2015 ialeUK Annual Conference
The University of Edinburgh, 7-9 September 2015
Seascape ecology is the application of landscape ecology to the marine and coastal environment. This annual ialeUK conference was held on 7– 8th September 2015 at the University of Edinburgh and focused on the emerging shift towards linking both sides of the coastal margin, and how this can help to restore habitat connectivity and protect coastal and marine systems from environmental degradation.
The conference explored the use of terrestrial, coastal and marine approaches to map seascape, measure spatial pattern and understand drivers of change. The use of seascape ecology to understand the interaction between nature and culture in the future management of coastal systems was also explored. As always, there was a diverse mix of participants from research, policy and practice backgrounds which made for engaging discussion and great social interaction throughout the conference.
On the 9th September there was a fieldtrip to John Muir Country Park in Dunbar where participants got the opportunity to explore the sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands, reclaimed grasslands and coastline while learning about seascape management from the park rangers.