There are so many big world, national, state and local ‘DAYS’ these days – not to mention ‘DECADES’, and all are important in their own ways, but few to rival the importance of the United Nations’ WORLD OCEANS DAY and WORLD OCEANS DECADE.
We, in Fremantle, enjoy living close by the Indian Ocean. But there’s always a risk we may take it for granted.
The United Nations wants to highlight for us all the importance of the world’s oceans right now, as well as into the future as we grapple with global climate change.
This coming Tuesday 13 June 2023, at a United Nations badged forum at The Old Courthouse, Henderson Street, Fremantle, to mark World Oceans Day, leading WA marine scientists will address the state of our oceans.
In a media statement ahead of the forum, Dr Luke Twomey, chief executive officer of WAMSI – the Western Australian Marine Science Institution – emphasised that the ocean is responsible for important processes such the weather, carbon sequestration, and oxygen production.
He said: “It is essential habitat for an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and is responsible for the dynamics and stability of our coastlines. When we damage it, we are dismantling our life support system.”
Luke will be joined on the forum panel by Professor Jennifer Verduin, Pro-Vice Chancellor, College of Environmental and Life Sciences and Professor of Oceanography at Murdoch University, Dr Rebecca Wellard, Program Manager Ocean Conservation at Minderoo Foundation and Dr Oliver Jewell, Marine Scientist and Postdoctoral Research Associate at The University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute.
Professor Verduin highlighted how panels like that assembled for the forum “serve a crucial purpose in addressing the importance of the ocean within the global climate system”.
Dr Wellard said Western Australia was fortunate to have the longest coastline in the country, but the privilege came with great responsibility, and added:
“This event is an opportunity to bring together scientists, ocean conservationists, and ocean champions to discuss what we can do to support a resilient and sustainable ocean.
“There has never been a more important time for us to support the United Nations’ Ocean Decade. World Oceans Day and the events around it offers a platform to talk about the science we need to keep our oceans healthy for future generations.”
The director of the UWA Oceans Institute, Dr Christophe Gaudin, added that ocean health is a critical issue for everyone: “Ocean health must be addressed by our communities at large to safeguard the well-being of future generations.”
The forum has been organised by the United Nations Association of Australia WA Division and is sponsored by the UWA Oceans Institute, the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University and WAMSI.
The forum is open to the public. Tickets are available here at Eventbrite.
Come along: it will be most informative, especially so soon after the recent launch of Tim Winton’s Ningaloo/Nyinggulu ABC iView documentary.
Dr Luke Twomey
To give you a feel for some of the World Oceans Day issues, Dr Luke Twomey kindly agreed to sit down with our editor, Michael Barker, to make a podcast about why oceans are so important and the range of issues we can expect the panel to address at the forum next Tuesday at The Old Courthouse.
* By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News
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Here’s the PODCAST.
