It's official! Our press release that has been sent out to local Papers, Radio Cornwall and the BBC.

Press Release


LOOK OUT… IS IT THE END OF THE LINE
FOR OUR FISHERIES?

Mini conference to be held at the Poly
in partnership with Falmouth Marine School


A mini conference, organised by the Falmouth Marine School will be held at the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society (‘the Poly’), on Thursday, 26th March 2009.

The event, which is part of the planned programme of the popular Café Scientifique events regularly run at the Poly, will explore the exploitation of our fisheries, through a range of thought-provoking presentations made by students of the Falmouth Marine School. The opening session will be given by keynote speaker Chris Pryor, a ‘long line’ fisherman from Coverack. Chris, who was born and bred in Coverack, mixes fishing with watersports instruction. He is a strong advocate for sustainable inshore fisheries and says he is never happier than when out with his long line, chasing bass.

The event will also provide the opportunity to debate a variety of issues, including the various fishing methods, the benefits of fish oils and the importance of sustainable fishing. There will also be a presentation on fish biology and the chance to share - and taste - some favourite fish recipes.

Rory McPhee, course manager for the Marine Environmental Management degree at Falmouth Marine School, says: “It is a wonderful opportunity to grapple with the massive implications of exploitation of our fisheries and the on-going effect of climate change to our marine eco-systems. These issues are particularly important to all of us in Cornwall, because the sea, whether for work or play, is such an integral part of our lives.”

The event, which is open to the public, starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm. Tickets, which cost just £2 each and include a fish recipe ‘taster’ at lunchtime, are available on a first come, first served basis.

12th March 2009

For 176 years, the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society (the Poly), which is a Registered Charity, has been involved with the artistic, social and economic life of Cornwall. It has provided a platform for discussion, exhibition space for new ideas in the arts and sciences, and promoted achievement by the people of Cornwall and beyond.
The Society was founded in 1833 by Caroline and Anna Maria Fox, who lived in Falmouth with their father Robert Were Fox, members of a local Quaker family. Initially set up to encourage the development of scientific innovation amongst the employees at the family’s Perran Foundry, the Society’s aims, which remain the same today, also included support and encouragement for young people and the better communication of new ideas, innovation and enterprise in the fields of science and art.

It is believed to be the first use of the word ‘polytechnic’ (meaning ‘of many arts and techniques’) in the UK. The Society received Royal Patronage, from King William IV, in 1835, the year in which its Hall, at 24 Church Street, was built.
Café Scientifique (Café Sci) is part of a national initiative, committed to promoting public engagement with science. The Falmouth branch of Café Sci is hosted by the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society. Details of Café Sci and all other events held at the Poly are available through www.thepoly.org

Falmouth Marine School, which is part of Cornwall College, is located in the heart of Falmouth and is committed to meeting the specialist marine educational needs of the region. It provides a comprehensive selection of marine based courses, many of which are not available anywhere else in the country, and includes boatbuilding, marine engineering and marine science. Further details about the Falmouth Marine School are available on www.cornwall.ac.uk/falmouth
For further information on the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, please contact:
Henrietta Lilley, General Manager, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society
Direct Tel: 01326 314566 or E-mail: henrietta@thepoly.org
For further information on the mini conference, please contact:
Rory McPhee on rory.macphee@falmouthmarineschool.ac.uk