Devon Maritime Forum meeting to explore water quality

Beaches and bathing water quality will be discussed at the Devon Maritime Forum meeting next week.

With tougher bathing water quality targets coming into force this year, and following the introduction of the EU’s revised Bathing Water Directive, the meeting at Saunton Sands Hotel in Braunton on Tuesday 7 July, will focus on key marine and coastal water quality issues.

The meeting will explore the improvements made to water quality, the challenges which remain, and the various solutions required to help tackle the issue.  

Professor Ed Maltby, Chairman of the Devon Maritime Forum, said: “Marine and coastal water quality is a critically important issue, both ecologically and economically, for our county and the wider region. With the summer season here and millions of us heading for the region’s beaches, bays, and estuaries, we are reminded that the quality and health of our marine and coastal environment, and the many services that it provides, is one of the main reasons why the south west is such a great place to live and to visit. Ensuring that our beaches and coastal waters are clean, pollutant free and meet the very highest standards of water quality, is an ambition we must all share.”

Speakers at the event include representatives from South West Water, who will provide a water industry perspective having recently completed their £2 billion ‘Clean Sweep’ project, the Environment Agency will talk about monitoring and managing water quality, while the Westcountry Rivers Trust and North Devon Biosphere Reserve will examine how land management practices can play a crucial role in improving water quality further downstream. 

The role of community involvement will be highlighted by the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage, as well as a number of other innovative local marine litter projects.

For more information, the full meeting programme and registration details, go to www.devonmaritimeforum.org.uk