IFM 55th Annual Conference

The conference aims to provide a forum for scientists, researchers, regulators, practitioners and other associated groups, who are working to address and find solutions to the problems faced by our freshwater, transitional and marine environments

The conference will bring together speakers from across the UK, Ireland and further afield for two days of presentations, posters, and networking opportunities including the Annual Dinner & Awards.

Conference sessions will cover

• Habitat improvement for freshwater and marine fisheries (Double Session)
• Policy and Process to Maximise Environmental Gains
• Human-Centred Initiatives to Enhance the Aquatic Environment
• Species conservation and recovery
• Using Technology to Manage, Enhance and Safeguard Fish Populations

The conference programme can be downloaded below

IFM 55th Annual Conference - Programme

To open the conference we are delighted to welcome the team from Vesper Hill and JBA who will perform their production,  A Boxers Guide to Climate Resilience. This innovative stage performance recounts the tale of what happens when Jo, a lowly planning officer, seeks advice from legendary climate warrior King Cnut.

The John Gregory Lecture

This year’s John Gregory Lecture will be presented by Andy Schofield of the South East Wales Rivers Trust and Environment Platform Wales.

As Director of Environment Platform Wales (EPW), Andy helps to bridge the gap between academia and government, The Platform facilitates events and activities which bring together cross-disciplinary groups of researchers, together with policy makers from Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales, assisting knowledge exchange and developing a mutual understanding of the environmental evidence needs and research capabilities in Wales and beyond.

Andy and the EPW team provide environmental careers guidance to students across Wales, assisting those who wish to evolve their passion and urge to act, for the environment, into future career paths.

A Zoology graduate from Liverpool University, Andy’s career spanning over 35 years (which actually began under John Gregory), has involved fisheries, land management, conservation and water quality roles within Natural Resources Wales and predecessor organisations, and prior to joining academia, worked on the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project developing a fish impact model.

Andy also helps to manage the work of the South East Wales Rivers Trust. The Trusts small team of dedicated employees and volunteers deliver projects to protect and enhance the river habitats and species of south Wales and raise awareness of the amazing resource on the doorstep of local communities.

Annual Dinner and Awards

This year's annual dinner will be held in the Grade II listed Chester Town Hall in the heart of Chester.

Designed by William Henry Lynn of Belfast and opened in 1869, Chester Town Hall boasts stunning interiors with glorious murals, oil paintings, stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

The dinner is a great opportunity to relax in wonderful surroundings whilst enjoying great food and an opportunity to connect, talk fish and share ideas with fellow delegates.

Following the dinner we will also have the IFM Training Awards for 2024

Please note the dinner must be booked separately to the delegate fee

Conference Supporters 

With thanks to the following companies for their support of the conference and the Institute