Marine Identity: Tides of Change, Tramore

The sea has long been central to the identity of the coastal communities of the south-east — shaping landscapes, livelihoods, recreation and a shared sense of place. Today, that relationship is entering a new chapter, with changes to how the marine environment is used, understood and experienced.

As part of Shared Island & Ocean, IOLN’s all-island initiative with Queen’s University Belfast, we’re hosting a community dialogue event in Tramore exploring the evolving marine identity of the south-east coast, and the ways in which communities, organisations and individuals can engage with the changes taking place in their shared marine environment.

Waterford’s relationship with the sea is rooted in generations of connection, from fishing and maritime heritage to swimming, surfing, tourism and everyday enjoyment of the coast. As the marine environment and its uses continue to change, Tides of Change invites us to consider how these connections might evolve, what remains constant, and how people can help shape the future of the sea they know and value.

Event details:

• 22 October
• Coastguard Cultural Centre, Tramore, Waterford
• 10am–4pm
• Register here 

Speakers:

• Keynote Speaker: Karin Dubsky
• Keynote Conversation:  Michael Connors and Micheál Ó Cinnéide
• Panel discussion –  Future Seas: Patrick Kirwan (Ardscoil Na Mara), Richard Daly (Waterpark NS), Patricia Comiskey (ESB), and Róisín Fitzgerald (Clean Coasts). Moderated by Noirin Burke (Galway Atlantaquaria)

The Shared Island & Ocean project is a collaborative initiative by the Irish Ocean Literacy Network (IOLN) in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and is funded by the Shared Island Fund.