Marine invasive species identification workshop

This two-day course introduces you to a range of invasive species found in UK coastal waters and the various options that exist for the management and control of these species. 

Presentations and practical hands-on experience in the field collection of specimens are included, alongside the use of microscopes and taxonomic keys for species identification.  Highly invasive species that are already in UK coastal waters, and those thought to be 'high risk' but not yet present receive particular attention.  

The course is particularly relevant if you work in the marine environment, for example environment agencies, consultancies, the aquaculture industry, offshore renewables sector, ports and harbour authorities, undergraduate or post-graduate marine science and ecology students and any other interested parties.

What you’ll learn on the Marine Invasive Species Workshop:

Day 1 (11th September)
•    Definition of ‘invasive species’
•    Economic, environmental and societal impacts
•    Pathways of transmission
•    Techniques for field collection and rapid surveys

Day 2 (12th September)
•    Risk assessment for species and pathways
•    Eradication and control methods
•    Identification and taxonomy of invasive species
•    Overview of existing policies for dealing with the new arrival of a marine invasive species

The course is led by Dr Liz Cook; a biologist involved in national research for the NERC Oceans 2025 project and Marine Aliens programme to determine the invasibility of marine systems and any associated impacts for our global ecosystems.

This course is always popular due to the experience gained from field collection and laboratory time, so please book early to avoid disappointment.  It’s particularly relevant if you work in aquaculture, marine renewables, marine science or any other marine environmental sector.  It is recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).  Attendance counts towards your Continuing Professional Development for both the IMarEST and The Science Council’s accolade of Chartered Scientist (CSci).

Price: £375 (VAT exempt) including lectures, field trip, microscope tuition, notes, ID guides and lunch on both days.  You’re encouraged to bring your own samples for identification if you wish.  The course begins at 9am on the 11th September and will finish at 3pm on the 12th.  (Please bring a clean lab coat with you for the practical sessions.)
You may want to arrange overnight accommodation in Oban if required.  (This is not included in the course fee.)

Application Information: Reserve Your Place on our Marine Invasive Species Workshop, email SAMSCourses@sams.ac.uk or call 01631 559000

SAMS runs a number of short courses in topics including Ecosystem Based Management, Algae Research and Mapping and Arc GIS™.  For further details, please email samscourses@sams.ac.uk or call 01631 559000

Instructors:

Dr Liz Cook is a specialist researcher in the field of invasive species; particularly as they relate to climate change, aquaculture, hull fouling and the marine renewables industry.  Her current projects include studies for the Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum, the EU, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, SuperGen and Oceans 2025.  Dr Cook is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a committee member of the Scottish Government’s working group on Invasive non-native species and editor for the online journal Aquatic Invasions. 

Application Information: Reserve Your Place on our Marine Invasive Species Workshop, email SAMSCourses@sams.ac.uk or call 01631 559000