Marine

Marine Scotland learns from the 3rd Scottish Space Symposium

April 16, 2015 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Collaborations, Marine Collaboration Research Forum (MarCRF), Marine Directorate Science

Last week, the 3^rd Scottish Space Symposium took place at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation. Although primarily a meeting for those interested in remote sensing of the earth (mostly using satellites), the event was a chance for natural environment scientists to meet with space scientists and technologists, and to network and collaborate, especially in creating links to industry. Marine Scotland Science was represented by MarCRF Research Fellow Jacqui Tweddle.

The event kicked off with a selection of natural environment scientists  presenting overviews of their research, providing a great opportunity to introduce the work to an audience who would not usually attend the same conferences, as the attendees included those studying terrestrial or marine environments, or the atmosphere. Keynote speakers told us about what satellites are out there, what data is available, and how some of the data is or could be used, such as the potential to use satellites to police for illegal fishing activity in the marine protected area around the UK’s Pitcairn Islands, as the area is too remote and large for conventional boat-based enforcement.

After a great networking lunch, industry representatives told us about some of the (mostly small) businesses in Scotland working in the satellite industry. This provided some ideas about future collaborations – watch this space!

In a final session, the natural environment scientists pitched challenges and project ideas to the group, receiving useful feedback and invaluable advice from the other attendees, in particular from the space technologists. Jacqui pitched a challenge on behalf of Marine Scotland Science – “How could we use satellites to help with monitoring our waters for Good Environmental Status under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive?” I came away with lots of advice, and ideas on what to do and where to go next.

All in all, the event was very interesting, and provided a great opportunity to meet with remote sensing experts and space technologists, and others working in similar fields. A day well spent!

The event was funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) and the Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications.

More Information

• Marine Scotland Science
• Marine Collaboration Research Forum (MarCRF)

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