Turning the tide on ocean action
A one-day conference, organised by community interest company Climate Action North, is turning the tide on taking ocean action by inspiring people on the extensive work taking place to restore and conserve the seas and oceans.
Held for The United Nations World Oceans Day on 8 June in Sunderland, the Ocean Action Conference saw marine and rewilding experts share stories and highlight best practice on collaborative, meaningful, and impactful ocean action.
In addition to updates from the Marine Conservation Society and Rewilding Britain, the conference showcased high profile seagrass work from Project Seagrass, Wildlife Trust projects Solent Seagrass, and Spurn Point.
Local updates were also given by the Oysters and Estuaries projects from Groundwork NE & Cumbria, the newly formed South Tyneside Council’s Stronger Shores project, and on seagrass restoration projects from Tees Rivers Trust.
The event was hosted by marine conservation and ocean action champion Emily Cunningham who is driving local action through her #Motion4theOcean Declaration for local authorities.
Sharon Lashley, Managing Director of Climate Action North, said: “It was fantastic to see so many interested and engaged people in one room to share ideas and approaches to secure a future for ocean recovery. Our speakers gave inspiring and insightful presentations on how they’re overcoming the challenges in rewilding the seas, and the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly excellent.”
The conference also hosted an #OceanAction marketplace with local charities and small businesses in attendance including artist Louise Hobson with her ocean inspired artwork, Drake The Bookshop, the Wildlife Trusts, North Sea Rejects, and Groundwork NE & Cumbria.
The event was run in partnership with marine safety specialist Swiftwater Solutions and leading coastal project Explore Seascapes.
Climate Action North reinvests all funds raised into climate action projects across the North of England. To find out about sponsorship opportunities get in touch.
The time for talking is over, today we need to act.