Friends of Ocean Action and the World Economic Forum co-hosted the first ever global online conference for ocean action from June 1-5 2020. The Virtual Ocean Dialogues connected communities across the world who are seeking innovation and taking bold action for a healthy, resilient, thriving ocean.
Over 1,300 participants from more than 90 different countries attended the live streamed sessions. The programme featured 56 sessions: 12 live-streamed high-level dialogues, 39 in-depth sessions curated by partners, 3 networking sessions, and 2 affiliated sessions. There were more than 300 speakers from 54 countries.
The Ocean Acidification “Deep Dive” program occurred on June 4 and was hosted by the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification in collaboration with UN Peace Boat, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and UK Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs.
The “Deep Dive” program included panelists from national and state government; industry and seafood growers; as well as a tribal intergovernmental coordinating commission and focused on innovative and inclusive actions that are helping local communities and regions:
share information and learn about solutions to addressing ocean and coastal acidification
drive private and public collaborations that are helping to identify priorities
better assess social, economic and cultural vulnerabilities
develop predictive forecasting models and local monitoring that can inform adaptation responses
explore shellfish hatchery techniques; buffering and selecting for tolerance that build resilience
deploy nature-based solutions and submerged aquatic vegetation as a mitigation and adaptation tool.
Watch the full “Deep Dive” ocean acidification program below.
Facilitators:
Lisa Suatoni, National Resources Defense Council, USA
Helen Findlay, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UK and Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network, Executive Council
Panelists:
UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Gideon Henderson
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Government of Chile, Minister Couve
Office of Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Senior Ocean Advisor, Jennifer Hennessey, USA Pacific Region
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Habitat Services Director, Fran Wilshusen
Mook Seafood Farms, Director of Research and Development, Dr. Meredith White, USA Atlantic Region