Coastal Communities South

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. 

Events