Scientists head to Orkney environmental workshop

A two–day workshop headed up by eminent environmental scientists will take place this weekend at the Harbour Authority building at Scapa.

The workshop, instigated by the harbour authority’s senior biologist Jenni Kakkonen, will assess the methodology utilised by the unit in monitoring intertidal environmental work.

She said: “With the diversity and volume of general shipping increasing considerably in Orkney waters, it was felt that this was the perfect time for Orkney Islands Council’s Marine Environmental Unit to undertake an appraisal of its processes for intertidal work.

“We have been very lucky in attracting such eminent scientists to guide us through that appraisal and we warmly welcome Dr John Baxter (Scottish Natural Heritage), Dr Mike Bell (The International Centre for Island Technology, Heriot Watt University), Prof Mike Burrows (Scottish Association for Marine Science), Dr Matt Frost (Marine Biological Association of the UK), Prof Steve Hawkins (University of Southampton) and Prof Jon Side (The International Centre for Island Technology, Heriot Watt University).”

The workshop is to be held on Friday and Saturday.