Recent news that may be of interest:

New IACMST Working Group Report on Underwater Noise and Marine Life

A report on underwater sound and marine life has been commissioned by IACMST. It was produced by a working group set up in recognition that the effect of sound in the sea on whales, dolphins and other marine creatures is a topic of growing interest scientifically and more generally to the public, news media and decision makers.

The report recommends that: systematic and comprehensive mapping of noise in the ocean be undertaken to assist the framing of future legislation; a Marine Environmental Assessment for UK waters should be undertaken; relevant tools, technology and databases should be shared via appropriate Government incentives; and a research strategy should be produced to examine further the effects of underwater sound on marine life - both its inputs and impacts.

The report can be read online here or copies are available from Trevor Guymer, Head of the IACMST Office, to whom all media enquiries should be addressed. It is located at the National Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH (tel. 023 8059 6612; email: iacmst@noc.soton.ac.uk)

Marine Data and Information Partnership (MDIP)

A new organisation for the management of marine data and information has been announced. The Marine Data and Information Partnership will provide a coordinating framework for managing marine data and information across the UK. Its mission is harmonised stewardship of and access to marine data and information, to facilitate improved management of the seas around the UK. More information on MDIP will be found here.

Marine Processes and Climate in UK waters

The 'Marine Processes and Climate' report is an IACMST document produced as part of the UK Government's 'UK State of the Seas Report'. It describes the present status, trends and changes in marine processes and climate within UK waters.

To access an interactive web version or a pdf version, go to the OceanNET website (www.oceannet.org) and click onto “Climate Reports”.

Oceanology International 2004 (19-22 March)

IACMST had a dual presence at this year's Oceanology International Exhibition which took place at the ExCel Centre in London. On the exhibition floor a purpose-built stand designed and built by the UK Hydrographic Office was on display throughout highlighting the objectives of IACMST, some of its past achievements and projects currently underway. Two computer displays carried a rolling presentation summarising the marine interests of its member agencies; four other monitors showed some of the activities of Defra, the Environment Agency, the Hydrographic Office and the Met Office. These four agencies, together with IACMST, co-sponsored the stand. During his visit to the exhibition, Elliot Morley, Minister for the Environment, visited the stand for 15 minutes and talked with several of the personnel manning the exhibits about the displays.

IACMST organised a lunchtime event in which four talks were given each one on behalf of the four sponsoring organisations. This was followed by a hot, sit-down lunch for 55 people from Government, academia and industry which allowed for plenty of opportunities for networking.

To see the above text supplemented with photographs click here.