The fragile sea

The University of East Anglia and the Lowestoft-based Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is to launch a strategic alliance to boost understanding of the pressures of global climate change on the fragile marine environment. The aim is to produce high-quality science that will influence policy-making, economic development and improve quality of life.

The joint venture includes a UEA-Cefas lectureship in marine ecosystem services, with a new lecturer being appointed to start in Autumn 2008. The two organisations then hope to develop a new degree course in marine environmental management.

The official launch of the alliance takes place on the 17th April 2008, when UEA vice-chancellor Bill Macmillan and Cefas chief executive Richard Judge will sign an agreement. On the day, a series of scientific presentations will cover areas where there is potential for further collaboration with topics including coastal erosion, marine ecosystems, pollution, climate change, social sciences, marine policy and oceanography.