The Ocean Symposium 2024
Sarah Ward
Marine Conservation Officer
Saturday 16th November saw the 6th annual Ocean Symposium, hosted by the United Nations Association (UNA). Sussex Wildlife Trust has collaborated with the UNA to organise this grass-roots conference on marine conservation since it’s inception, and this year we were pleased to invite our own Chris Corrigan, CEO, to deliver opening words alongside colleagues from the Environment Agency and Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority.
The day was filled with interesting presentations on all manner of marine conservation efforts, from innovative research to understanding the importance of blue spaces for our health and mental well-being – and of course some beautiful films were weaved through the schedule.
In the breaks there was time to peruse the stalls of the various organisations in attendance as well as network with other attendees. A lovely addition to this year’s event was the art on display; Laura Callaghan’s installation ‘The Three Graces’ gave a backdrop to the speakers and panellists and her series of ‘Sh*t Happens Seas’ contextualised the issue of sewage pollution in our local waters.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this event what it was – the organisers, speakers, stall-holders and of course all the attendees!