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Welcome to a different kind of conference

At Conservation Chat UK Ltd, we believe marine conservation events should be engaging, inclusive, and full of community spirit—not formal or intimidating.

The South West Marine Fest is a friendly, relaxed gathering where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate our ocean, share research and stories, and connect over a shared passion for marine conservation—whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out.

👉 Click here to view and download your conference programme!

What to expect

Join us for our annual in-person event dedicated to ocean conservation. Hosted by Conservation Chat UK Ltd, this gathering reflects our strong commitment to protecting marine life and ecosystems. We design our events to place the ocean and its incredible biodiversity at the centre—bringing people together through inspiring talks, shared knowledge, and a welcoming community that’s passionate about our blue planet.

A day of learning and connection

Inspiring talks by expert guest speakers

Engaging discussions on important conservation topics

Great networking with like-minded people

A welcoming space for everyone—students, professionals, and nature-lovers alike

CPD opportunity

This conference is a great Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunity.
Attendance certificates are available for anyone who would like to record their learning.

Practical info

Light refreshments provided

Please bring a packed lunch (we challenge you to go plastic-free!)

Affordable ticket prices to keep it accessible to all

Important to know

This is an in-person only event.
If the conference is cancelled by us, we’ll give you a full refund—no hassle.

👉 Click here to view details of the next South West Marine Fest Conference.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

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Laura Collier

Conservation Chat UK

Marine Conservation - A Year In Review

This talk reviews the major developments in marine conservation from May 2026 to May 2027—the good, the bad, and the unmistakably urgent. Now becoming a traditional way to open the conference, this annual overview takes stock of the past year’s most significant progress, challenges, and setbacks. It highlights the positive developments that offer hope for the future of our oceans, while also examining the ongoing pressures and emerging challenges facing marine ecosystems. Finally, it confronts the most concerning trends, including accelerating biodiversity loss, climate-driven impacts, and setbacks in conservation efforts. Together, these insights provide a timely snapshot of the state of marine conservation, setting the scene for the conference and highlighting the priorities and actions that will be critical in the year ahead.

Jeanette Sanders

South West England Jellyfish Survey

The Wonderful World of Jellyfish: Exploring Devon and Cornwall’s Coasts

The SW England Jellyfish Survey has been collecting public sightings since 2018, building a valuable picture of the gelatinous plankton found around the coasts of Devon and Cornwall. This talk will provide an overview of the species recorded, where they have been spotted and how to identify them. It will also explore the opportunities and challenges of citizen science in this field, how the survey data has contributed to wider scientific research into the health of our seas, and some of the broader global concerns surrounding jellyfish and other gelatinous plankton.

Coral Smith

Devon Wildlife Trust

Talk title and description to be confirmed.

Stu Collier