Whales in Wales (other marine mammals too!)

Ever wanted to know more about the marine mammals of Wales? Come learn about the species most commonly found around the Welsh coastline, and the legislation that affects them. To be followed by a discussion about what training on this (and other) marine topics may be of interest.

Join us for this webinar and learn about the marine mammal species most commonly found around the Welsh Coastline. The talk will include an introduction to relevant legislation, and a discussion of the issues surrounding these species in our day-to-day work as environmental professionals.

In addition, we will have a group discussion on the following: Here at CIEEM we would like increase our professional training for marine ecologists in Wales. In order to make sure we provide what’s needed, we would like to hear from you about what your training needs are and to gauge how much interest there will be for particular courses.

These are just a few suggestions: • Marine policy and legislation in Wales • Species identification skills – which species? • Coastal and intertidal habitats • Benthic/epibenthic • Marine restoration – practical design • Marine INNS • Marine mammals • Marine birds • How different activities and developments impact different marine habitats and species • Marine data sources/managing marine data / GIS for offshore

Following the presentation we will open the floor to hear your views on what kind of training you would like to see.

Please note that the discussion part of this event will NOT be recorded. We encourage everyone to attend on the day in order to take full advantage of the discussion opportunities.

Dr Claire Lacey is a marine mammal biologist based in St Andrews. She has more than 25 years experience in this field and has worked extensively with marine mammals both in the UK and abroad in locations including Hong Kong, Hawaii and Antarctica. Her research interests cover many aspects of the ecology of marine mammals, in particular the factors that drive distribution and abundance of cetaceans, and the impacts of human activities. She has spent a lot of time in the field, conducting both visual and acoustic surveys for cetaceans, as well as working on photo ID projects for both cetaceans and pinnipeds. When back at her desk, she uses ecological modelling techniques to investigate relationships between animals and their environment. She is also Convenor of the CIEEM Marine and Coastal Special Interest Group.