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Research project

Poole Together: Junior Coastal Scientists Monitoring Programme

Project overview

Poole Together brings together secondary school students with diverse stakeholders concerned about the increasing ulva macroalgal (seaweed) blooms in Poole Harbour. We will explore with partners how a citizen science photo method can (1) increase data on ulva, (2) raise awareness to its social, economic and environmental impacts, and (3) identify opportunities for adaptation to this “new normal”. This will support young people to be part of ulva research and adaptation, and highlight to other stakeholders the role that young people play in adaptation.

The project adopts a co-production approach, and we are working closely with teachers, community groups and partners in the development and delivery of the work. At the heart of the project is a weekly after school club in autumn 2023, with science training and co-design opportunities, followed by a multi-stakeholder workshop in early 2024.

Staff

Lead researchers

Dr Sien Van Der Plank PhD

Senior Research Fellow

Research interests

  • Multi-scale analysis using mixed methods of coastal flood risk management across policy domains, organisational stakeholders and households.
  • Risk attitudes and behaviours to the natural environment in relation to perceived, expected and experienced social and physical changes.
  • Mixed methods analysis of the form and evolution of stakeholder perceptions toward mining, expected impacts of mining, and experiences of consultation process.
Connect with Sien

Email: sien.vanderplank@soton.ac.uk

Other researchers

Dr Vicky Dominguez Almela

Lecturer

Research interests

  • Her work has included the use of individual-based models (IBMs), geographical information systems (GIS) and stable isotopes to increase understandings of invasion patterns and evaluate invasive species eradication programmes. She also uses citizen science tools to co-produce knowledge with the general public and increase adaptation pathways to climatic risks.
  • Champion of the Nature-Based Solutions Special Interest Group at the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute.
  • Postgrad Rep and Social Media Lead of the British Ecological Society Invasion Science Group.
Connect with Vicky

Email: V.Dominguez-Almela@soton.ac.uk

Research outputs