Porcupine
Marine Natural History Society

 

The PMNHS Annual Conference 9th-11th April 2010

Changing Seas

Download a pdf file of this information here.

PMNHS will be holding its annual meeting at the Bute Building, University of St Andrews. There will be two days of talks (Friday and Saturday) followed by an excursion/field trip on the Sunday. The theme of Changing Seas is very topical, with changes relating to marine animals and plants (large and small), their habitats and the wider marine environment the focus of much current research.

The Venue: St Andrews is Scotland's first University and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. Over six centuries of teaching and research have established the university as one of Europe's leading and most distinctive centres of learning. The University and the town itself are steeped in history. There is much to see – including the University, Gatty Marine Laboratory, several museums, the castle and cathedral ruins, botanic gardens, marine aquarium, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. St Andrews is the “home of golf”. More information on all aspects of St Andrews:

The town itself is relatively small with around 17,000 inhabitants. The university is well-integrated into the three ‘parallel’ streets that form the town centre and the many shops, bars and restaurants are in easy walking distance of the conference venue. Good town maps can be downloaded from the University website

The Bute Building (No. 70 on downloaded University map) itself is easily accessed on foot from South Street (St Mary’s College). Some car parking may be available to the south of the building (accessed via Queen’s Terrace) on Friday and the entire car park will be available on Saturday. Visitor passes for parking in this car park can be collected at registration. All conference talks, poster displays and tea breaks will be in close proximity in the Bute Building.

The Bute Building also hosts the Bell Pettigrew Museum of Natural History. This recently re-furbished Victorian-style museum will be of interest to many PMNHS members. It includes specimens from Porcupine, Challenger and other cruises from the research activities of Professor William Carmichael M’Intosh and Sir D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson.

M’Intosh is famous for his work on marine annelids and was the first director of the Gatty Marine Laboratory. Marine research in St Andrews is flourishing. There are research groups investigating fish biology, marine ecology, conservation biology, ecological statistics and marine mammals. The shores at St Andrews are readily accessible and vary from rocky skerries to large sand flats.

Costs: The conference fee, which includes tea and coffee, is £30 (£20 for students and unwaged). Non-Porcupine members may join the Society during the conference (by standing order only) for £5, a 50% reduction. If you wish to take advantage of this offer the total fee will be £35.

Lunches: Lunches are not included but there are many reasonably priced bars and cafés close to the venue.

Reception: A wine reception will be sponsored by the Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI) Porcupine dinner: A dinner has been arranged for the Friday night at the Gateway (No. 18 on University map). The cost will be £30 (including wine).

Sunday excursion: We have arranged a boat excursion to the Isle of May for interested attendees. The Isle of May Princess will sail (weather permitting) from Anstruther at 11.00, returning at 15.45. The Isle of May, situated 5 miles from Anstruther, is a National Nature Reserve and famous for its bird and seal colonies, as well as its underwater habitats). Weather permitting, participants will be able to walk on the island. The cost is £18 per person.

Diving: We are investigating the possibilities for boat diving on the Sunday. Weather permitting; there is a popular shore dive at Fife Ness, near Crail.

Intertidal fieldwork: Unfortunately Spring Tides in the St Andrews area in March/April do not coincide with Sundays. On April 11th, the tides are moving toward Springs, but are early in the morning or in the evening. The best tides are toward the end of the week. However, anyone wishing to carry out intertidal fieldwork should let the organisers know and facilities will be made available.

Call for papers: We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to present a paper at the conference. Registration dispensation may be available to speakers. Please make offers of papers to Emma Martin, e-mail : eem21@st-andrews.ac.uk Posters: There are facilities for up to 70 posters. Please make offers of posters to Emma Martin, e-mail : eem21@st-andrews.ac.uk

Travel: St Andrews is readily accessible by roads, rail and air. Useful information is available on the University website.

Accommodation: There is a wide range of guesthouses and hotels available in St Andrews, priced from around £30 and upwards. Please visit official tourism sites here & here for more information. We are currently investigating whether some of the larger hotels might provide reduced rates for conference attendees. Accommodation can also be found in nearby towns and villages, often at less cost.

Booking: Please book online here Non-online booking can be made via direct contact with Emma Martin, who can arrange for cheques to be receipted if necessary. Further details, provisional programme and membership form (where appropriate) will be sent on completion of the booking form.

Enquiries:

Emma Martin

Secretary

School of Geography & Geosciences

Irvine Building

University of St Andrews

Fife KY16 9AL

Tel: 01334 463 897

Fax: 01334 463 949

E-mail: eem21@st-andrews.ac.uk