Oceanology International, London

Overview

During the 12th - 14th March, The International SeaKeepers Society attended the Oceanology International in London. This leading forum connects the world’s marine science and ocean technology communities and provides a platform to learn from ocean leaders from around the world and to experience technical and blue economy developments. It was a great opportunity for Gill Rodrigues, Director International Relations, and Vicky Neild, UK Program Assistant, to spend time with leaders in innovation and marine research and conservation.

This was the first public exhibition for DEEP who showcased their mission to “Make Humans Aquatic” . They are developing the first permanent subsea habitation. Sentinel will be the world's first classification-society approved subsea habitat. The vision for DEEP Campus is to be a Scientific Research and Product Development facility, featuring an 80m deep body of clear and controlled water-space. We look forward to seeing it come online this Spring.

It was excellent to spend time with REV Ocean whose mission is to ensure to ensure ‘One Healthy Ocean’. Speaking with Science Director Eva Ramirez-Llodra we discussed their science strategy for plastic pollution, climate change, ocean acidification and the environmental impact of overfishing. SeaKeepers looks forward to working more closely with REV Ocean to support ocean research and conservation.

It was good to meet with the Seabed 2030 team who hosted a powerful panel about the progress of the programme and how marine autonomous systems are transforming our ability to conduct rapid surveys of the ocean to help complete the global ocean map.

One of the highlights of the three days was attending the Catch the Next Wave Conference. Professor Sir David King, Founder Centre for Climate Repair, University of Cambridge/Chair, Climate Crisis Advisory Group, ,announced to the delegates ‘We can’t sit by and just watch these things happen.’

It was fascinating to listen to some of the world’s leading experts sharing the future of renewable energy sources, innovative ecosystem restoration strategies, and sustainable future-building initiatives. Key themes discussed included The Energy Transition, Climate Repair, Beyond Net Zero & the Role of the Ocean. Protecting & Restoring the Earth's Living Systems. The Future of Key Enabling Technologies from Sensors & Robotics to AI and Innovating the Ocean Economy of the Future. It was once again a great pleasure to spend time with Dr Jyotika Virmani Executive Director, Schmidt Ocean Institute who presented on the likely future for sensor technology and how it can contribute to understanding, protecting and utilising the ocean.

Outing Goal

The International SeaKeepers Society attended the Oceanology International to promote oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community in Europe. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the future wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.