The Marine Biological Association is currently undertaking research for the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF) into how the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries waters are used for recreation. The results will help inform future management of the estuary. TECF is a partnership consisting of the local authorities, harbour authorities, statutory bodies and conservation bodies who are collectively responsible for the management of the waters of Plymouth Sound and the Tamar Estuaries. TECF is delivering this work on behalf of Plymouth City Council, West Devon Borough Council, South Hams District Council and Cornwall Council.

 As part of the research we will be running a paddler and rower workshop for all rowers, canoeists, kayakers, SUPs etc. We would like to invite up to three club members, to represent all the activities undertaken by your club members, to the workshop to be held at the Marine Biological Association of the UK (map attached) on the 13th October, 2016. Car parking is available on-site and refreshments will be served, the workshop will open at 6 for a 6.30 start and will finish before 9pm.

Delegates will be asked to provide information on their recreational activities within the Plymouth Sound (see attached map for study area). We will be asking questions on where activities take place e.g. how water is accessed (via slipways, beaches etc.) and the areas that are used, e.g. popular areas for trips, landing points etc. We would like to understand how the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries are used throughout the year and will ask you for information on numbers of people taking part in activities or events throughout the year. A facilitator will be on hand to record information and the process will be straightforward. All data will be used anonymously.

 Alternatively, if you are unable to attend, individual users can complete an on-line survey about their activities, athttps://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TECF. Please feel free to circulate this link to your members if nobody is available to attend the workshop. Please note the survey will only be on-line to fill in between 17th October and 20th November. We are trying to ensure that each recreational user is represented only once to avoid double-counting, members that are represented in the workshop will not need to fill out the survey unless they also take part in other activities in the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries.

 Please RSVP to Alex Colbing at alecol@mba.ac.uk or Heidi Tillin heitil@mba.ac.uk (telephone: 01752 426543). We are also happy to provide further information on the workshops and data that will be collected and to discuss any requirements such as building accessibility to allow you to attend.

Click here to see the MBA flyer.

Your help with this research is much appreciated and we look forward to welcoming you or other representatives to our workshop.