IMarEST Partners with Defra on Marine Mammal Monitoring Innovation Project
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology (IMarEST) today announces a partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that will see the IMarEST’s global member community inform the future of marine mammal monitoring.
As part of Defra’s Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme, the initiative will evaluate existing monitoring methodologies and identify innovation opportunities and horizon scan to advance evidence-based solutions for marine conservation and management. The project will include a stakeholder survey and one-day workshop featuring international technology providers, offshore industries, conservation organisations and academia.
To meet the ambitious goals of the UK Marine Strategy and the 25-Year Environment Plan, robust marine monitoring systems are essential. In 2019, the UK Marine Strategy Good Environmental Status (GES) assessment highlighted the need for improved assessment tools to evaluate marine mammal health and their contribution to GES. This project aims to:
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Evaluate current methodologies and technologies
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Identify innovation opportunities
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Identify gaps in monitoring technologies
Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser at Defra said: “Marine mammals are a key part of global ecosystems; it’s important we continue to improve our understanding of their populations, distributions and health. We are delighted to be working with the IMarEST’s international community to explore use of a range of exciting new technologies allowing better monitoring of cetacean and seal species. Innovative use of these new approaches will enable us to track the status of marine mammals and help to ensure sustainable management of our seas.”
Chris Goldsworthy, Chief Executive at the IMarEST said: “We are pleased to be supporting Defra on this critical role in marine mammal monitoring. This partnership with Defra allows us to bring together our international expertise and innovation to tackle the urgent need for enhanced marine mammal monitoring. Here at the IMarEST, our Marine Mammal Special Interest Group will draw upon decades of international experience across industries, governments, and academia to coordinate and deliver this project on behalf of Defra - we’re extremely grateful for their valuable contribution.”
The stakeholder survey aims to gather data on the current state of marine mammal monitoring technologies, methodologies and horizon scan to identify emerging innovations and new technologies – it is now live and can be accessed here. Survey respondents will be entered into a prize draw for a £50 Amazon voucher (terms and conditions apply - see below).
Terms & Conditions
All individuals who complete the survey for the purposes of which it is intended by the specified deadline will automatically be entered into the prize draw. The survey must be completed by 24th of January 2025 to qualify for entry. One winner will receive a £50 Amazon voucher. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other alternatives. The winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries. The draw will be conducted within 7 days after the survey closing date. The winner will be notified via the contact information provided in the survey within 15 days of the draw. If the winner does not respond within 7 days an alternative winner may be selected.
The organisers take no responsibility for entries lost, delayed, or incomplete due to technical issues or other unforeseen circumstances. Personal information collected as part of the survey will only be used for the purposes of the draw and will not be shared with third parties. By completing the survey, participants agree to these terms and conditions. This draw is organised by IMarEST. Amazon is not a sponsor or affiliated with this promotion.
In addition to the survey, the IMarEST has organised a one-day virtual workshop taking place on 25 February 2025. This event will bring together marine professionals, policymakers, technology developers, and researchers to discuss the future of marine mammal monitoring. The workshop will serve as a platform to share preliminary findings from the survey and horizon-scanning exercises while encouraging dialogue around priority areas for investment and development. Complimentary workshop places are available now.
