Coastal Communities South
Coastal Communities South is a developing network that brings together researchers, communities, industry, policymakers and practitioners across the South Coast. Its shared purpose is to help coastal places become healthier, happier, more prosperous and environmentally sustainable.
Vision
Future Towns Innovation Hub, Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) and infrastructure for Port-cities And Coastal Towns (iPACT) are collaborating to create an interdisciplinary network that will build a space where challenges are clearly defined, solutions co-created, and evidence translated into practical action. The work will draw on strengths in research, civic engagement and regional partnerships at the University of Southampton.
Core Aims
- Build a visible and collaborative network of stakeholders across the South Coast.
- Define the challenges facing coastal communities, from environmental pressures to economic and social change.
- Develop a roadmap for strengthening coastal wellbeing, resilience and opportunity.
- Influence policymakers, regulators, industry and funders with clear, evidence-led outputs.
- Create coherence between research, student projects and civic engagement tied to coastal issues.
- Provide a unified front when engaging external partners and regional forums.
Key Themes Emerging
Themes are still in formation, but recurring areas include:
- Changing coastal livelihoods and economies
- The role of fisheries in local identity, employment and regional politics
- Coastal health, wellbeing and access to nature
- Environmental pressures, spatial squeeze and marine governance
- Waste, pollution, plastics and coastal consumption patterns
- Sustainable seafood systems and local supply chains
- Place-making, heritage and community voice on the South Coast
These will be refined through workshops and stakeholder conversations.
Join the network
Join the network by completing this short form
Events
SOTSEF 2026 – Activity stand 'Healthy coasts, smart choices'
Science and Engineering Day | Saturday 14th March 2026
Boldrewood Campus, Southampton
Southampton Science and Engineering Festival 2026 – Explore
Coasts and oceans are busy, shared places. They are home to wildlife, give us food, move people and things around the world, and are places where many of us live, work and have fun.
Join the Coastal Communities South team at the University of Southampton to learn about your role in protecting the coast, and how your choices, like what seafood you eat, can help keep the ocean healthy.
Explore an illustrated coastal scene to see how fishing boats, big ships, wildlife, energy and people all use the same space. Learn fun facts about seafood, pollution and how the ocean helps us. Draw what you love about the coast, and what you would change, and add your ideas to the scene so we can see what matters most to people.
You can also try a fishing game to see how people catch fish for food, and why it is important to leave enough fish in the sea for the future!
Past events
From Plankton to Plate: Exploring Marine Food Chains and the Future of Fish
University of Southampton 19th November 2025
Researchers from across the University of Southampton shared insights into marine ecosystems, aquaculture, fisheries systems, and the changing relationships between people and the coast. Our speakers sparked thoughtful questions and lively conversations, showing just how strongly these issues matter locally and globally.
Read about the event ‘From Plankton to Plate’ event marks World Fisheries Day at Southampton
Ports, Oceans & Climate Tech Acceleration
Barclays Eagle Lab are hosted this event on 25 February 2026 in Southampton.
Ports, Oceans & Climate Tech Acceleration covering climate resilience, ocean health, and clean energy, featuring Coastal Communities South and other groups from across the Solent.
Southampton and the wider Solent region are recognised as a coastal powerhouse for innovation, home to world-class ports, maritime expertise, and cutting-edge research. With the UK’s largest export port and a thriving marine economy, the Solent is uniquely positioned to lead on climate resilience, ocean health, and clean energy solutions.
Ruby Jackson, Operations Manager – Future Towns Innovation Hub, presented a lighting talk about Coastal Communities South at this event. Meeting other marine and maritime experts, growing the network ready to get connecting, address challenges, and build opportunities.