The EU has 320, 000 km of coastline and economic activities at sea or in coastal areas produces 40% of the union's GDP.

BBC: Maritime policy debate

The aim of the Symposium is to increase public and political awareness of the vulnerability of coastal zones and to discuss tools and measures for sustainable water management in coastal areas at an expert level.

UNESCO: Water Portal | Water Events Worldwide

Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge.

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Yet the megacities are where climate migrants are expected to move to, and they are often in the coastal areas most at risk from rising sea levels.

ECONOMIST: The threat grows from rising water and sinking buildings

The Environment Agency said 1, 500 homes in low-lying areas would be at risk from flooding and coastal erosion without the flood defences.

BBC: Flood plans to protect 1,500 Sussex homes

Mr Hogg added that he was looking at the "policing model" and the distribution of officers between rural, urban and coastal areas of the two counties and Isles of Scilly.

BBC: PCC Tony Hogg

Stonehaven and Peterhead were hit by coastal flooding at the weekend and people in the north east were warned to steer clear of beaches and harbour areas where large waves could hit.

BBC: Scottish flood alerts as rain hits travel