In particular, legislation is indicating increased involvement by Local Government in marine spatial planning and regulation.

In response to these drivers SeaZone is pleased to announce a series of six Local Government Regional Workshops throughout England this autumn.

The workshops will examine Local Governments’ roles within the coastal zone and marine environment, focusing on requirements for marine spatial information and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assist in project planning and implementation to help secure better business efficiencies and improved decision making.

The events follow a Local Government Survey commissioned by SeaZone and undertaken with officers involved in marine and coastal protection related activities within 92 coastal Authorities in England. (Scotland and Wales are being addressed independently of this campaign). The feedback has provided some interesting results and will help inform the workshops. A Survey Results Report published July 2008 is available direct from SeaZone.

Local Government officers and associated stakeholders such as Sea Fisheries Committees, Wildlife Trusts, Coast/Estuary Forums, Emergency Services and Central Government Marine and Fisheries Agencies and other regional offices are encouraged to attend the events.

The events will include updates on the Digital National Framework, the Atlantis Initiative and key Government initiatives promoting best practice use of geographic information.

There will be a series of presentations (both SeaZone and external organisations) in the morning followed by breakout groups in the afternoon to provide delegates with opportunities of discussing the issues raised in the morning.

The events are being sponsored by British Geological Survey, Ordnance Survey and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office.

The events will cover:

• Local Governments’ current and future role, responsibilities and activities within the marine environment in light of national and international marine legislation
• Data management initiatives (e.g DNF, ATLANTIS INITIATIVE, INSPIRE etc)
• Current GIS and data applications and limitations
• Necessity, interest and need for marine spatial information products and services

Lunch and refreshments are inclusive and attendance by delegates will be free of charge.

Date Location Hotel
Tuesday 30 September Cambridge Best Western - Gonville
Wednesday 1 October Pulborough Best Western - Roundabout
Friday 3 October Exeter Best Western - Lord Haldon
Tuesday 7 October Hull Best Western - Willerby Manor
Wednesday 8 October Newcastle Novotel - Newcastle
Thursday 9 October Lancaster Best Western - Royal King Arms

If you wish to find out further details and register for the event or request a copy of Local Government Survey Results Report please contact Alastair Hobson at
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Further information is also available from the SeaZone website www.SeaZone.com.