Welcome to the Firth of Clyde Forum web site. The Forum is a voluntary partnership of local authorities, organisations, businesses and communities committed to working towards integrated, sustainable management of the Clyde's environmental, economic and community resources.

We implement Marine Planning / Integrated Coastal Zone Management initiatives and engage with local communities and other coastal and marine groups, facilitating discussions between parties on key coastal and marine issues. We produce newsletters, organise conferences and are involved in and promote various information and public events around the Firth of Clyde. The Forum Core Group of key stakeholders meets on a quarterly basis and is currently responsible for the implementation of the Firth of Clyde Marine Spatial Plan.

Hot Topics and Breaking News
Marine Conservation Society Release Latest Beach Litter Results
Unfortunately the amount of litter items per kilometre has risen sharply and is at its highest since 2008. There are now, on average, just over 2,000 litter items for each kilometre of beach surveyed. The amount of rubbish like sweet wrappers and plastic bottles seems to indicate that decades of various anti-litter campaigns now need to be re-invigorated for a new generation. for more information go to www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch.

Sailing Tourism in the Clyde
As part of the Scottish Enterprise inspired scheme aiming to increase sailing tourism in the Clyde, (see this edition of Clyde Breakers, out now) Rhu Marina are offering two nights for the price of one to enourage people to visit for the Helensburgh Real Ale Festival, 17/18th of May at Helensburgh Sailing Club. For more information and to book call 01436 820238 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Climate Challenge Fund OPEN
Applications for Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) grants up to £150,000 per year are invited now and application deadlines for the next three grant panels in 2013 and 2014 are available on the Climate Challenge Fund website.

Two marine surveys set to discover more about Scotland’s underwater wildlife
Funded by Marine Scotland (MS), the exploration of the waters in the Firth of Clyde and Loch Sween, near Lochgilphead, is part of an extensive programme of marine research led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and MS. The results will help Government and others plan for the sustainable management of the seas. For more information go to www.snh.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas/.

Scottish Marine Atlas e-book
Marine Scotland recently launched an e-book version of Scotland’s Marine Atlas, this can be downloaded on most tablet devices - click here.

SEPA launches new mobile website for water users
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced the launch of a new mobile-friendly website to make it even easier for fishermen, canoeists, walkers and other water users to plan their activities. Water levels monitored by SEPA at over 330 gauging stations across Scotland will be available to view through the new website. To view the new mobile-friendly website please visit: http://www.riverlevels.mobi/

Consultations Galore!
We did warn you that this summer we are going to have a series of important Government consultations on the National Marine Plan, the Offshore Renewables Plan and Marine Protected Areas. Well to break you in gently we have a few more consultations for you. Starting tomorrow (30th April) there is the Scottish Planning Policy consultation, the National Planning Framework 3 consultation and the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Report consultation. For all this and more go to www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current

Marine Station at Millport Facing Closure
UMBS Millport is a unique marine and coastal biology facility based on the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde. For more than 100 years the Millport Marine Station has been a crucial part of a network of research stations round the UK and European coasts.The future of the Millport Marine Station is at risk because of shortfalls in funding see www.gla.ac.uk/centres/marinestation and to sign the petition click here.