This week the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) hosted a parliamentary reception titled ‘Ocean Challenges, Ocean Solutions’ at the House of Commons, to discuss the ocean research and innovation needed to protect our ocean, planet and people.
The third annual event saw leading experts from NOC come together with ocean stakeholders from across a wide range of industries, government and academia to facilitate vital discussion and collaboration for ocean action.
Across the key topics of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, lively conversation explored the importance of research in informing solutions for our ocean and climate, and the vital collaboration needed across sectors for this research to translate into action.
Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Ocean, Sally-Ann Hart MP delivered opening remarks on the work the APPG has undertaken in the last year. This includes the launch of its second inquiry report on the ‘Future of Ocean Technology’, and the APPG’s recent support of the Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty in parliament, as the UK continues to work towards ratification.
NOC’s newly appointed CEO Dr John Siddorn encouraged guests to join their voices and create innovative partnerships, combining research, industry and policy to embed the ocean in conversations about climate and biodiversity.
Thank you to all the guests who joined us for this special event and shared their thoughts on social media using #OceanAction. We look forward to continuing these conversations with you.
Find out more about NOC’s work and how you can support ocean action or contact holly.evans@noc.ac.uk