poster), please provide a title and short (up to 200 words) summary of your presentation/e-poster (which will be made available to participants) to [email protected] before close on Friday 8th August 2014.

Presenters are requested to ensure that their talks do not focus solely on past and/or current research, but also speculate on future directions of research. Presentations should be 15 minutes long.

Marine Spatial Planning

OrganiserLucy Greenhill (01631 559379)

Date/Location/Time: Friday 5th September (1.30-4.30pm) in Carnegie Room A

This workshop will introduce the MASTS Marine Spatial Planning project to a wider audience and seek detailed discussion to support the development of specific collaborative research proposals, building on existing and new ideas. More details.

MASTS Resources

We’re working behind the scenes to bring you a suite of useful, and updateable, resources including: 

  • Find an expert
  • Find facilities & equipment
  • MASTS Publications

 

If you would like to be updated when the resources section is live please let us know.