This event took place on 2 July 2021.
Oceans cover 70% of our planet and are vital to all life on earth. From a human perspective, we rely on the seas for food, resources, transportation, recreation, and livelihoods. But the health of our oceans is more severely challenged than ever before. What are the solutions to this global crisis?
As we consider the drivers that lie behind the impacts on our oceans, most of which originate on land, it is critical that we consider problems and solutions in parallel, respecting the inter-connected nature of the challenges using a systems-thinking approach.
The Marine Institute’s world-leading marine research adopts a whole-systems strategy across one of the largest portfolios of any institution in Europe, to develop and optimise positive interventions with expertise that underpins our commitment to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
This event showcased the complementary research from our experts to help secure a sustainable future of our oceans, spanning topics including climate change and offshore renewable energy; coastal storm impact and defences; habitat destruction and biodiversity; the blue economy in aquaculture and maritime cybersecurity; and the socio-political dimensions that explicitly link ourselves, the land and the seas.
We were delighted to welcome Tom Heap, freelance journalist and presenter of BBC's Countryfile and Costing the Earth, who shared his perspectives on the importance of a systems-thinking approach to addressing marine challenges, and chaired the panel discussion probing our researchers further on their areas of expertise.
This free event provided the opportunity to hear cutting-edge marine research from top academics who are making a real-world impact, with the opportunity for your questions to be answered during the panel discussion.
Who was this event for?
This event was of most interest to those whose work, study or research relates to marine conservation; biology; policy; renewable energy; autonomy and data science; cybersecurity; aquaculture; coastal engineering; composite materials; coastal processes; oceanography; shipping, navigation and logistics; and coastal communities.
It was also suitable for members of the public, schools, community groups and NGOs with a general interest in the marine environment.
