REGIONAL PROJECTS

There have been some significant coastal research activities in the south of England , such as the strategic monitoring programmes, and some important partnerships exist at this level, such as the climate change partnerships and the coastal forums.

Funding for these projects and networks is provided through a variety of sources including Defra, member organisation contributions and the regional development agencies. Research activities are varied and some projects have more direct relevance to SCOPAC than others.

For a full review of regional projects within the SCOPAC area, please refer to the full ‘research critique' report.

Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes

Probably the most significant coastal research activities in recent years have been the establishment of the Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes (south east and south west regional coastal monitoring programmes).

The programmes are funded by Defra and a specialist team has been established at the Channel Coastal Observatory within the National Oceanographic Centre, Southampton, to manage the programme and develop the data analysis, storage and dissemination procedures. Large quantities of data are freely available from the survey and analysis programmes via the Channel Coastal Observatory website.

Although the programme is still in its early stages there have already been significant advances made in data collection and management as a result of the programme. A long-term programme is essential for the effective management of the coastal zone.

For more information about the Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes see the website: www.channelcoast.org