The Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival is a brilliant celebration of our oceans and the marine life and diversity that make them such a place of wonder for all of humanity, as well as a source of food and resources. Science helps us understand the interaction of humans with the oceans, and where the imbalances are causing destruction of habitats, biodiversity, and vital food chains. We need scientific research to both understand past practices, including the impact of pollution, mining, overfishing and the culling of sharks and whales, and the future solutions that sustainable fishing and marine food production systems, and other innovations, can provide.
Inspiring NSW is proud to support the Ocean Lovers Talks program over the Saturday and Sunday at Bondi Pavilion with wonderful theme of Saving the Ocean with Science. There are many activists, innovators and adventures involved, but here are our program highlights, the 23 scientists trained in marine science and its associated fields, presenting their research, and participating in panel discussions and conversations.
The sessions are either short 15-minute presentations or 30-minute panel discussions, with two special one-hour panels hosted by ABC Radio’s Natasha Mitchell. All sessions include the opportunity to ask questions of the experts. The program is free and open to all, with registration recommended to secure a seat.
Saturday 23 March, 11 to 11.30 am How is science and innovation helping us navigate the complexities of sustainable seafood and can you as the consumer help create positive change? Get some guidance from the experts. Mat Goddard trained with a degree in Environmental Science and is now CEO and Founder of Aquacultr, an agritech startup investing in the sustainable production of seafood. Dr Adrian Gutteridge’s early research was in sharks, and he is now Fisheries Assessment Manager with the Marine Stewardship Council.
Saturday 23 March, 11.30 to 11.45 Campaigning to protect Australia’s subantarctic Islands. Hear expedition leader, environmental activist and documentary filmmaker Tim Jarvis talk about working on the campaigns to protect Australia’s subantarctic islands and lessons learnt from his multiple journeys. Tim originally trained in the UK in geography and environmental science.
Saturday 23 March, 12.15 to 12.30 pm Earth’s surface is the living skin of our planet and connects the physical, chemical and biological systems. University of Sydney researcher Associate Professor Tristan Salles has explored from the rivers to the ocean to shed new light on how the systems, over hundreds of millions of years, drove diversification of marine life. Tristan trained in Marine Engineering, Physical Oceanography and Marine Geoscience in France before moving to Australia to work at the CSIRO before moving to the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney in 2015, where he specialises in Earth surface processes.
Saturday 23 March, 12.30 to 1pm A Blueprint for Global Seascape Restoration! Find out about Seabirds to Seascapes: Project Restore, an exciting, world first approach to seascape restoration from Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). Project Restore focuses not only on individual habitats but also on fostering connections between habitats in 11 Sydney Harbour locations, to bring back lost biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration. Mitchell Brenna is currently undertaking his PhD at UTS Sydney in methods in increase wild seahorse populations while he work on Project Restore, with a particular focus on fish habitat enhancement. Dr Paco Martinez-Baena completed his PhD in the habitat value of oyster reefs as fish habitat at Macquarie University and is now Project Manager for Project Restore. Associate Professor Ziggy Marzinelli from UNSW Sydney’s School of Biological and Life Sciences broadly works on the marine community ecology. Professor Melani Bishop is a coastal ecologist with the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University Marine Research Centre. She co-leads the green engineering working group of the World Harbour Project and the Living Seawalls Program.
Saturday 23 March, 1pm to 1.15 pm Dive in to an innovative talk with Australian National Maritime Museum Archaeologist Dr James Hunter to hear how he is using Virtual Reality to invite the public to explore shipwrecks and discover their mysteries. James is also an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at Flinders University in South Australia. He trained in historical archaeology and holds a PhD in maritime archaeology from Flinders University.
Saturday 23 March, 1.15pm to 1.45pm Hear from leading researchers as they discuss the survival strategies and evolutionary traits that help reefs survive during ongoing climate change and rapid heating events, and conversely, how science and conservation need to intervene to help protect them. The research of Dr Emma Camp focuses on the physiology, ecology and biogeochemistry of coral reefs. She was a co-founder of the Coral Nurture Program, a new approach for caring for the Great Barrier Reef initiated by a partnership between tourism and science. She is now a Team Leader of the Future Reefs Program within the Climate Change Cluster at UTS, Sydney. Dr Elliot Scanes is a marine biologist and ecologist his work is focused on understanding how marine organisms will respond to climate change. He is also a Chancellor’s Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Climate Change Cluster at UTS Sydney.
Saturday 23 March, 3.30 to 4pm So much is impacting our much loved (megafauna) marine creatures – sharks, dolphins and turtles. Come away enlightened by all the positive actions being done to help preserve their environments and numbers. Associate Professor Rachael Gray from the University of Sydney’s Veterinary School specialises inhealth and disease investigations of seals and sea lions. Laura Simmons has worked in aquariums in the US and Australia since receiving her degree in Zoology from the University of Florida. She has been a curator for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and is now regional curator for Australia/New Zealand for the SEA LIFE chain of aquariums. Hannah Tait is CEO at Action for Dolphins, a working to change laws, educate the public, and promote institutional changes that lead to safer, healthier lives for dolphins.
Sunday 24 March, 11am to 12pm Hosted by ABC’s Natasha Mitchell, a panel of experts, campaigners and innovators will unravel the highly contested debate on shark nets, false assumptions, impacts and what are the alternatives available now. Discussion will include science, policy, alternatives and eco barriers plus some campaigner perspectives. Dr Chris Neff is a senior lecturer in Public Policy at the University of Sydney. They are interested in the human dimensions of wildlife and the politics and policy response to shark attacks. Lawrence Chelbeck is a marine ecologist specialising in conservation, research and outreach, and is now at the Humane Society International, currently focused on shark welfare and protection. Steven Pearce is CEO at Surf Life Saving Australia. Hannah Tait is CEO at Action for Dolphins.
Sunday 24 March, 12.15pm to 12.45 pm Is algae the new gold? ABC’s Natasha Mitchell talks to researchers and innovators to find out what makes algae so valuable. Heralded as a key ingredient for a sustainable planet, it’s being used for everything from animal feed to reduce methane, beer manufacturing to reduce CO2, bio-fuel, clothing and plastic substitutes to food and supplements. Marine ecologist Dr Alex Thompson’s PhD focused on research was on vegetated coastal habitats – or Blue Carbon systems, encompassing seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangrove environments, and she specialises in algae-based biotechnology innovation in Australia at UTS, Sydney. Dr Pia Winberg completed a PhD in marine ecology, and has continued research into marine food production systems and seaweed cultivation. She has set up two companies, Venus Shell Systems Pty. Ltd, growing seaweed in a circular economy, and PhycoHealth Pty Ltd delivering seaweed in products for consumers including food, health and skincare products. Dr Michael Askew has PhD in environmental studies and is the founder of numerous startups, including Algae Co. cultivating microalgae for its bio-remediation capabilities
Sunday 24 March, 12.45 to 1.15pm Join Professor David Booth to discover how artificial fish pods and new coral habitats can boost fish biodiversity in Sydney. David is a Professor of Marine Ecology in the School of Life Sciences at UTS, Sydney and the Team Leader at the UTS Fish Ecology Lab.
Sunday 24 March, 1pm to 1.30pm Are the high seas the Wild West? ABC’s Natasha Mitchell joins our panel of experts to discuss who owns the seas, who can exploit them, and how they are governed as the world sits at a crossroads of exploitation and preservation for future generations. Peter Hammarstedt is the Director of Campaigns for Sea Shepherd and is Chairman of Sea Shepherd Australia. Matthieu Rytzis a Canadian filmmaker. His recent films include Deep Rising on the impact of deep sea mining, and Anote’s Ark, on theeffects that climate change will have on the people of Kiribati, a low-lying atoll in the Pacific. Associate Professor Aline Jaeckel trained in international law and is based at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong. She works in the fields of ocean governance, international (environmental) law, and law of the sea.
Sunday 24 March, 2.45pm to 3.15pm Hear about traditional and contemporary Indigenous ocean governance working with modern science to benefit the health of our ocean. Dr Mitch Gibbs is a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney. With a PhD degree in marine biology/biochemistry, he has interests in Indigenous practices around shellfish and coastal management and in Indigenous knowledge held with culture. Kataya Cross trained in marine science and ecology at Macquarie University and is now the Saltwater and Planning Project office at Country Needs People, enhancing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in marine and coastal management. Sarah Gorst is co-founder of South Coast Seaweed an indigenous aquaculture initiative.
Sunday 24 March, 3.15pm to 3.45 pm Are whales in trouble? What are these majestic creatures telling us and how can we help them? This panel will share how researchers are deciphering whales bodies and their biology and share what this tells us about their health and wellbeing. Dr Vanessa Pirotta holds a PhD in Marine Science from Macquarie University, leads citizen science projects on Australian humpback whale migration, and on fur seal and dolphin movements in Sydney Harbour, and is a leading science communicators, frequently appearing in media interview on marine wildlife topics. Dr Olaf Menecke is currently managing and advancing the Whales and Climate Program, an international research initiative on the impacts of climate change on whales CEO, and is the Founder of Humpbacks and High-rises, an NGO running a marine mammal monitoring program dedicated to the protection and research of marine mammals.
All sessions include the opportunity to ask questions of the experts. The program is free and open to all, with registration recommended to secure a seat.
The Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival is a brilliant celebration of our oceans and the marine life and diversity that make them such a place of wonder for all of humanity, as well as a source of food and resources. Science helps us understand the interaction of humans with the oceans, and where the imbalances are causing destruction of habitats, biodiversity, and vital food chains. We need scientific research to both understand past practices, including the impact of pollution, mining, overfishing and the culling of sharks and whales, and the future solutions that sustainable fishing and marine food production systems, and other innovations, can provide.
Inspiring NSW is proud to support the Ocean Lovers Talks program over the Saturday and Sunday at Bondi Pavilion with wonderful theme of Saving the Ocean with Science. There are many activists, innovators and adventures involved, but here are our program highlights, the 23 scientists trained in marine science and its associated fields, presenting their research, and participating in panel discussions and conversations.
The sessions are either short 15-minute presentations or 30-minute panel discussions, with two special one-hour panels hosted by ABC Radio’s Natasha Mitchell. All sessions include the opportunity to ask questions of the experts. The program is free and open to all, with registration recommended to secure a seat.
View the complete Ocean Lovers Talks program here.
HIGHLIGHTS (in date order)
SEAFOOD – EATING WITH A CONSCIENCE
Saturday 23 March, 11 to 11.30 am
How is science and innovation helping us navigate the complexities of sustainable seafood and can you as the consumer help create positive change? Get some guidance from the experts. Mat Goddard trained with a degree in Environmental Science and is now CEO and Founder of Aquacultr, an agritech startup investing in the sustainable production of seafood. Dr Adrian Gutteridge’s early research was in sharks, and he is now Fisheries Assessment Manager with the Marine Stewardship Council.
JEWELS OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN
Saturday 23 March, 11.30 to 11.45
Campaigning to protect Australia’s subantarctic Islands. Hear expedition leader, environmental activist and documentary filmmaker Tim Jarvis talk about working on the campaigns to protect Australia’s subantarctic islands and lessons learnt from his multiple journeys. Tim originally trained in the UK in geography and environmental science.
GOING WITH THE FLOW – EXPLORATION FROM THE RIVERS TO THE OPEN OCEAN
Saturday 23 March, 12.15 to 12.30 pm
Earth’s surface is the living skin of our planet and connects the physical, chemical and biological systems. University of Sydney researcher Associate Professor Tristan Salles has explored from the rivers to the ocean to shed new light on how the systems, over hundreds of millions of years, drove diversification of marine life. Tristan trained in Marine Engineering, Physical Oceanography and Marine Geoscience in France before moving to Australia to work at the CSIRO before moving to the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney in 2015, where he specialises in Earth surface processes.
RESTORING SYDNEY HARBOUR
Saturday 23 March, 12.30 to 1pm
A Blueprint for Global Seascape Restoration! Find out about Seabirds to Seascapes: Project Restore, an exciting, world first approach to seascape restoration from Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). Project Restore focuses not only on individual habitats but also on fostering connections between habitats in 11 Sydney Harbour locations, to bring back lost biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration. Mitchell Brenna is currently undertaking his PhD at UTS Sydney in methods in increase wild seahorse populations while he work on Project Restore, with a particular focus on fish habitat enhancement. Dr Paco Martinez-Baena completed his PhD in the habitat value of oyster reefs as fish habitat at Macquarie University and is now Project Manager for Project Restore. Associate Professor Ziggy Marzinelli from UNSW Sydney’s School of Biological and Life Sciences broadly works on the marine community ecology. Professor Melani Bishop is a coastal ecologist with the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University Marine Research Centre. She co-leads the green engineering working group of the World Harbour Project and the Living Seawalls Program.
VR SHIPWRECK DIVES
Saturday 23 March, 1pm to 1.15 pm
Dive in to an innovative talk with Australian National Maritime Museum Archaeologist Dr James Hunter to hear how he is using Virtual Reality to invite the public to explore shipwrecks and discover their mysteries. James is also an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at Flinders University in South Australia. He trained in historical archaeology and holds a PhD in maritime archaeology from Flinders University.
CAN OUR REEFS SAVE THEMSELVES?
Saturday 23 March, 1.15pm to 1.45pm
Hear from leading researchers as they discuss the survival strategies and evolutionary traits that help reefs survive during ongoing climate change and rapid heating events, and conversely, how science and conservation need to intervene to help protect them. The research of Dr Emma Camp focuses on the physiology, ecology and biogeochemistry of coral reefs. She was a co-founder of the Coral Nurture Program, a new approach for caring for the Great Barrier Reef initiated by a partnership between tourism and science. She is now a Team Leader of the Future Reefs Program within the Climate Change Cluster at UTS, Sydney. Dr Elliot Scanes is a marine biologist and ecologist his work is focused on understanding how marine organisms will respond to climate change. He is also a Chancellor’s Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Climate Change Cluster at UTS Sydney.
SAVING OUR GIANTS OF THE SEA
Saturday 23 March, 3.30 to 4pm
So much is impacting our much loved (megafauna) marine creatures – sharks, dolphins and turtles. Come away enlightened by all the positive actions being done to help preserve their environments and numbers. Associate Professor Rachael Gray from the University of Sydney’s Veterinary School specialises in health and disease investigations of seals and sea lions. Laura Simmons has worked in aquariums in the US and Australia since receiving her degree in Zoology from the University of Florida. She has been a curator for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and is now regional curator for Australia/New Zealand for the SEA LIFE chain of aquariums. Hannah Tait is CEO at Action for Dolphins, a working to change laws, educate the public, and promote institutional changes that lead to safer, healthier lives for dolphins.
SHARK NETS: WHAT’S NEXT?
Sunday 24 March, 11am to 12pm
Hosted by ABC’s Natasha Mitchell, a panel of experts, campaigners and innovators will unravel the highly contested debate on shark nets, false assumptions, impacts and what are the alternatives available now. Discussion will include science, policy, alternatives and eco barriers plus some campaigner perspectives. Dr Chris Neff is a senior lecturer in Public Policy at the University of Sydney. They are interested in the human dimensions of wildlife and the politics and policy response to shark attacks. Lawrence Chelbeck is a marine ecologist specialising in conservation, research and outreach, and is now at the Humane Society International, currently focused on shark welfare and protection. Steven Pearce is CEO at Surf Life Saving Australia. Hannah Tait is CEO at Action for Dolphins.
ALGAE GOLD
Sunday 24 March, 12.15pm to 12.45 pm
Is algae the new gold? ABC’s Natasha Mitchell talks to researchers and innovators to find out what makes algae so valuable. Heralded as a key ingredient for a sustainable planet, it’s being used for everything from animal feed to reduce methane, beer manufacturing to reduce CO2, bio-fuel, clothing and plastic substitutes to food and supplements. Marine ecologist Dr Alex Thompson’s PhD focused on research was on vegetated coastal habitats – or Blue Carbon systems, encompassing seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangrove environments, and she specialises in algae-based biotechnology innovation in Australia at UTS, Sydney. Dr Pia Winberg completed a PhD in marine ecology, and has continued research into marine food production systems and seaweed cultivation. She has set up two companies, Venus Shell Systems Pty. Ltd, growing seaweed in a circular economy, and PhycoHealth Pty Ltd delivering seaweed in products for consumers including food, health and skincare products. Dr Michael Askew has PhD in environmental studies and is the founder of numerous startups, including Algae Co. cultivating microalgae for its bio-remediation capabilities
FISH PODS AND MORE – THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE A NEW HOME
Sunday 24 March, 12.45 to 1.15pm
Join Professor David Booth to discover how artificial fish pods and new coral habitats can boost fish biodiversity in Sydney. David is a Professor of Marine Ecology in the School of Life Sciences at UTS, Sydney and the Team Leader at the UTS Fish Ecology Lab.
HIGH SEAS, DEEP SEAS
Sunday 24 March, 1pm to 1.30pm
Are the high seas the Wild West? ABC’s Natasha Mitchell joins our panel of experts to discuss who owns the seas, who can exploit them, and how they are governed as the world sits at a crossroads of exploitation and preservation for future generations. Peter Hammarstedt is the Director of Campaigns for Sea Shepherd and is Chairman of Sea Shepherd Australia. Matthieu Rytzis a Canadian filmmaker. His recent films include Deep Rising on the impact of deep sea mining, and Anote’s Ark, on theeffects that climate change will have on the people of Kiribati, a low-lying atoll in the Pacific. Associate Professor Aline Jaeckel trained in international law and is based at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong. She works in the fields of ocean governance, international (environmental) law, and law of the sea.
ANCIENT WISDOM, MODERN SCIENCE
Sunday 24 March, 2.45pm to 3.15pm
Hear about traditional and contemporary Indigenous ocean governance working with modern science to benefit the health of our ocean. Dr Mitch Gibbs is a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney. With a PhD degree in marine biology/biochemistry, he has interests in Indigenous practices around shellfish and coastal management and in Indigenous knowledge held with culture. Kataya Cross trained in marine science and ecology at Macquarie University and is now the Saltwater and Planning Project office at Country Needs People, enhancing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in marine and coastal management. Sarah Gorst is co-founder of South Coast Seaweed an indigenous aquaculture initiative.
WHAT ARE WHALES TELLING US?
Sunday 24 March, 3.15pm to 3.45 pm
Are whales in trouble? What are these majestic creatures telling us and how can we help them? This panel will share how researchers are deciphering whales bodies and their biology and share what this tells us about their health and wellbeing. Dr Vanessa Pirotta holds a PhD in Marine Science from Macquarie University, leads citizen science projects on Australian humpback whale migration, and on fur seal and dolphin movements in Sydney Harbour, and is a leading science communicators, frequently appearing in media interview on marine wildlife topics. Dr Olaf Menecke is currently managing and advancing the Whales and Climate Program, an international research initiative on the impacts of climate change on whales CEO, and is the Founder of Humpbacks and High-rises, an NGO running a marine mammal monitoring program dedicated to the protection and research of marine mammals.
All sessions include the opportunity to ask questions of the experts. The program is free and open to all, with registration recommended to secure a seat.
View the complete Ocean Lovers Talks program here.
Feature Image, Algae Gold. Credit: Tony Haggerty @tony-haggerty-2080836/
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