Coastal Futures 2025: Conversations, Connections, and the Road Ahead

By Konstancja Woźniacka

There’s something about a good conference that leaves you buzzing with ideas, scribbling notes furiously, and wondering how on earth you’ll process everything you just heard. Coastal Futures 2025 was exactly that kind of event—thought-provoking, insightful, and packed with moments that made me step back and reconsider the bigger picture of coastal and marine management.

One of the great things about Coastal Futures is the networking—those side conversations that veer off into unexpected territories, the loud debates over tea (because all that inspiring chatter gets pretty noisy), and the chance to see everyone’s perspectives in one place. While aquaculture and shellfish didn’t take centre stage as much as I would have liked, I found myself in fascinating discussions, drifting far into marine biology realms that I have not visited in a long time —sharks, deep-sea ecosystems, seabird science. I also enjoyed a deep dive back into the world of saltmarshes thanks to an unexpected conversation with artist Simon Read, who integrates environmental debate into his work.

A few moments felt completely out of my current wheelhouse, but isn’t that the point of conferences? To set sail into other people’s worlds, widen our horizons, or even rediscover forgotten landscapes? And how often do we get to interact with artists at scientific conferences? That kind of crossover made this event special, reminding me how interdisciplinary collaborations not only shape our understanding of the coastal environment but also deepen our emotional connection to the sea—a theme that resonated throughout the two days.

It wasn’t just the side conversations that made an impact; the presentations themselves were powerful, tackling everything from ocean literacy to marine spatial planning. One that particularly stood out was Ffion Mitchell-Langford’s talk from the Marine Conservation Society. That talk was more than just informative; it was a statement—one that grabbed everyone’s attention. With just five years left until 2030, the urgency of understanding and promoting the value of our seas has never been clearer. She spoke about ocean literacy as a global movement and the need to recognise the different value systems people hold when connecting with the marine environment. In Wales, this is taking shape through a national Ocean Literacy Strategy, aiming to deepen public understanding and stewardship of marine spaces. A key part of this is Hiraeth Yn Y Môr—a phrase that doesn’t have a perfect direct translation from Welsh, but can be described as a deep longing for the sea. It encapsulates the profound emotional and cultural ties between coastal communities and the ocean. Her talk explored how community-led approaches could be key to sustainable marine management, and it was impossible not to feel inspired by the potential of these initiatives.

Another moment that really stayed with me was the presentation by Jasmine Isa Qureshi, who challenged conventional ecological research through the lens of queer and decolonial theory. Her slide stating “Penguins aren’t gay” sparked laughter before leading into a deeper discussion on how queering science can make conservation more inclusive and dynamic. By weaving together marine ecology, indigenous knowledge, and critical ecology, she highlighted new ways to rethink conservation and science communication—reminding us that the way we frame science shapes who engages with it. I was also intrigued by the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan presentation by Samantha Blampied.  With 95% of Jersey’s territory in the sea, the island’s identity, economy, and ecology are intrinsically linked to the health of its waters. What stood out was how the plan brought together fishers, conservationists, and business owners, showing us all how collaboration can tackle complex issues, in a way that respects and integrates diverse perspectives.

But of course, one of the most memorable moments of the conference was being called onto the stage for the Bob Earll Award nominations. It was an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking experience, standing alongside others who are passionate about coastal and marine management. But there was also a lot of happiness and pride, feeling recognised not just for my research into shellfish and their ecosystem services, but also for my work with the Young Aquaculture Society, helping to connect early-career professionals and amplify their voices. That, in itself, made the moment special.

The award went to Ffion Mitchell-Langford, and rightly so—her work is both inspiring and impactful, and her acceptance speech was a powerful call to action for greater inclusivity in the sector. She made it clear that the future of coastal and marine conservation isn’t about replacing the old with the new, but about fostering intergenerational collaboration. Climate change is an issue that spans generations, and the way forward is to harness the ambition of early-career professionals while drawing on the experience and knowledge of those who have been in the field for years. It was encouraging to hear her perspective, shared with other fellow nominees—ambitious and accomplished individuals—yet facing the same challenges of navigating a harsh job market, trying not to dwell too much on the doom and gloom of climate change, and forging our way ahead in an increasingly complex world.

But speaking of early-career professionals in a more positive context, one of the most striking things about this year’s conference was just how many of them were in the room. A large group had travelled from Plymouth, bringing with them an infectious enthusiasm. At the start of their careers, they were absorbing every bit of knowledge they could, eager to shape their own futures in marine science and policy. It was a reminder of why organisations like YAS matter—creating spaces for young professionals to engage with the sector, be heard, and find their footing in an often overwhelming field.

Throughout the two-day event, another theme kept resurfacing—the deep, intrinsic connection people have with the sea and why recognising that value is crucial for conservation. Many speakers touched on the importance of policy, targets, and scientific progress, but beneath all of that was a more fundamental question: Why do we protect the sea? It’s not just about meeting environmental targets or hitting policy milestones. It’s about something deeper—the sense of freedom the ocean gives us, the wonder we experience above and beneath the waves, the hiraeth that it stirs in so many of us. It’s about the generations of fishers and coastal communities who have depended on the sea, the pride they feel in their work, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. It was about the human stories that tie us to the ocean. Nick Hounsfield’s presentation on The Wave, an artificial surf facility in Bristol, highlighted the importance of reconnecting with nature for mental and physical well-being. This was echoed in the short but moving film Thank You, Sea by Surfers Against Sewage, introduced by Giles Bristow. These moments reminded us that fostering a connection between individuals and the ocean is just as important as scientific advances and policy frameworks.

If we’re going to meet the ambitious targets we’ve set for our coastal and marine spaces, we need more than just science and policy—we need people. We need to ensure that the next generation of marine professionals, fishers, conservationists, and policymakers carry forward the work with passion and purpose. And in that, the role of organisations like YAS is clear—giving young professionals a platform, a voice, and a community to be part of as they step into this ever-evolving space. We also need to remember to talk about aquaculture in these discussions. Just as fisheries play a crucial role in coastal management, so does sustainable aquaculture.

Further Reading & Links:

• Simon Read’s website: https://www.simonread.info/

• The Wave: https://www.thewave.com/

• Thank You, Sea – Surfers Against Sewage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOmSPOeaOwQ&ab_channel=SurfersAgainstSewage

• My work on the ecosystem services of bivalves: https://www.seafish.org/about-us/news-blogs/the-environmental-and-economic-benefits-of-bivalve-aquaculture-in-the-uk/

If you made it this far, thanks for reading! If you were at Coastal Futures, I’d love to hear what resonated most with you—what were your key takeaways? There is a comments option here so let’s keep the conversation going! :D