8^th Celebrate the Sea Festival - Forum

 

Global Ocean Change:

13 June 11.00

More and more regular bleaching events on coral reefs worldwide are thought to be a result of global warming. Coral Reefs are under threat from climate change and the only possible chance for them to survive is a global reversal in current CO2 emissions. This session will also examine the practical challenges of relaying complex environmental information to the ocean in a coherent and interesting way without dumping down and looking at the difficulties faced by the industry and average folk.  How can divers and dive operators reduce their carbon footprints; in times of global warming, can divers set an exemplary lead for other industries to follow? If so how? Is there anything that can be done on a local scale to help the situation? Many developments and activities on ‘land’ have an effect on our ‘oceans’ and vice-versa. The subject of climate change cannot be effectively addressed parochially as a land or sea issue anymore. There is an urgent need for a ‘global’ perspective of the issue. The forum must not only discuss and address but commit to a worthy plan of action however humble that step may be.

 

Aquariums and Oceanariums are Contentious;

13 June 12:00

Should these facilities exist? Do these facilities offer true benefits and education? Can they play definitive roles towards the conservation effort?  Such establishments are also known to create a market for ‘hunters’ to fill them. Where competition is imperative and the vast oceans unguarded; the means to run these organizations however beneficial it may be educationally, justify the end? How many must die, so that some may view and learn and still do very little about them? Are there better options where the means will not be destructive?

Should we put a whale shark, dolphins, or Great White sharks in oceanariums? Should Resort World in Singapore put whale sharks in their oceanarium?

 

Marine tourism – Boon or Bane, advantage OR nuisance?

13 June 14:00

Marine tourism features more and more on the travel pages and in travel programmes and it can bring much-needed money into impoverished areas. It can also help people both understand and appreciate the importance of marine biodiversity. It is a key development target for many emerging countries around the world. However, marine tourism can also increase disturbance in sensitive areas and create caricatures. How much actually benefits the local stake holders?  Does marine tourism play a positive role in conservation? How can this role be enhanced? Gainful employment is often cited as a primary factor to transform hunters into protectors. Though that in principle is noble, such activities without limits driven by unbridled profit motivation will open pathways for competitive destruction. What are the control features that can help prevent such a catastrophe?

 

Changing the Face of Terror – projecting a better image for sharks 

14 June 12:00

The conservationists’ battle to save sharks; but sharks has an inherent bad and ferocious reputation which is unfairly cast upon them by the main stream media, movies, professional film makers and photographers? Do images showing sharks with jaws agape revealing teeth and bloody mouth promote conservation of the species?  How can the conservationists, diving industry and media help to change the reputation for sharks? How can we create a friendlier image for sharks?