45 individuals representing 31 different organisations attended the inaugural meeting of the CIoS MCP on 22nd February at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth, chaired by Lord Robin Teverson. This launch of an important new partnership in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly saw organisations from across various sectors come together to collaborate and discuss the key issues affecting our local marine and coastal ecosystems and communities and how we can work together to address them.  Organisations such as University of Exeter, South West Water, Seal Research Trust, Environment Agency and Cornwall Council were among those present and now members of the MCP. The attendees were delighted with an additional unofficial member sign-up on the day: Humpback whales visited Falmouth the day of the inaugural meeting!

Ruth Williams, Head of Marine at Cornwall Wildlife Trust said ‘We have known that better coastal collaboration and sharing of information has been much needed for many years, so it is fantastic to finally get the new Marine and Coastal Partnership off the ground. The inaugural meeting was a really positive event, and we hope it will now grow and go from strength to strength. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead, but this Partnership has the potential to be a dynamic, collaborative platform to engage all sectors, to share data, inform and find joint ways of working, and to value the need for a healthy marine environment to be at the centre of all decisions.’ 

Now, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine and Coastal Partnership are running a community focussed workshop at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth on 7th March to help create a Fal and Helford Charter of the Sea. 

Fal and Helford Charter of the Sea 
What is a Charter of the Sea? 

A ‘Charter of the Sea’ is a plan of action to promote nature recovery in the local marine environment. This will include local marine conservation priorities; current actions and community projects; and what resources and capacity there are in the local community. 
Join this community event to have your voice heard in this first stage to create the Fal and Helford Charter of the Sea. 

This initiative is being led by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine and Coastal Partnership with amazing input the Your Shore network: Falmouth Marine Conservation Group and Helford Marine Conservation Group. 

Fal and Helford Charter of the Sea Community Workshop (Thursday 7th March)

How can YOU contribute to the Fal and Helford’s local marine conservation effort? 
What is already happening and how can we do more? 
Whether you work in the sector or are a passionate resident… Everyone is welcome! 
We want to hear your voice! 
FREE event with tea, coffee and cakes provided! 
Sign up link: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fal-helford-charter-of-the-sea-community-worksho…  

Coastal Data Hub: 

As well as the exciting work actively protecting local marine life, the MCP has launched a Coastal Data Hub. The Coastal Data Hub will act as a central location for exploring local and national, marine based digital map data for Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly. The Cornwall Coastal Data Hub will provide a variety of ecological and environmental focused coastal and marine data which can inform and contribute to environmental planning, management, and protection across the county. 
We need your help to fill in the data gaps. Do you know of any datasets, reports, or local surveys that we can include on our data hub?