24 April 2009

2009 Tay Estuary forum conference and management plan launch

Sea level change, bottlenose dolphins, and the risks facing HM Frigate Unicorn are among the issues to be discussed at this year’s Tay Estuary Forum Conference.

The event, which takes place at West Park Conference Centre on Thursday, April 30th, will also see the launch of the TEF Management Plan, a non-statutory document aimed at promoting future sustainable management of the coastline.

The TEF, established 12 years ago, is a collaborative partnership bringing together organisations and individuals with a shared interest in the 'wise and sustainable use of the Tay Estuary and adjacent coastline'.

Representatives from key organisations meet regularly to manage the direction of the TEF, while a secretariat based at the University of Dundee is responsible for its day-to-day workings.

Delegates will be welcomed by Professor Rob Duck, TEF Chair and Dean of the School of Social and Environmental Sciences at the University of Dundee. A number of sessions will follow, including talks on sea level change, the economic value of bottlenose dolphins, local management initiatives, renewable energy schemes, the preservation of cultural heritage and coastal enhancement schemes.

TEF Project Officer Laura Booth said that the topics chosen for the conference reflect the issues covered in the management plan, relating to social, environmental and economic issues within the TEF region.

'The Management Plan covers the coastal area from the River North Esk on the Angus Coast to Fife Ness; including the Tay Estuary to Scone. It aims to unite the many initiatives operating along this diverse stretch of coast into a sustainable framework, ensuring future vitality of the region.

'The Tay Estuary Forum has an essential role as a voluntary Local Coastal Partnership, in communicating between stakeholders, community groups and all those with an interest in the Tay Estuary and adjacent coastline. It forms part of a Scottish network of Coastal Fora which work under the umbrella of the Scottish Coastal Forum.

Delegates will also be invited to contribute to SEPA’s consultation on the Tay Area Management Plan.

The 2009 Tay Estuary Forum Annual Conference and Management Plan Launch takes place at the Sidlaw Suite, West Park Conference Centre at 9.30am on Thursday, April 30th. Anyone who wishes to attend must register by contacting Laura Booth on 01382 384933 or by emailing TayEstuaryForum@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk