North West Marine Ecosystems 2026

NWME 2026

NWME 2026 took place on a very hot day in Liverpool on 24th June and was a great success. The programme for the day can be viewed below and recordings of the presentations will soon be made available. 

For those curious what is happening in the Irish Sea and the activity taking place beneath its surface it was an inspiring and engaging day exploring the latest developments, research, and collaborations shaping the North West marine space. The conference brought together over 50 experts, practitioners, and organisations working across the Irish Sea region to share knowledge, ideas, and enthusiasm for our marine ecosystems. The aim was to showcase what has been happening in the marine environment throughout the year of 2025 and to report on any monitoring taking place.

The programme featured talks from wonderful marine enthusiasts, academics and experts covering a wide range of topics — from the oceanography of the Irish Sea and marine mammals, to the condition of our seabed and seashore. Together, these sessions provided a unique overview of the challenges, opportunities, and innovations within the North West Marine Ecosystem.

The North West Marine Ecosystems (NWME) initiative continues to grow, building on the success and momentum of the South West Marine Ecosystems (SWME) and EASTME initiatives. SWME has been running successfully since 2007, while EASTME launched in 2024 and continues to expand each year. NWME began its own journey in 2025 with a successful pilot conference held in Lancaster, and we are excited to continue developing this network and community.

Would you like to contribute your expertise through our Communities of Practice or help shape next year’s conference? To join a CoP or find out more visit: North West Marine Ecosystems – North West Coastal Forum