Programme

It is the largest marine and coastal conference of its kind in the UK and convenes different sectors to discuss critical developments and concerns. The conference has a firmly established reputation, attracting >715 delegates, 25 sponsors and 50+ speakers and chairs.

Leading organisations across government, industry, consultants, academia, NGOs and the voluntary sector are invited to submit proposals to either present a talk in one of the six theme sessions or a poster.

Conference details

Along with the full programme, all the speaker and poster abstracts are available as well as a list of poster presentations that will be on display at the conference.

Download the programme with speaker and poster abstracts

Six themed sessions

Session 1: LAND-SEA INTERACTIONS
How do we improve the quality of place-based decision-making?

Speakers will consider how to embed systems thinking and a holistic approach in local governance, to achieve stronger and more integrated outcomes.

Session 2: SUSTAINABLE SEAS
Can we meet the 2030 targets whilst growing a sustainable blue economy?

Speakers will illustrate complex interactions within the marine space and provide examples of collaborative and innovative solutions to achieve a sustainable blue economy, amid the nature and climate crises.

Session 3: ACROSS THE WATER
What insights can we gain from international best practice to help us reach the 2030 targets?

Speakers will bring their experience from across the world to tackle this year’s key questions on land-sea interactions, sustainable seas, ocean stewardship, future fishing and restoring nature.

Session 4: OCEAN STEWARDSHIP
Are we doing enough to understand and promote the value of our seas?

Speakers will demonstrate innovative approaches to support coastal communities, understand their diverse values and empower transformative change from the local level.

Session 5: FUTURE FISHING
How will future fishing needs be balanced with restoration efforts and space for renewable energy?

Speakers will illustrate the impacts of energy, climate, and nature recovery targets on fisheries and how the transition to new fisheries management measures will help or hinder a sustainable future.

Session 6: RESTORING NATURE
Can we achieve well-managed and restored marine and coastal seascapes by 2030?

Speakers will highlight nature positive progress and consider if true headway is being made on reversing the loss of nature and restoring the natural world to health.

Bob Earll Award

Nominations for the Bob Earll Award are closed. The Award will be presented on the 29th of January 2025 at the Coastal Futures conference.

2024
Coastal Futures 2024: An inclusive future for our seas.

This and all previous conference material, including programme, delegate notes, session recording and slides are in the conference archive.