The University of Waikato will host the fifth Coastal Economic Symposium in Tauranga next year.

The symposium, Treasuring the Bay – Whakamana te taonga o te Moana a Toi, has become a firm fixture on the university's summer calendar and will take place on February 12.

The University of Waikato's 2016 Coastal Exconomic Symposium takes place on February 12, 2016. Photo: File.

Partnership and Liaison manager Dr Nigel Calder says the free symposium is an opportunity to showcase research by local and international scientists, economists and iwi representatives.

'It's also a chance for the community to engage with experts about issues and developments of regional significance,” explains Dr Calder.

The three keynote speakers includes the university's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Dean Professor Robert Hannah, who'll discuss navigation in ancient times in the Mediterranean.

Also speaking is Waka Tapu (which sailed from Aotearoa to Rapanui in 2012) chief navigator Jack Thatcher, who will present on traditional Polynesian and Micsronesian navigation.

The final speaker is Te Manaaki Te Awanui Project Manager and Research Leader Caine Taiapa, who will speak about the Tauranga Harbour health and restoration.

Other presentations include Opotiki Harbour developments, INTERCOAST and University of Bremen research updates, marine biosecurity, Bay of Plenty Regional Council research updates and digital cities.

The symposium is sponsored by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, with support from the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Waiariki Institute of Technology and Priority One.

The 2016 Coastal Economic Symposium Treasuring the Bay – Whakamana te taonga o te Moana a Toi takes place atTauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club on February 12, 2016, from 9am to 3pm.

This is a free event but registrations are essential. To register visit: http://bit.ly/ces-register or for more information visit: uwt.waikato.ac.nz