Marina 2020: A Vision for the Future Sustainability of Channel/ Arc Manche Marinas INDUSTRY REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICE

This project was undertaken as part of the INTERREG IV A Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy (CAMIS) Project, which has been running for 4 years since 2009. The Channel supports a well-established, diverse and vibrant marina sector which was identified as one of the key areas of potential growth and development in the region. The research aimed to identify the drivers affecting change in the Channel’s marina sector, engaging with marina stakeholders across southern England and northern France, building an improved level of understanding of the industry, and using this knowledge to develop a strategic vision for the future. The research found a number of factors driving development and change of the Channel’s marina sector, including: - Implications associated with the recent economic downturn, - Rising costs associated with participation in the sport/sector impacting berth holder numbers, - The importance of providing high quality service to potential and existing customers to maintain customer retention, - Implications of recent environmental and planning legislation (dredging, designation of marine protected areas, red diesel etc.), - Impact of poor weather in recent years on customer numbers, and; - A lack of public and authority understanding of the value of marinas to their communities. Following the identification of these drivers, the research aimed to establish potential solutions or strategies for the future that would allow the Channel’s marina sector to harness the opportunities presented by an evolving industry. In particular, the research examined the role of clustering and collaboration in the development of the marina sector, in addition to the potential business diversification opportunities available to marinas, and their businesses. Marinas contribute to the local economy and provide employment, often in areas where few local jobs are available. On both sides of the Channel, the research found that Marinas were not exploiting their full economic potential. At their best, Marinas are hives of activity, providing a range of services and facilities to boat users, visitors and businesses. At their worst, they are providing little more than a mooring. The research found participants to be particularly interested in the possibilities associated with clustering in the marina sector, identifying three types of cluster that could be applied to the sector: clustering activity within one marina site, clustering activity between two or more marinas and the development of Cross Channel marina clusters. While there were concerns associated with the development of clusters, such as a perceived loss of competitive advantage, the need to make sensitive information available to competitors and language barriers, overall, stakeholders were open to the benefits of clustering. Clustering, and the collaborative activity it encourages were recognised as having the potential to strengthen the sector, with a small number of marina sites already engaged in activity of this type. In addition, it was found that stakeholders felt that diversification of marinas could be beneficial to the wider sector, with one stating that “marinas are missing a massive opportunity...they are a wonderful place [for a company] to be based and so they should do more to make natural work hubs”. However, it was also noted that opportunities for diversification could be limited by location, size of site and customer catchment area, ownership issues (particularly in France), as well as financial constraints. Overall, the research served to identify where the sector envisions itself moving in the future, engendering the development of an ideal scenario. This allowed the vision of a ‘good marina’ to be defined, as shown below. A good marina will: Be both economically and environmentally sustainable, with a significant role within the local community in terms of leisure activities, economic growth, jobs provision and skills and training. Have strong links with tourism organisations, promoting the local area and attractions to visitors to create a more complete ‘destination’ for both permanent and visiting berth holders Will be well established as a community asset, viewed as a vital component of Channel communities, with support from local authorities. Operate at close to full capacity on both sides of the Channel, and will promote cruising between sites to ensure widespread benefits of visiting vessels. Have a thorough understanding of the environmental and planning legislation impacting the sector, through improved relationships with policy makers and increased involvement with the marine planning process and future policy development. Have strong environmental strategies in place, engage widely with associations such as the Green Blue to improve awareness among staff and customers, and ensure the sector is as ecologically sustainable as possible. Will have collaborative and mutually supportive business relationships with local and regional businesses. Will feel effectively represented at all policy levels by their trade associations, and have a ‘voice’. Will be actively engaged in sustainable operation practices, ensuring they are providing the highest possible quality of service to their customers. Action points will include: - Provision of WiFi at berths for berths, taking advantage of internet based promotion and booking facilities to support the sector. - Promoting ‘green’ behaviours from both customers and staff; for example, through provision of recycling facilities, effective grey water disposal points, providing information on sensitive marine ecosystems, and ensuring there are effective management procedures in place to treat run- off. - Communication with berth holders to evaluate service provision to see where changes could be implemented, - Engagement in supportive and collaborative business relationships with on-site tenants and local companies, ensuring customers are provided with a comprehensive level of service. Finally, a ‘good’ marina will engage in collaborative relationships within the sector and will, when appropriate, engage in clustering activity (on a range of scales) and knowledge exchange. As part of the research, number of recommendations were developed which are outlined in more detail throughout the document. These recommendations can be grouped into categories depending on whether for marinas, local businesses or local authorities as summarised below: Recommendations for Marinas: Assess and promote the level of economic input into local communities through the marina. By actively promoting the sector as directly or indirectly injecting money into the local economy, marinas can improve their relationship with the local community, enhancing the level of support they receive from other businesses and their local authority. Actively work to engage in sustainable operation practices: communicating regularly with customers to ensure needs are being met, promoting ‘green’ choices to both staff and berth holders, as well as collaborative engagement with local businesses and tenants. Marinas should ensure they are an active part of their local community, engaging in local meetings, promoting careers opportunities within the sector and working to build strong relationships with local authorities. By strengthening their role within the community, the value of marinas to their communities will be better understood and opportunities and support for growth will be easier identified. Look at the opportunities available for marinas to work together on a collaborative basis. Marinas have the potential to develop successful clusters, working with local and on-site businesses, as well as their local authorities, to support growth and development of the sector. Clusters have the potential to reduce costs, give access to new market opportunities while increasing revenue. As well as looking at collaboration opportunities within the UK, it is suggested that marinas would benefit from engaging in knowledge exchange with French marinas. Working on a cross border basis would allow marinas to learn from each other, working to provide a standardised high quality of service to berth holders, and allowing best practice to be developed across the region. Marinas should support the development of cross border networks and initiatives such as a Channel Marina Passport and the Channel Marina Cluster. Activities of this type have the potential to increase participation in the sector by attracting new customers to marinas across the Channel’s coastlines. Recommendations for local businesses: Be aware that marinas can be a valuable customer base, for either marine service companies or supporting services, such as retail or entertainment. Building relationships with local marinas, so that they actively promote businesses to their customers could provide access to a new customer base; with minimal promotion costs, while increasing overall revenue through increased footfall. Identify opportunities to work on a collaborative basis with your local marinas – the easiest way can be through a discount and promotion offer, as recommended through the development of a Channel Marina Passport. This type of agreement can be mutually beneficial, is inexpensive with the potential for high profitability. On-site tenants and local businesses engaged in related activities have the potential to collaborate very effectively with marinas, through the development of clusters. This type of activity will increase the profile of both the marina and the businesses it supports, providing mutual benefits to all members. Recommendations for Local Authorities: Work to improve understanding of the marina sector, along with their associated businesses within your local community. They are a valuable asset and can be used to promote tourism, increase visitor numbers, market your community as a destination and actively support local businesses, such as cafes, bars and restaurants. It is suggested that local authorities get to know the marina operators in their local community, building and improving relationships to ensure a mutually beneficial decision making process, where the value of marinas to the local community is understood. Local business networks could be established that foster communication and engagement between the various members. Local authorities should have working understanding of the value of marinas to the local community, and consider the socio-economic value of this sector, as well as the environmental considerations when discussing plans for development. Ensure that information provided to marinas regarding planning permission, changes in legislation, application processes and environmental obligations is clear and accessible. By ensuring that the information is communicated in an effective way, conflict will be reduced and implementation of new procedures etc. will be easier. Engage with national bodies, such as The Yacht Harbour Association, the RYA, the Marine Management Organisation, the British Marine Federation, or the French Federation of Marinas, to ensure there is a thorough understanding of how the sector could be supported in its bid to achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability

Future Collaboration for the Marine Sector in Devon – Pulling Together

The following report highlights the main findings from a maritime cluster facilitation workshop run by the University of Chichester at the Devon Pulling Together event held in February 2012. The event was held in collaboration with Devon County Council, as part of the Interreg IV A Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy (CAMIS) project. The primary objective of the Pulling Together event was to encourage collaboration within the maritime sector in Devon, with the University of Chichester working to evaluate the potential for a maritime cluster in the region. The event followed on from the University’s earlier research into how the development of business clusters could benefit the maritime sector. Delegates were introduced to the benefits of clustering and knowledge exchange activities for the Devon maritime sector and were asked to consider three questions in preparation for the workshop session. Analysis of the answers indicated support for a South West regional maritime cluster, encouraging better relationships with neighbouring counties rather than limiting a cluster to Devon. Given this, four main areas of interest were identified and used to direct the workshop sessions. The workshop evaluated these in the context of success, required actions, and consideration of the potential barriers and their solutions. Analysis of the workshop discussions identified a range of key findings: The overarching theme identified throughout the workshop was that of communication. The importance of effective communication both within and about a South West maritime cluster was viewed as being integral to its success. In order for a maritime cluster to be successful an effective leader would need to be identified. A South West Maritime cluster would be an opportunity for maritime industries in the region to be represented nationally. It was observed that there was a limited sense of awareness and understanding of the maritime sector in the region, with delegates expressing support for the development of a South West maritime directory. It was felt that coupled with the development of a directory, a regional maritime cluster could serve to promote the South West as a brand, acting as a representation of quality standards. In addition to suggestions for the development of a successful cluster in the region, delegates were asked to discuss potential challenges and their solutions. The most common barrier to a cluster was the perception that working closely with other businesses could result in a loss in competitive advantage. The successful development of a cluster could address this, and the lack of trust between businesses, by encouraging collaboration, providing networking opportunities and promoting the benefits of working within a cluster. Following the event, analysis of the workshop session allowed a number of recommendations and action points to be proposed. These include the development of a South West maritime directory, identification of an effective cluster leader, improved communication within and about the sector, determination of the geographical scope of the cluster and evaluation of wider collaboration opportunities. In order to achieve these, there are a number of proposed action points that Devon County Council should consider: Firstly, rather than proposing a complete reinvention of a maritime cluster in the region, it is recommended that existing relationships and infrastructure (e.g. BMF, TYHA, DCC) be used more effectively to encourage the development of a successful maritime cluster; It is also recommended that a comprehensive directory of the maritime industries in the South West region be developed. It may be possible for Devon County Council to utilise the existing CAMIS database; As Devon County Council recognise the benefit of a maritime cluster for the region, it is possible that they could work with regional stakeholders to identify an appropriate leader for the cluster; Given the importance attributed to effective communication throughout the workshops, it is also proposed that Devon County Council work to develop innovative and inclusive methods of communicating with cluster members. Finally, it is proposed that Devon County Council should develop an action plan that will encourage the development of a cluster in the region and promotion of the South West regional brand, addressing the issues identified throughout the workshop. The University of Chichester are working in conjunction with Devon County Council to generate an action plan that will facilitate the development of a maritime cluster for the South West region

A Critical evaluation of the application of marine citizenship in sustainable marine management in the UK.

Traditionally, governance of the marine1 environment has been state driven dominated by a top-down approach to management. Recently, however, management has evolved into a more participatory, bottom up regime in an aim to address the historical failures associated with traditional marine management. This study seeks to establish the potential role of citizenship specific to the marine environment. The founding rationale of the research is the suggestion that with a greater level of public involvement and responsibility, marine management could be developed at a more sustainable, long-term level. Following an extensive systematic literature review examining the role of citizenship in environmental management, and its potential applicability for the marine environment, a theoretical conceptual model of marine citizenship was generated. Through telephone interviews, the potential role of marine citizenship in marine management and policy delivery in the UK was evaluated. Results identified numerous factors with the potential to influence public expression of marine citizenship and these were further categorised into the key themes of education and personal attachment to the marine environment. In order to examine these issues further, two thematic case studies were designed to further evaluate their role in the inculcation of marine citizenship. It was found that current levels of marine education are insufficient, while sense of public connection with the marine environment was found to be low. Both factors were observed to be in need of improvement in order to engender a societal sense of marine citizenship in the UK. Synthesis of the results furthered the generation of the first working model of marine citizenship and established the necessary enabling factors required for successful expression of marine citizenship. In addition, specific management measures and recommendations for successful promotion of marine citizenship were defined. The research concluded given that a movement towards enhanced public engagement in the process has been identified as the ideal situation for marine management, encouraging a sense of marine citizenship could be an effective delivery mechanism. Further to this, it was determined that, central to successful inculcation of marine citizenship is the recognition that its promotion will require considerable effort on the part of marine managers and governance bodies to address the current capacity issues associated with public engagement

Ocean Literacy for an Ocean Constitution

Firmly cemented in history as a connector of people, a facilitator for trade and transport routes and a driver of culture and heritage, the ocean has directly influenced globalization, and humanity more generally, for generations. While the ocean was perhaps once viewed as infinite and insurmountable, globally our oceans, coasts and seas have experienced unprecedented change in recent decades with climate change, loss of biodiversity and overfishing among the challenges being addressed through contemporary ocean governance. Moreover, and crucially as we continue to strive for sustainable ocean futures, the global ocean is increasingly being recognized as a peopled space. This article explores the role of ocean literacy as we look towards achieving sustainable ocean futures

Welsh legislation in a new era: a stakeholder perspective for coastal management

In Wales, there has been a concerted change in policy direction with a suite of new legislation developed since 2013. Together, these Acts are being presented as a mechanism for affecting real change in how social, economic and environmental issues are addressed across Wales, with a particular focus on an integrated and holistic approach to policy and management across all sectors. From a coastal ecosystem perspective, these Acts have the potential to improve coordination of management, resulting in more sustainable, long-term solutions to the challenges facing Welsh coastal areas. However, despite the positive rhetoric currently being presented alongside these governance changes, their impact remains to be seen. In order for the legislation to realise its expected successes, engagement with practitioners charged with implementing these new Acts is crucial to understanding the opportunities, challenges, successes and failures. Using saltmarshes as a lens through which to examine this new legislation, this paper presents the findings of a series of interviews with stakeholders from north Wales, providing an insight into coastal practitioners’ views of what the legislative changes mean for them. The paper also identifies potential challenges and opportunities associated with the new legislation in the context of coastal management. A SWOT analysis is used to inform a discussion of how the successful application of this innovative, and ground-breaking, suite of legislation in Wales may be achieved. The research found stakeholders to be generally positive about the new legislation, and the changes to coastal management that they signal across Wales. Opportunities discussed included supporting greater collaboration, cross-sector working, interdisciplinarity and the potential to provide a blueprint for the rest of the UK as it navigates the EU exit process. Despite this positivity, concerns were expressed regarding funding and staff resources, lack of adequate support around implementation, among others. This integrated approach to coastal governance clearly stands as an opportunity to bridge traditional sectoral gaps, and instigate more effective dialogue between stakeholders

Putting people at the centre of marine governance across the UK and Ireland: 20 years of society and the sea

Once considered a scientific, technocratic activity, marine governance has shifted from a top down, state directed process toward participatory and deliberative approaches. In parallel, there has been increasing acknowledgment of the need to consider the human dimensions of marine and coastal issues, and the role of citizens in delivering the sustainable management and protection of the marine environment. By doing so, a more complete understanding of the complex relationship between society and the sea may be achieved. Research has shown that marine practitioners recognise that higher levels of civic involvement and citizenship in the management of the marine environment would be beneficial. Despite this, questions are raised as to whether existing governing institutions, legal structures, and planning instruments enable this to readily happen in practice. This paper explores the extent to which existing marine governance instruments are positioned to engender a society of marine citizens to meaningfully engage with marine stewardship behaviours in the UK and Ireland. A multi-phased research approach critically analyses existing relevant legislation, legal and policy frameworks, focusing on themes associated with the human dimensions of marine governance, including marine stewardship. This evaluation highlights a limited inclusion of terms relating to marine stewardship nationally, but recognises the foundations are there a more strategic and cognisant recognition of human-ocean relationships within marine governance across a range of scales and contexts

Text messaging to help women with overweight or obesity lose weight after childbirth:the intervention adaptation and SMS feasibility RCT

Background There is a need to develop weight management interventions that fit seamlessly into the busy lives of women during the postpartum period. Objective The objective was to develop and pilot-test an evidence- and theory-based intervention, delivered by short message service, which supported weight loss and weight loss maintenance in the postpartum period. Design Stage 1 involved the development of a library of short message service messages to support weight loss and weight loss maintenance, with personal and public involvement, focusing on diet and physical activity with embedded behaviour change techniques, and the programming of a short message service platform to allow fully automated intervention delivery. Stage 2 comprised a 12-month, single-centre, two-arm, pilot, randomised controlled trial with an active control. Setting This study was set in Northern Ireland; women were recruited via community-based approaches. Participants A total of 100 women with overweight or obesity who had given birth in the previous 24 months were recruited. Interventions The intervention group received an automated short message service intervention about weight loss and weight loss maintenance for 12 months. The active control group received automated short message service messages about child health and development for 12 months. Main outcome measures The main outcomes measured were the feasibility of recruitment and retention, acceptability of the intervention and trial procedures, and evidence of positive indicative effects on weight. Weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured by the researchers; participants completed a questionnaire booklet and wore a sealed pedometer for 7 days at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Outcome assessments were collected during home visits and women received a voucher on completion of each of the assessments. Qualitative interviews were conducted with women at 3 and 12 months, to gather feedback on the intervention and active control and the study procedures. Quantitative and qualitative data were used to inform the process evaluation and to assess fidelity, acceptability, dose, reach, recruitment, retention, contamination and context. Results The recruitment target of 100 participants was achieved (intervention, n = 51; control, n = 49); the mean age was 32.5 years (standard deviation 4.3 years); 28 (28%) participants had a household income o

Competitive outreach in the 21st century: Why we need conservation marketing

AbstractAddressing impacts from human activities requires the change of current practices. However, reaching a target audience about conservation issues and influencing their behaviour is not easy in a world where people are continually bombarded with information, and distractions are permanently available. Although not typically considered to be part of the conservation science toolbox, marketing techniques were designed in the commercial sector to identify and influence human preferences and behaviour by placing target audiences at the core of the marketing process. It thus seems reasonable that the same marketing principles and tools could and should be used to address pressing conservation issues. In this manuscript, we provide an introduction to the main objectives of marketing and illustrate how these can be applied to conservation and animal welfare issues. To that end we offer two examples: Project Ocean, where a major UK retailer joined forces with the Zoological Society of London to influence consumer behaviour around seafood; and Blackfish, which coupled social media with an award-winning documentary to create a discussion around the welfare of large cetaceans in captivity. Without the ability to influence human behaviour, a conservationists' role will likely be limited to that of describing the loss of biodiversity and the decline of the environment. We thus hope that conservation practitioners can embrace marketing as a fundamental component of the conservation toolbox

Cultural adaptation of a text message library designed to support diet, activity and weight management behaviour in the postpartum period in the UK: the Supporting MumS (SMS) Study

The Supporting MumS library of text messages was developed with extensive personal and public involvement (PPI) to help with postpartum weight management and was successfully tested in a feasibility study in Northern Ireland. Before conducting an effectiveness trial, further PPI work was needed to ensure that the dietary and lifestyle advice offered within the SMS text message library was acceptable and culturally relevant for a wide range of women across the United Kingdom (UK). Recruitment was facilitated by existing community networks that helped capture a culturally diverse group of postpartum women who have struggled with their weight. Nineteen women took part in the PPI exercise: n = 4 African–Caribbean (living in London), n = 8 Asian (Bradford), n = 7 white (Scotland). The PPI work followed an iterative process with initial online group discussions, where selected text messages were reviewed and feedback was sought on their language, tone and cultural relevance. This was followed by message adaptation and re-review. Following initial group discussions to understand the main areas for adaptation, PPI work was carried out with individual mums who reviewed the entire library of text messages and provided feedback on all adaptations. Mums liked the humour and the supportive tone of the messages and approximately 15% of the messages were left unchanged. Suggested edits to ensure the messages were acceptable and relevant to women from a range of cultural backgrounds were minor in nature. Suggestions provided by PPI representatives were mainly in relation to broadening the relevance of snack ideas, recipes, food preparation advice, shopping habits (e.g., click and collect services) and workout ideas. Additional feedback included removing colloquialisms and idioms, the meaning of which may be confusing for somebody not familiar with them or a non-native English speaker (e.g., ‘run out of steam’). Personal and Public Involvement provided helpful suggestions for the cultural and regional adaptation of a lifestyle text message intervention in the postpartum period. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Supporting MumS study will be tested in a UK-wide trial