‘From Plankton to Plate’ event marks World Fisheries Day at Southampton

Researchers, students, practitioners and community partners came together in the Southampton city centre on Wednesday, 19 November for From Plankton to Plate, an event to celebrate World Fisheries Day.

World Fisheries Day is held each year on 21 November to highlight the vital role of fisheries in food security, livelihoods and healthy oceans. The day calls attention to the need for sustainable fish stocks and better support for the communities who depend on fishing, especially small-scale and coastal groups.

The evening explored how marine life connects across the food chain, from microscopic plankton to whales, fisheries and the coastal communities shaped by the sea. It was hosted by the Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute , iPACT and the Future Towns Innovation Hub .

Researchers from across the University shared perspectives on marine ecosystems, aquaculture, fisheries systems and the changing relationships between people and the sea. The talks prompted thoughtful questions from attendees and showed how strongly these issues resonate across our region.

Discussion shaped by community questions

Audience questions covered areas from climate-driven species shifts to the future of coastal livelihoods. Speakers reflected on how communities are adapting to fast-moving environmental and economic pressures, with Dr Sien van der Plank noting that constant change “comes with a cost” for those who depend on the sea.

Panellists also explored the pressures facing traditional industries, including the decline of dry-fish production in parts of India and the growing challenge of recruiting younger generations into fisheries. Questions about ecological resilience, carbon cycling, vessel safety and the potential use of AI for data analysis highlighted both the complexity of today’s coastal challenges and the appetite for new tools and collaborative approaches.

Across the discussion, one theme stood out: the need to connect ecological science with social realities and community priorities, as Professor William Powrie emphasised when he said, “These issues have to be defined by the community, not by us as academics.”

Engaging talks sparked thoughtful questions and lively conversations from the audience

Launching Coastal Communities South

The event also marked the launch of Coastal Communities South, a new network designed to bring together local authorities, community groups, researchers, charities, businesses, and organisations across the south coast.

The network’s aim is to define shared challenges, strengthen collaboration, amplify local voices and help coastal places navigate environmental, social and economic change.

Join the mailing list to be updated on future events and opportunities as part of the Coastal Communities South initiative.

Professor Paul Kemp outlining the vision for Coastal Communities South

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks to all who made the evening possible. With thanks to Professor Paul Kemp for hosting the evening and chairing the panel, and to our speakers for sharing their expertise and enthusiasm: Dr Cathy Lucas, Dr Julie Mestre, Avanthika Kamath, Dr Sien van der Plank, Imali Manikarachchige, Freya Ivy Palmer, Professor William Powrie and Professor Fraser Sturt.

Thank you also to the organising team, Jenny Knight, Ruby Jackson and Carin Reisinger.