SWCM Annual Meeting 2023

The South West Coastal Monitoring Annual Meeting, held in November at the University of Plymouth, served as a gathering point for experts, researchers, and practitioners passionate about coastal preservation. Set against the stunning Plymouth skyline with panoramic views of Plymouth Sound, the event focused on the coastal response, both physical and strategic, a decade after the impactful 2013/14 winter storms. Attendees were treated to a wealth of information, cutting-edge presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. Let’s delve into the key highlights and notable moments from this year’s event.

Update on South West Coastal Monitoring:

Emerald Siggery, the SWCM Team Leader, started us off, offering a comprehensive update on the current state of South West Coastal Monitoring. Her presentation not only outlined recent developments, but showcased the team’s unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of coastal research and technology. This set the tone for a day filled with insights into the advancements in monitoring techniques.

Coastal Asset Database Overview:

Miriam Cattermole, also from the SWCM team, provided attendees with an in-depth overview of the Asset Database, a critical component of coastal monitoring. Her presentation emphasized the database’s achievements and highlighted its indispensable role in cataloguing and managing coastal assets. This underlined the importance of data management in enhancing our understanding of coastal dynamics.

Innovative Approaches to Wave Quality Control:

Thomas Dhoop, Channel Coastal Observatory, introduced a ground-breaking approach to quality control for breaking waves. His presentation showcased the re-processing of Datawell Directional Waverider MkIII heave data affected by breaking waves, demonstrating the continuous evolution and innovation in wave monitoring technology.

Addressing Coastal Change in Local Planning Policy:

Rhys Hobbs, Cornwall Council, contributed valuable insights into the integration of coastal change considerations into local planning policy. His presentation shed light on Cornwall’s proactive approach to addressing challenges posed by coastal dynamics within the framework of local planning, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for resilient coastal communities.

Insights into Coastal Response and Recovery:

Olivier Burvingt, University of Bordeaux, drew parallels between the coastal response and recovery efforts following the 2013/14 storms in England and France. His presentation provided a nuanced perspective on the similarities and differences in the two regions’ approaches to coastal resilience, offering valuable insights for future planning.

Statistical Analysis of Southwest UK Coastal Storms:

Nikolas Martzikos, University of Plymouth, contributed to a deeper understanding of coastal storms with a statistical analysis along the Southwest UK coast. His data-driven insights provided attendees with valuable information to enhance our ability to predict and respond to the frequency and intensity of coastal storms in the region.

Examination of Coastal Impacts a Decade on:

Gerd Masselink, also from the University of Plymouth, explored the long-term impacts of the 2013/14 winter in the Southwest of England within a decadal temporal framework. His presentation offered a comprehensive examination of the lasting effects of severe weather events on coastal landscapes, highlighting the need for sustained monitoring and adaptation.

Case Studies and Lessons Learned:

Afternoon sessions featured case studies, timelines, and lessons learned from various organizations, including the National Trust, Environment Agency, and the University of Plymouth. The topics ranged from coastal dune dynamics to storm impacts at Chesil Beach, providing a diverse and comprehensive view of coastal challenges and solutions.

Networking and Collaboration:

The event enabled networking and collaboration, uniting professionals from diverse fields, including oceanography, geology, engineering, and environmental science. Attendees shared findings, exchanged ideas, and explored opportunities for joint projects, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of coastal monitoring.  Team members of SWCM were on hand to demo our new website, the coastal asset inspection app and an innovative dashboard to show topographic survey data.

The South West Coastal Monitoring Annual Meeting emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, showcasing the strides made in coastal monitoring and the collective dedication to preserving our coastal environments. As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, technological advancements, community engagement, and collaborative efforts will prove indispensable in safeguarding our coastal regions. The insights gained from this annual gathering will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing dialogue and action required to ensure the sustainability and resilience of our coastlines for generations to come.

Check out the full agenda and presentations from all of our annual meetings on our annual meetings page.