THE Devon Maritime Forum is to host one of only four official events in the UK to mark European Maritime Day on Wednesday (20 May).

THE Devon Maritime Forum is to host one of only four official events in the UK to mark European Maritime Day on Wednesday (20 May).

The meeting at the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham, from 10am - 4:30pm, is the first of the Devon Maritime Forum's two annual meetings, where members will have an opportunity to discuss some of the current marine issues.

Two teams from Defra will be present, discussing the progress of both the Marine Management Organisation and the transition to the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities from the Sea Fisheries Committees - both items being part of the Marine Bill. There will also be a direct link to Brussels, where scientists will be presenting on the Common Fisheries Policy. Sir Simon Day will also be introducing the Common Fisheries Policy Control Regulations Consultation that he has been undertaking for the EU.

Lunchtime will see a performance by the Shantymen Singers, as well as a screening of a recent film about the Exe Estuary, produced by the Devon Maritime Forum and the Exe Estuary Management Partnership.

The afternoon session will focus on the River Basin Management Plan Consultation, where delegates will have a unique opportunity to discuss and improve the maritime content of this major piece of national and European legislation.

The event has been kindly sponsored by RWE NPower Renewable Energy and the Marine Institute of Plymouth University.

Each year, European Maritime Day highlights the importance of the sea and oceans for everyday life, both in coastal communities and across Europe as a whole. It also highlights the opportunities and the challenges currently facing maritime regions and sectors - from tourism and fisheries to maritime transport and climate change.