C.O.A.S.T. with the University of the West of England have organised a Symposium to be held on Arran in October, pulling together those who are interested and determined to make the seas more sustainable and governments more accountable to those for whom it holds in trust this common resource. Some of the key areas for discussion are:

•    Look at the latest research on Marine Protected Areas
•    Discussion on the value of ecosystem services
•    Discussion on who owns marine resources, and how do we reach sustainability.
•    Science and stakeholders
•    Getting the balance between people, state and market-focused approach. Where do people and the environment fit into marine management
•    Building networks of MPAs - next steps
•    Corporate, including multinational, power, government and the coastal community stakeholders

The Symposium is already oversubscribed with academics and government representatives with just a couple of spaces for community stakeholders at the time of writing available. Delegates will travel from all corners of the UK, from the EU and even the US. Sharing ideas and experience, forming cohesive networks and looking strategically to the future will make this an interesting and challenging gathering.