Organier: Dr Ruth Callaway R.M.Callaway [at] swansea.ac.uk
“In 1976 scientists organised a symposium at the University College of Swansea with the title 'Problems of a Small Estuary'. It was a gathering of geomorphologists, hydrologists, fisheries experts, biologists and governmental managers who discussed issues affecting the Burry Inlet (Loughor Estuary, South Wales) and other small estuaries.
The 2013 Symposium will focus on understanding what has changed in 40 years. How have research needs changed, and how much more do we understand about the dynamics of small estuaries? Impacts from both the seaward and catchment side have changed. Conservation measures have improved the conditions of some elements of the ecosystem, while other anthropogenic and natural impacts have intensified. Short-term effects, for example of fishing or pollution incidents, are nested in long-term trends due to climatic change. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of fundamental processes in these transitional water bodies. This conference will showcase research and developments particularly in smaller estuaries.”
More information: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/seacams/symposiumontheproblemsofsmallestuaries/