In August 2013 we will hosting the 11th International Polychaete Conference in Sydney at the Australian Museum. The week long conference will provide a comperhensive overview of the curernt status of polychaete studies worldwide, with associated workshops on marine pests and photographic techniques.

The main theme for the XIth SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) symposium is "Life in Antarctica: Boundaries and Gradients in a Changing Environment". This symposium links the functional importance of land and water ecosystems and their biocomplexity, under an ecosystemic perspective in order to understand the Antarctic trophic web, effects of human impacts such as the ozone hole, climate change, the increase in tourism activities, the flexible boundaries and dynamic gradients in Antarctic ecosystem, as well the Antarctic marine biodiversity through its patterns, processes and trends. An important aspect of this symposium is the outreach and education section, which will emphasize the importance of communication between polar researchers and educators in order to improve understanding and connections between scientists and society. Moreover, one of the aims of the symposium is transferring scientific knowledge beyond the scientific community and letting the general public take an active part in post-symposium hands-on activities, open lectures, seminars, courses and exhibitions. Such exposure will be of undoubtedly benefit to polar science. This symposium will be also the perfect oportunity to show the final results of the SCAR programme "Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic". Similarly, the new SCAR programmes AntEco and AnT-ERA will be presented to the scientific community and will outline their objectives and perspectives for the coming years. Finally, the newly created Spanish Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS Spain) is going to be highly involved in the symposium by organizing round table sessions and preparing outreach contents.

The conference will provide a forum for presentations and discussions on the application and future of stock assessment methods. It will consider single stock approaches for data rich and data poor stocks, and also multispecies and ecosystem models. It is being organised by researchers from a range of scientific institutions and fishery agencies across the world. The conference will be preceded by a two day workshop (15-16th July 2013) where studies on the application of stock assessment methods to predefined data sets will be reviewed.

The Physical Oceanography Unit of the International Ocean Institute-Malta Operational Centre at the University of Malta will host an intensive summer course on Operational Oceanography in the 21st Century with a focus on the coastal seas. It will be held at the University of Malta, from 8 to 12 July 2013. The planning of the school is being carried out jointly with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas).

Coastal and marine management and development seemingly require increasingly large amounts of expensive data and information to form the evidence that underpins policy and to support decision making. The emphasis of the day will be firmly linked at the practical application of science, information and knowledge to policy programmes and development in the coastal and marine environment. The aim of this meeting is to clarify these trends, understand clearly how data, information, evidence, and decision making and process link together, and, by using case studies, highlight the issues and seek to develop solutions that are relevant to government, it’s agencies, industry and NGOs alike.

GIS In Ecology will be holding an introductory training course on using GIS for marine biological research in Glasgow on the 25th to 27th of June 2013. It will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, the author of ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ (Pictish Beast Publications). It is aimed at those just starting to use GIS in their research and who have little or no existing knowledge of this subject area. More information about this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_June_2013.htm. All the practical exercises will be done using a standard data set so you do not need to have your own data to do this course. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 12 people. The course will cost £395 per person (£300 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, contact info@GISinEcology.com. At the end of the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and completion. Each certificate is embossed with the GIS In Ecology official stamp to prevent its fraudulent reproduction. In addition, each certificate has its own unique identification number that we will record, along with your name, meaning that we can verify the authenticity of the certificates we issue (and the course you have completed) on request. To attend this course, you must bring your own laptop computer and have a fully licensed copy of ArcGIS 9.3, 10 or 10.1 software (ArcGIS 10.1 is the preferred software), and a licence for the ArGIS Spatial Analyst extension pre-installed on it. You can find information about how to get this software package by clicking here. It addition, you will also need to have spreadsheet software, such as Excel, on your computer. Glasgow has great transport links and is within half a days travel by car or by fast train links from most cities in the UK. For example, it can be reached in as little as 4h 30mins from London by train. It can also be reached by direct flights from many European cities and the flight time is generally under four hours. The course will be held in central Glasgow at the IET Glasgow Teacher Building (14 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB, UK). Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation. However, Glasgow provides a wide range of accommodation options to fit most budgets. Information on hotels and hostels in Glasgow can be found by visiting the webpage for the course.

Join the Marine Biological Association and partners for another 24-hour bonanza of biodiversity recording. There will be wildlife activities for everyone and experts on hand to help. If you would like more information or to be involved in any way, contact the MBA Education team on 01752 633336 email: jase@mba.ac.uk

This course introduces you to a variety of molecular methods including DNA extraction, clean-up, DNA sequencing, gene expression and bioinformatic analysis. Focusing on particular laboratory and IT techniques relevant to algae research; this two-day course teaches the latest experimental approaches used by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) to investigate the biology and ecology of algae in coastal and ocean habitats from the tropics to the poles. In particular the course addresses modifications to standard scientific protocols required to achieve success with algal material. An ideal follow-on to the Algaculture for Biotechnology course which directly precedes it; the algae research course comprises a mixture of lectures and hands-on sessions (lab and IT based). The course is ideally suited to laboratory technicians, early researchers and experienced molecular researchers who are moving into algal research.

Debatably the most diverse group of organisms on earth and responsible for the oxygen in every second breath you take; algae are still relatively untapped in terms of biotechnology. If you’re currently working in algaculture, biotechnology or biofuels, or you require an understanding of the incredible potential of algae, this two-day course provides a solid introduction for you. If you’re interested in the practical applications of algaculture for pharmaceutical, neutraceutical or industrial uses (including biofuels) in real world environments, reserve your place to learn more. Perhaps you’re a budding algal specialist within this ‘growing’ field and want to get a head start? If so, this Algaculture for Biotechnology course was created for you. Delivered by leading algal scientists from CCAP (the NERC Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa; the most diverse collection of its kind in the world, with 3000 strains of marine and freshwater algae, protists and seaweeds,) this course is one of the best introductions to algaculture.

The Festival - Beneath the Waves Film Festival is a US-based international film festival in its' fourth consecutive year, showcasing the talent of marine film-makers worldwide, highlighting conservation issues across the globe. Selected films will shown at mini-festivals all over the world, and for the first time in the UK The Poly, Falmouth is hosting it's own mini-festival. The competition - we invite submissions of both short films and still images which highlight local conservation issues. Underwater footage is not required but imagery must focus on ocean/marine/aquatic themes or issues, and must be your own original work. A research and/or conservation angle is encouraged but not essential. We welcome films and stills with all types of messages and subject matter, but we also want to highlight ocean success stories! The winning film will be shown alongside international films, presented by Canon photographer Fergus Kennedy. Winning images will be exhibited in The Poly Gallery for one week prior to the festival. If you are a diver, photographer, scientist, conservationist, or just passionate about the ocean then this is for you - if you have a good story which needs to be told, we want to hear from you! PRIZES - £200 for the winning documentary / £50 for the winning photograph How to submit - send a request email to: beneaththewavesfalmouth@gmail.com All material must be submitted by May 14th 2013. Get shooting and good luck! The Beneath The Waves Falmouth Team Lucie, Phil and Sarah

The British Science Association's annual conference. This year there are three strands to explore: •Do it: These sessions will be highly practical with an emphasis on sharing skills •Discuss it: These sessions will cover the hot topics in public engagement and provide an opportunity to discuss the important issues •Discover it: These sessions will highlight excellent examples of public engagement and provide audiences with fresh ideas to apply to their own projects

"Was man more aquatic in the past?” We are delighted to invite you to this very exciting international conference on Human Evolution - Past, Present & Future’- Anthropological, Medical & Nutritional Considerations. This conference aims to cover the most significant recent research and evidence which shows that man's evolution has been influenced by a significant exposure to an aquatic or semi-aquatic environment and that this has important implications, not only on understanding our past, but provides vital information about our present lifestyle and future destiny. We are delighted that special guests, including Sir David Attenborough, Sir David King, Professor Michael Crawford, Professor Denise Stanford, Dame Valerie Beral, Professor Brunetto Chiarelli and Professor Stephen Oppenheimer, to mention but a few, will be participating. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment! Email: conferencecentre@rmh.nhs.uk

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS) occupy the Laboratory on Citadel Hill. Listen as researchers from both institutions present the history and work that takes place with lectures by Ian Cooper, John Rundle and Chris Reid. Wine and light refreshments will be provided. Admission is free but advance booking is essential on iancoo@mba.ac.uk Follow Plymouth History Festival on Twitter @plymhistoryfest

The SMG was formed in 1988 with the aim of providing a straightforward means of communication between people involved with marine science in Scotland. This is achieved by organising one-day meetings twice a year that are open to everyone at no cost other than their own transport and refreshments. Locations of the meeting vary throughout mainland Scotland to allow the greatest number of members to participate without overly long journeys. The spring meetings give postgraduate research students the opportunity to introduce their projects and practice their formal presentation skills in a supportive atmosphere. The Scottish Marine Group 2013 Postgraduate Meeting will be held on Thursday 9th May in the Gannochy Room, Wolfson Medical School, Glasgow University. Abstract deadline is 18th April and further details are available from http://www.masts.ac.uk/graduate-school/scottish-marine-group/smg-pg-spring-meeting.aspx Any academics who would be willing to attend the day to provide helpful and constructive feedback to the postgraduate students are encouraged to contact Prof Axel Miller (Axel.Miller@sams.ac.uk) .

Successful operation of research Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) requires a range of expertise, from initial overall science planning to on-the-day piloting skills. This workshop will give you a basic knowledge of the four key areas of UAV-based Research. Many Principal Investigators correctly identify Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs - also known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft or RPAs) as a novel technique with moderate project risk, but often incorrectly assume this risk is dominated by technology failure. In practice, it is the project management, with many "unknown unknowns" that lead to failure or unacceptable project creep. This course will address this knowledge and provide scientists and researchers who are new to this research technique with understanding in the four key areas of UAV-based research. Price: £450 (VAT exempt)

Managing information and research data can be a real headache. If you’re using spreadsheets for these tasks and want to understand more about their functionality and capability so you can save time and enhance your results, this course is not to be missed. Your trainer has the ability to bring this subject to life and share the full potential of spreadsheets with you. The course is hands-on, ideal for novices and experienced spreadsheet users alike and you’ll be working on projects using computers running Microsoft Windows™ 7.

As a researcher, managing data can be a real headache. Particularly large datasets and complex topics. The right data management can save you time by enabling you to interrogate your data more quickly, reducing the critical time between data collection and communication and therefore maximising the impact your research can have. MS Access is a widely available (but under-utilised) tool that can help you manage your data. SAMS (The Scottish Association for Marine Science) collates and interprets international research and adopted MS Access to quickly and effectively bring data sets to life. This effective and inexpensive solution enables data to be input and output easily and can be customised for your own personal projects. What you’ll learn on this unique hands-on Research Data Management Course: Day 1 (23rd April) • Introduction to Databases and MS Access 2010 • Database Structure and Design • Data Input and Output Taught by the data and development team at SAMS on computers running freely available software packages (CentOS Linux distribution, Apache web server), this course is not to be missed. Day 2 (24th April) • Advanced Database Topics, including Custom designs and queries • Automated Tasks • Interactive Web Content • Hands on: Working on your data project As Governments and industry constantly strive to reduce the time between data collection and dissemination; data management is becoming more critical. This course is usually fully subscribed as a result, so please book early to avoid disappointment. The course is suitable for people with some programming experience. (If you only have limited programming experience we will be happy to supply pre-course materials to allow you to benefit fully from the course.) You are also encouraged to bring examples of your own data to work on. Course Fee: £350 (VAT Exempt)

The 19th International Pectinid Workshop will be held in Florianópolis, Brazil, in April 2013. The International Pectinid Workshops have met every two years since 1976 gathering scientists, students and industry members interested in scallops from around the world. Pectinids (scallops) have a worldwide economic and ecological importance, supporting a multibillion dollar aquaculture and fishery industry. The global relevance of the Pectinid Workshops is evidenced by the 30 countries that have been represented in the 18 previous editions and the hundreds of original scientific papers presented. The Pectinid Workshops are unique and known not only for their scientific excellence, but also for the opportunity to meet old friends, get acquainted with new ones and trade ideas about science, technology and innovation all related to a common cause: scallops. In addition, there are planned social events in a relaxing atmosphere and field trips to visit the local aquaculture industry and sample the gastronomic delights. The 19th Workshop will focus on aquaculture, fisheries, biotoxins and pollution, physiology, ecology, reproduction, biochemistry and genetics of scallops. Participants will have the unique opportunity to “network” with fellow researchers, resource managers, aquaculturists, conservationists, fishermen, and economists. All individuals involved with Pectinids are strongly encouraged to submit abstracts as oral or poster presentation at the workshop.

A two day conference focused on the technology, operations and business issues in the global field of offshore surveying

Come and Join in the Fun! In 2012, a global consultation on Marine Science Skills and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) was carried out by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) in association with other prominent learned societies, associations, industry, academia and governmental players. The aim of the consultation was to inform the production of a guidance document for all those wishing to follow, or who are already following, a career path in the marine science profession. The overall goal of the pathway is to ensure marine scientists are best placed to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in different stages of their career. On April 9th 2013, alongside Ocean Business, the IMarEST will host a networking reception to discuss the results of the consultation, to present the career pathway vision and to receive feedback from industry leaders, academic providers and public sector representatives who have an interest in ensuring the sustainability and development of the marine science workforce. Timetable and Information The Marine Science Career Pathway Launch will take place on Tuesday 9th April. Location: National Oceanography Centre Seminar Room University of Southampton Waterfront Campus European Way Southampton SO14 3ZH United Kingdom 1530 - Afternoon reception with wine and canapés 1600 - Welcome by David Loosley, Chief Executive, IMarEST 1615 - Presentation on Marine Science as a profession 1625 - Viewpoint: A series of 5 minute presentations from Marine Scientists 1650 - Key Speaker (TBC)