Ocean Talks

Wednesday 12 June 2019R OYA L G E O G R A P H I C A L S O C I E T Y

L o n d o n

13:00 ARRIVAL A ND REGISTR ATION

14:00 WELCOME Introduction from Sacha Bonsor, Editorial Director, BOAT International

THE STATE OF THE OCEA N TODAYWhat are the real threats facing the ocean today? How does the plastic problem stack up against acidification and over fishing? Where is there scope for hope and what can the yacht industry do to help? Dr Mark Spalding, Senior Marine Scientist from The Nature Conservancy outlines the race against time and the urgent need for more scientists to access the ocean.

KEY NOTE - U N VEILING ALUCIA2Half again as large as the ship she will replace, Alucia² extends ocean film making and discovery capabilities far beyond what was possible before. Conceived for an ambitious mission of global exploration and science, Alucia²’s advanced technology and design will allow her to explore, map and sample a realm that is mostly unknown, even today. Project Director Alexander Flemming and the boat’s designer Steve Gresham will give us an exclusive and up-to-the minute preview, ahead of the ship’s launch later this year.

THE PLIGHT OF KIRIBATIWhat if your country was swallowed by the sea? The award-winning documentary, Anote’s Ark, tells the story of the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati (population: 110,000) - one of the most remote places on the planet. It is also one of the first countries that must confront the main existential dilemma of our time: imminent annihilation from rising sea-levels. Visual Storyteller Matthieu Rytz talks about the making of the film, and the incredible task ahead of Kiribati’s President Anote Tong, who is racing to find a way to protect his people, while many are already seeking protection overseas.

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YACHTS FOR SCIENCE One of the greatest challenges for marine scientists is gaining access to the sea. The deep ocean (below 200m) is our largest and most vital ecosystem and yet we don’t fully understand how it functions or how healthy it is. Which is why BOAT International, the Ocean Family Foundation and NEKTON have taken on the task of helping scientists find out. We want to connect superyachts with marine scientists who need access to the ocean to conduct research. And we need your help.

Opening and closing statements from Oliver Steeds, Mission Director and Chief Executive, NEKTON.

Journalist Richard Madden interviews scientists seeking yachts

Dr Dominic Andradi-Brown, Marine Scientist, World Wildlife FundRebecca Atkins, Director of Operations, Manta TrustProfessor Andrew Brierly, Professor of Marine Biology, University of St AndrewsErika Gress, Marine Ecologist Dr Rob Hall, Senior Lecturer in Physical Oceanography, University of East Anglia

AF TER NOON COFFEE BREAK

CITIZEN SCIENCE: WHAT YOU CA N DO TODAY Historically, science onboard tourism vessels consisted of scientists being given berth space to conduct research, or data collection being managed by an expedition team with little to no involvement from guests. The Polar Citizen Science Collective, launched by expedition guides in the polar tourism industry, believes that everyone can get involved. Through its education programmes and the travel experiences it makes possible, they create ambassadors, which are committed, enthusiastic and action-oriented travellers who champion the protection of the polar regions. The Polar Collective trustee and key partner, Brandon Harvey, explains the Collective’s success thus far and his hopes for expansion to other areas of the ocean.

DO WE HAVE TIME TO SAVE OUR CORAL REEFS? What are the biggest threats to coral reefs, what are the solutions, and how can the yacht industry help? From innovative technology

to citizen science and groundbreaking scientific research, the fight to save the world’s reefs is picking up pace – but is it fast enough? Dr Mark Spalding, Senior Marine Scientist from The Nature Conservancy chairs a lively discussion with fellow experts, Richard Vevers, Founder and CEO of The Ocean Agency and star of Netflix’s Chasing Coral and Dr Madhavi Colton, Programme Director at Coral Reef Alliance.

WHEN OW NERS BECOME EXPLORERSJourneying to the deepest points of each of the five oceans is one of the most ambitious marine research missions taking place today; and it is all taking place on a private vessel using private funding. Five Deeps expedition leader Rob McCallum and Chief Scientist Dr Alan Jamieson will be fresh off the plane from the Tongan Trench (10, 950m) and the cutting edge of ocean exploration. Nearing the end of their year-long Five Deeps expedition, they’ll discuss the expedition’s findings so far, as well as offering valuable insight into what it takes for an owner to embark on a project of this scale and significance. They will reinforce how every owner can be a genuine explorer and make valuable contributions to the world’s oceans.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE WAR ON PLASTIC? The anti-plastic movement has had unimagined success in terms of publicity and awareness in the last few years – from beach clean-ups to supermarket bans. But what is the real result of the noise, and are we focussing on the right thing? Frederikke Magnussen, Co-founder of A Plastic Planet and Ocean Family Foundation is joined by fellow expert, world-famous sailor and plastic campaigner Dee Caffari, to discuss what’s next in the battle against plastics.

18:15 COCKTAIL RECEP TION

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